Blanding’s Turtles are found in only a few small concentrations in southwest Nova Scotia, limited to a very small and dwindling range of potential habitat. Every protected acre of land where they can safely find the variety of terrains that they require is a victory for these beloved reptiles – and we’re proud to announce another 111 acres of victory!

Blanding’s Turtle on log (photo credit: Jeffie McNeil)

This newly protected property sits within the Nature Trust’s Pu’tlaqne’katik focus area, where a growing assemblage of connected lands is building a strong future for Blanding’s Turtles. The property extends along Pleasant River and Shinglemill Brook, near to several other Nature Trust conservation lands and portions of the Pu’tlaqne’katik Wilderness Area. Blanding’s Turtles can (slowly) travel up to six kilometers to access the different habitat requirements they need for feeding, basking, nesting and overwintering, so creating corridors of connected protected land makes a big difference to their survival.

The habitats that benefit Blanding’s Turtles shelter other at-risk species, including Eastern Ribbonsnake and rare lichens. Based on incidental observations during the Nature Trust’s site visits, the property may also offer suitable breeding habitat for multiple at-risk bird species that are identified as priorities within the Bird Conservation Strategy for Nova Scotia, including American Bittern, American Woodcock, Belted Kingfisher, Blue-headed Vireo, Canada Warbler, and Olive-sided Flycatcher.

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. 

Learn more about our work to protect endangered species, like the Blanding’s Turtle.