Shelburne, NS (October 25, 2024) – An expanse of old forest, riverfront shoreline and freshwater wetlands has been purchased by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) in southwestern Nova Scotia. The new nature reserve is comprised of two properties totalling over 578 hectares of ecologically diverse habitat where a large assortment of at-risk species thrives. 

Located approximately 20 kilometres north of Shelburne, NCC’s Clyde River Nature Reserve is situated near two provincially protected areas: the Roseway River Wilderness Area and the Harpers Lake Nature Reserve. The proximity of these conservation lands increases the area of protection where plants can flourish and wildlife can continue to roam undisturbed.  

This important land purchase was made possible thanks to the generosity of individuals, private donors and funding from Nova Scotia Crown Share Land Legacy Trust and the Government of Canada, through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, part of Canada’s Nature Fund. 

Nearly 82 per cent of the nature reserve is composed of Wabanaki (Acadian) forest, including red maple, black spruce, white pine, balsam fir, hemlock and red oak. The mixed forest provides ideal breeding habitat for birds listed under Canada’s Species at Risk Act, such as Canada warbler (special concern), common nighthawk (special concern) and olive-sided flycatcher (special concern). Wildlife dependent on the area include bear, beavers, foxes and white-tailed deer. Nova Scotia’s provincial flower, mayflower, is also found throughout the forest, along with several types of rare lichens: black foam lichen (threatened), powdered moon lichen (endangered) and vols ears lichen (endangered). 

The wetlands include 42 hectares of treed and open bog, marsh and swamp, and an active beaver habitat. In addition to wildlife, the wetlands provide ideal conditions for rare plants, like hairy swamp loosestrife, Virginia meadow beauty and long-leaved panic grass. Over four kilometres of the Clyde River runs adjacent to the eastern side of the two properties. A section of Harper Creek weaves through the southern property before joining the Clyde River, which flows out to the Atlantic Ocean. 

This project showcases how NCC is accelerating the pace of conservation in Canada. Over the next few years, the organization will double its impact by mobilizing Canadians and delivering permanent, large-scale conservation. 

In the face of rapid biodiversity loss and climate change, nature is our ally. There is no solution to either without nature conservation. When nature thrives, we all thrive. 

Quotes 

“Through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, the Government of Canada is making progress toward its goal of conserving 30 per cent of lands and waters in Canada by 2030. By working with partners such as the Nature Conservancy of Canada, we are helping to protect the natural environment in Nova Scotia and across the country. Protecting this area not only preserves wetlands and Wabanaki (Acadian) Forest, but also helps species at risk like the common nighthawk and black foam lichen. Only by engaging in a whole-of-society approach can we meet our conservation goals.” – The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change   

“Our ongoing work in Kespukwitk (Southwest Nova Scotia)—one of eastern Canada’s most biologically diverse regions—remains a top priority for NCC. The establishment of the Clyde River Nature Reserve is a natural extension for this protected and interconnected landscape for at-risk species. NCC is deeply grateful for the collaborative efforts of the Kespukwitk Conservation Collaborative, as well as the generous support from private donors and government partners.” – Dave Ireland, NCC program director in Nova Scotia 

Learn more 

Visit: natureconservancy.ca 
Twitter: @NCC_CNC 
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