A newly protected property strategically connects important habitat for rare species in the Tusket River Watershed. This watershed is located in Kespukwitk, one of the seven traditional districts of Mi’kma’ki, and is a major focus area for Nature Trust conservation efforts because of its high density of rare and at-risk plants.

The 98-acre property expands the existing protection of the 182 acres Lac de l’Ecole Conservation lands, protecting both banks of the Tusket River for 250 meters. This new property is partially bordered by the Tusket River and links Lac de l’Ecole with Gillfillan Lake. The riverbanks and lake shores provide documented observations and critical habitat for endangered Atlantic Coastal Plain Flora; swamps and marshes elsewhere on the property support additional rare species, including Eastern Skunk Cabbage.

Despite a history of human use, the property exhibits a dynamic mosaic of habitats that are steadily improving. The landscape includes open wetlands and forested Black Spruce bogs, upland hardwood drumlins, lowland wetter stands, and upland coniferous forests. It also contains a large bog, an undeveloped lake, extensive treed wetlands, and a significant stretch of undisturbed river frontage, all of which create favorable conditions for a wide range of flora and fauna.

While our field assessment took place in winter when many species are dormant or harder to find, the property is also anticipated to have a high likelihood of hosting at-risk bird species including the Olive-sided Flycatcher and Eastern Wood-Pewee. Common Snapping Turtles and Eastern Painted Turtles are also likely to be present.

This project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the federal Department of Environment and Climate Change’s Priority Places for Species at Risk Program.

Our thanks as well for generous support from the Nova Scotia Crown Share Land Legacy Trust, a critical source of land securement funding for Nova Scotia’s land trusts.

This project was also made possible by the Waltons Trust.

Finally, our deepest thanks to the generous support of all of our Nature Trust donors, without whom this work would not be possible. You can join these Nature Trust supporters in helping with the protection and stewardship of this new Conservation Land with a gift today – thank you for keeping Lac de l’Ecole forever wild.