On a picture-perfect weekend in Baddeck in early August, the Nature Trust hosted a series of events to celebrate and thank all who have helped to protect, forever, an expanding network of incredible natural places on Cape Breton Island. This celebration has been a long time coming, and it was the first opportunity in several years to share all of the outstanding conservation successes that continue to evolve in this special part of Nova Scotia.

The weekend began with a welcome reception at the Inverary Resort on the shores of the Bras D’Or, where more than 100 guests joined together to celebrate the conservation successes here so far and envision what can be possible in the future with the support of this dedicated community. With a backdrop of magical Celtic harp music provided by duo Harpe Diem (which includes one of our own Property Guardians), this beautiful evening was an opportunity to learn more about the important stewardship work, partnerships and vital community connections that are foundational to advancing conservation, and our commitment to protect nature in perpetuity.

The following day, we hosted two guided boat tours that brought guests out to see the spectacular Plaister Cliffs from a unique water view. With informative commentary about the important ecology and the Nature Trust’s work in the broader area, as well as entertaining local stories provided by the expert team at Amoeba Tours, this was a way for supporters, volunteers and friends to actually experience the impact of conservation in action.

The weekend also included guided hikes on our nearby Plaister Cliffs (Big Harbour) land to reach the beach at Bevis Point, where our partners and other guests could learn and share more knowledge about the unique ecology of this area from “above” the cliffs. We are so grateful to many friends and local landowners for their support, which allowed us to bring a group of hot, enthusiastic hikers across their private lands to reach this wonderful landscape.

The entire weekend of events was an inspiring example of the power of a nature-loving community. Thank you to all who have supported conservation in Cape Breton over the past thirty years: land owners, financial supporters, volunteers, partners, neighbours and friends, a community that shares a passion for protecting nature and the remarkable wild places that are such a vital part of this special place.

We are proud to continue to work in this region and look forward to hosting more events here in the future! Keep an eye on our Upcoming Events page – we hope to celebrate with you somewhere soon!