Nova Scotia nature reserve gets bigger thanks to new partnership with climbing group

The Musquodoboit River Valley Nature Reserve recently expanded. (Source: Mike Dembeck)

There aren’t many outdoor climbing sites in Nova Scotia, so when a group of dedicated climbers found one in Musquodoboit Harbour, they wanted to make sure it would stay open and protected.

Jamie Simpson, board member with Climb Nova Scotia, said the people often use the Musquodoboit trails to reach the climbing rocks, and the group wanted to preserve the area.

“We were concerned it could be bought up and developed,” Simpson said. “We were quite concerned the climbers would lose access to this property.”

Simpson reached out to the Nature Conservancy of Canada about a possible partnership over the land, which ultimately led to the expansion of the Musquodoboit River Valley Nature Reserve.

“Climb Nova Scotia came to us with this idea,” said Dave Ireland, Nova Scotia program director with the Nature Conservancy. “Without community partners, we can’t do what we do. They’re eager to steward this land.”

Twenty-six hectares have been added to the nature reserve, bringing the total to more than 300 hectares. The new partnership includes the Nature Conservancy, Climb Nova Scotia and the Musquodoboit Trailway Association, which watches over five trails in the area.

“We’re excited to be able to provide more opportunities for climbers, hikers, and all trail users to take part in active transportation activities and enjoy the beautiful nature that surrounds us in Musquodoboit Harbour and the larger community,” said Craig McCrea, chair of the Trailway Association, in a news release. “We look forward to maintaining stewardship of this land in tandem with CNS and thank them and NCC for their efforts and work on this exciting accomplishment.”

Ireland said the expansion of the nature reserve is crucial for wildlife as it improves the connectivity between different spots across the region.

“Connectivity is really important to biodiversity, making sure animals have a way to move from A to B,” he said. “This property adds to this puzzle.”

According to the Nature Conservancy, the Musquodoboit reserve features an abundance of wetlands and riparian ecosystems that provide habitats for at-risk species such as snapping turtles and the freshwater pearl mussel. It also borders the Musquodoboit River, which is one of the most ecologically rich rivers in central Nova Scotia.

“The Musquodoboit River Valley has some critters that aren’t found anywhere else,” Ireland said. “There are some old growth trees, warblers, bear tracks, deer tracks. It’s a bustling place for wildlife.”

Ireland said the land on the nature reserve will be protected from development in perpetuity. He notes Nova Scotia’s goal of protecting 20 per cent of its land and water by 2030 is achievable and something the Nature Conservancy is working towards.

“There is still more opportunity to conserve land around the Musquodoboit River Valley Nature Reserve,” the news release says. “Nature conservation flourishes through partnerships and the involvement of community members and landowners. In the face of rapid biodiversity loss and climate change, nature is our ally.”

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