Photo by Mike Dembeck
Coastal wetlands and salt marsh areas are very important for migratory birds, according to the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
That’s why they recently purchased 33 acres of wetland and forest on the Acadian Peninsula.
It’s about 10 kilometres south of Shippagan and strategically located next to a property in Pokemouche Bay, previously donated to the NCC in 2012.
This new acquisition expands NCC’s existing nature reserve to over 200 acres of land.
During their fall migration, many species of shorebirds rely on the salt marshes.
“Because it borders the Inkerman Migratory Bird Sanctuary, this project is helping protect an important breeding area for great blue herons. It’s also a home for shorebirds, many of which are facing declining populations. We would like to thank our supporters and our project partners. By helping us purchase and protect this salt marsh, together we have created a win for wildlife,” says Conservation Representative Denise Roy.
The NCC’s reserve also provides an important habitat for a number of endangered butterfly species found only in Canada.
The project was made possible through individual donations as well as contributions from the Government of Canada’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services.
