The Margaree River is one of the most stunning examples of Nova Scotia’s freshwater legacy. A Canadian Heritage River since 1998, it is by far one of the province’s most scenic and spectacular rivers.

Now the Nature Trust has a time-limited opportunity to save 613 acres of the forested slopes that line its North East branch, safeguarding rare old growth and floodplain forests that keep the river and its watershed safe for some of our province’s most iconic and most threatened species. If we can raise $100,000 by the end of April, these critical lands will remain intact and keep the headwaters of the Margaree healthy. Your gift today makes all the difference.

Healthy headwaters are critical for a healthy river. The North East Margaree has traditionally been considered a source of cold, clear water throughout the summer months, thanks to the expanses of old growth hardwood forest lining its slopes. While the surrounding areas have been heavily impacted by forestry, the private lands along this section of the river and stretching up to the protected plateau represent a significant portion of the remaining intact forested hardwood slopes of this region, as well as the extremely rare Maple floodplain forest that lines the river floor.

These rare forests keep the temperature of the river and its tributaries cool, a necessary condition for a healthy population of Atlantic Salmon, Brook Trout, Gaspereau, and other river inhabitants.

They are also essential habitat for at-risk terrestrial species, including mammals like Canada Lynx and American Marten, and birds like Bicknell’s Thrush and Rusty Blackbird. Even the elusive moose depend on the hardwood slopes for forage habitat. All of these species need large intact natural areas; protecting these privately owned lands creates important connections between protected spaces and reduces threats to these species.

We have the opportunity to save three properties before April 30. All three lie along the North East Margaree, above land already protected by the Nature Trust. Together they encompass a total of 613 acres (248 hectares), including 1,568 meters of actual river frontage along the River Sanctuary designated to protect salmon spawning grounds, and more than 300 acres of potential old growth forest. 

With your support, the Nature Trust can save our most ecologically significant, rare, and at-risk natural areas, those with exceptional significance for nature and for all Nova Scotians. Your gift today will help our province’s most precious wild places, including these three critical properties along the North East Margaree River, In Our Nature forever.