The spectacular Mabou Highlands upholds the passion and determination of so many champions for conservation. Thanks in part to the generosity of a family that has already been a key part of building this beloved assemblage, this protected area has just grown by an additional 75 acres (30 hectares).

At nearly 3,500 acres in total, the Mabou Highlands is one of the Nature Trust’s largest assemblages of conservation land. Together with lands protected by the Province and the Nature Conservancy of Canada, the protected area spans an impressive 5,500 acres.

The newly protected lands are adjacent to already-protected Nature Trust conservation lands as well as to Cape Mabou Wilderness Area. They are entirely forested, undisturbed and characterized by mature hardwoods throughout. Two Olive-sided Flycatchers and one Eastern Wood-Pewee were documented during a recent visit, both species of conservation concern.

Lee Ann and Bob Kinzer found the Mabou Highlands ”by happy accident” in the 1970s and have been strong advocates for conservation of the region for decades. Since the late 1990s, they have contributed land four separate times already, adding 598 acres (242 hectares) to the Nature Trust’s Mabou Highlands project. They have long wished to protect this remaining land.

Sadly, Bob passed away this past August; you can read more about his remarkable life here. Lee Ann was committed to honouring his conservation wishes, and we are grateful that this gift can continue the Kinzers’ outstanding legacy in the Mabou Highlands.

This project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada and the Government of Nova Scotia through the Canada-Nova Scotia Nature Agreement.

The Canada-Nova Scotia Nature Agreement is a project of the Province of Nova Scotia. Working with conservation partners, the goal is to increase the amount of protected and conserved areas and advance an integrated approach to the protection, conservation and recovery of biodiversity, including habitat, species at risk and migratory birds, in the Province. The Canada-Nova Scotia Nature Agreement is funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada, through the Canada Nature Fund.

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.