In July 2006, the Nature Trust celebrated the first major success of the St. Mary’s River Conservation Legacy Campaign: the protection of 90 acres of exceptional land, including some of the province’s last remaining Acadian floodplain forest and old growth hemlock forest. One property is on the main branch of the St. Mary’s River (near Glenelg, and other Nature Trust Conservation Lands), and the more southerly property is further downriver. Thanks to the foresight and generosity of the late Alex (Sandy) Cameron, his wife Shirley, and their family, the A.M. “Sandy” Cameron Conservation Lands have been donated to the Nature Trust for permanent protection, and on-going care.

The properties contain important riparian and forest habitat for the nationally threatened Wood Turtle, a species that has suffered population declines due to habitat loss. On these protected lands, Wood Turtles can find the elements they need to survive, and the threats of habitat destruction, and mortality from cars or farm equipment, are removed. The forests here are also the perfect place for birds, mammals, amphibians, and insects that need mature forests to thrive. Keeping these old forests wild, next to the river, helps to provide suitable habitat for Atlantic Salmon too.