Nature Conservancy Expands Pugwash Reserve
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has purchased 65 hectares (162 acres) on the southeastern shore of the Pugwash Estuary, expanding NCC’s nature reserve to 570 hectares (1,408 acres).
The new addition is mainly forested and creates a continuous corridor of protected coastline. The location is along one of North America’s major migration routes for birds.
More than two dozen species of shorebird, such as greater yellowlegs, spotted sandpiper and willet, rely on the Pugwash Estuary during their fall migration.
The estuary’s extensive salt marshes, beaches, eel grass beds and mudflats provide habitat for American black duck, Canada goose, common goldeneye and great blue heron.
Conserving the forest around the estuary protects the overall health of it while also conserving key habitat for migratory birds, many of which are facing serious population declines.
The Nova Scotia Stewardship Coordinator of the Nature Conservancy says, “NCC is working to conserve intact forest around the Pugwash Estuary both for wildlife habitat and to help keep clean the water that flows into it.” Doug van Hemessen added, “The Maritimes’ Acadian forest is one of the most diverse forests in Canada, with more than 40 species of trees and thousands of plants.”
This land conservation project was made possible by the generosity of private donors and funding from the Government of Canada’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program, part of Canada’s Nature Fund. It was also supported by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, and the Nova Scotia Crown Share Land Legacy Trust, American Friends of Canadian Nature Inc., the Estate of William Roff, John Caraberis and Bonnie Bond, and Basic Spirit.
The Nature Conservancy of Canada has been working in the Pugwash Estuary since 1993 and has completed 15 conservation projects in the community.
It is a popular site for birding and outdoor enthusiasts and is one of NCC’s Nature Destinations.
NCC maintains a 3.5-kilometre trail in cooperation with Friends of the Pugwash Estuary.
More information can be found at http://naturedestinations.ca/destinations/pugwash-estuary.
Doug van Hemessen will be our guest on Morning Talk this morning at 8:05.
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