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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 “bito,” 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 or bitos) to collect fresh water and keep it separate from the salt water. By separating the salt and fresh water the bito created boundaries between many ecosystems.

An easy six kilometre trail winds along the bito, 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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