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Ecology
Pugwash River Estuary
For those not familiar with an estuary, it is a semi-enclosed
body of water, formed when freshwater from rivers and coastal
streams flow into and mix with the ocean’s salt water. They are
fascinating and beautiful ecosystems, distinct from all other
places on earth. Although influenced by tides, estuaries are
protected from the full force of ocean waves, winds and storms.
Their sheltered waters support unique communities of plants and
animals. They are among the most productive places on earth.
A dedicated group of volunteers formed a conservancy, Friends of
the Pugwash Estuary, to protect and enhance the Pugwash River
environment. To date the conservancy has ownership of 267 acres,
as well as easement agreements for Victoria Island the Seagull
Foundation property. Land designated as a conservation area is
protected from any development: building, mining, cutting or
otherwise changing the water or landscape. The Friends, along
with the Department of Fisheries, maintain an accurate overview
of the health of the river and estuary.The Friends of the Pugwash Estuary discover the past, protect
the present, enrich the future and educate on the importance of
estuaries.
For more information and how you can help, please contact Alice
Power, m.apower@ns.sympatico.ca or phone 902-243-3580
Wallace Bay Wildlife Area
The Wallace Bay Wildlife Area, locally know as the “ bite-o” is a
project of the Canadian Wildlife Service (Environment Canada),
Ducks Unlimited and the Wallace and Area Development Association
(WADA). It opened in 1980. The Wildlife Area sits on 585
hectares of land. In the early 1700s French settlers built aboiteaux
(dykes) to collect fresh water and keep it
separate from the salt water. By separating the salt and fresh
water the
aboiteau created boundaries between many ecosystems.
An easy six kilometre trail winds along the aboiteau, across salt
marsh, tidal flats and mudflats. It continues through Ducks
Unlimited duck impoundment in fresh water marsh, swamp and
mudflats. The trail passes through hard and softwood, cleared
land, neglected farms, scrub, streams and bogs.
From rest stops and watch houses one can see hawks, osprey,
eagles, herons, the occasional bittern, kingfishers, woodpeckers
or some other of the area’s 168 bird species. Stand quietly;
gently tap two stones together and a rail may come to you. One
can also see 21 species of fish, amphibians and reptiles. The
Wildlife Area is the habitat of 26 species of mammals, including
muskrats and beavers.
The parking lot has a canoe and kayak ramp into fresh or salt
water. The only facilities are picnic tables.
Directions: East of Pugwash on the Sunrise Trail, ten kilometres.
Turn left onto the Aboiteau Road. It is approximately three
kilometres to the Wallace Bay Wildlife Area.
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