Nova Scotia is adding a new nature reserve and expanding several existing protected areas across the province as part of its ongoing environmental conservation efforts.
The province announced this week that it’s officially creating the new Toy Makers Marsh Nature Reserve in Digby County. A 24-hectare protected area considered especially important for migratory birds.
According to the Department of Environment and Climate Change, marsh areas in southwest Nova Scotia serve as critical stopping points for songbirds preparing for long migrations south over open water in late summer and early autumn.
Along with the new reserve, Nova Scotia is also expanding two existing nature reserves:
- Diligent River Nature Reserve
- Quinns Meadow Nature Reserve
Seven wilderness areas across the province are also being expanded, including sites in Guysborough County, Antigonish County, Halifax Regional Municipality, Richmond County, Cape Breton County, and Shelburne County.
Combined, the new reserve and expansions will protect about 836 hectares of land and water along with more than five kilometres of coastline.
The province also announced public consultations on 13 additional proposed new or expanded wilderness areas and nature reserves, including potential projects in HRM, Cape Breton, Lunenburg County, Kings County, Annapolis County, Yarmouth County, Shelburne County, and Inverness County.
Some of the largest proposed additions include:
- Herring Cove Backlands Wilderness Area
- Sandy Point Wilderness Area
Residents can provide feedback on the proposed sites until July 28th.
Environmental groups say the announcement is a positive step, but some believe the province still needs to move much faster if Nova Scotia hopes to meet its target of protecting 20 percent of lands and waters by 2030.
Still, for nature lovers, hikers, birdwatchers, and outdoor enthusiasts around the province, it’s another sign that protecting Nova Scotia’s natural spaces is becoming a bigger priority moving forward.
