Nova Scotia is home to spectacular rivers, lakes and wetlands, upon which all Nova Scotians depend.

These beautiful and wild landscapes provide refuge to some of Canada’s most unique and endangered species, and support a diversity of critical ecological services from drinking water supply to flood prevention.

Yet these freshwater landscapes face unprecedented impacts. The resultant habitat loss is one of the greatest threats to biodiversity. There is an urgent need to permanently protect important freshwater habitats before it’s too late. We are working to preserve freshwater habitats, by protecting the land through which freshwater flows.

Aerial view of the broad St. Mary's River winding through lush green forested hills.

St. Mary's River. Photo: Scott Leslie.

River rushes down over a rocky bed, with a dramatic cloudy sky above

Pennant River. Photo: Jenn Currie.

Still lake perfectly reflects the sky and forest

Pennant River. Photo: Corey Isenor.

Calm river flowing beneath a green forest with tall trees overhanging

Acadian floodplain forest on the St. Mary's River. This is a rare forest type, critical for ecosystem health.

Calm river flowing with green banks on both sides

St. Mary's River. Photo: Scott Leslie.

Rushing river with whitecaps over a rocky bed, with forest on both sides in dark autumn colours

Pennant River Conservation Lands. Photo: Corey Isenor

River rushes around a rocky bend, with low green forest on shore

Large trees rise from the banks of a wide river

HOW YOU CAN HELP

To help protect Nova Scotia’s freshwater legacy, you can make a donation or volunteer with us, and sign up for our monthly newsletter to stay connected with Nature Trust news.

Learn more about how we protect and care for land.

Learn about our other Conservation Priorities.