A big win for the Nova Scotia Nature Trust.
Three more areas in our province will be protected after a successful fundraising campaign.
Executive Director, Bonnie Sutherland, says they were overwhelmed by support after a public call for donations to purchase the land in September.
“It’s really exciting and just so inspiring that Nova Scotians have stepped up at a really difficult time with the pandemic and so many things going on to help protect wild places in Nova Scotia.”
Among the areas protected are Sand Beach, just South of Liverpool and Middle Island just off Cherry Hill Beach near Port Medway
The third protected area is Lowlands Cove on the Western side of Cape Breton Island.
The protected areas are a hot spot for birds to feed and recharge as they migrate between seasonal habitats, Sutherland says.
“These three coastal pieces are all really important for birds,” Sutherland says. “People are horrified to hear how rapidly bird populations are declining and how important these migratory stopping points and nesting areas are.”
Funding to purchase the properties came from a mix of fundraising efforts, matching supports from provincial and federal governments and other partners.
In total, the cost to purchase was $1 million, $200,000 of which was donated by the public with just weeks to spare.
Sutherland says, they were pleased to to receive donations from over 200 individuals.
“It’s been really exciting to see lots of people who’ve never donated before saying that they’re just feeling inspired by nature… and recognizing how important it is that we protect it.”
Sand Beach, near Liverpool, NS. Video credit: A for Adventure