Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) has secured two salt marshes along Nova Scotia’s South Shore, enhancing coastal protection and wildlife habitat. The Melbourne Lake and McLean’s Lake Road salt marshes, located near significant conservation areas, contribute to the province’s efforts to preserve its shrinking coastal wetlands.

Nova Scotia has lost 60 percent of its salt marshes to development, making conservation efforts increasingly vital. These wetlands provide essential habitat for migratory birds and act as natural buffers against storm surges and sea-level rise.

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The Cole’s Note: Wetland Information Matters

You shared that access to reliable wetland data is highly valued and important to the work you do. Whether for land-use planning, academic research, or tracking environmental changes, you told us there is a growing demand for robust wetland information. You’re looking for data spanning abiotic, biotic, and geospatial wetland parameters, along with accessible information and reporting products.

“Thank you for sharing your wetland information needs with us. Your enthusiasm for wetlands and wanting to know more about them is appreciated! The survey feedback will help guide the reshaping of the wetland component of the Ecosystem Health Program, refine our data products, and enhance how we report on Alberta’s wetlands.”

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November 7, 2024, St. John’s, N.L. – Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is celebrating the acquisition of vital urban wetland habitat in the heart of St. John’s, N.L. thanks to funding from the Government of Canada’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the generosity of residential developer Nosegard Holdings Ltd.

The 4.8-hectare (12-acre) Empire Avenue wetland is located upstream from the much-loved Mundy Pond and was recommended to the City of St. John’s for conservation by the Stewardship Association of Municipalities. In 2020, Nosegard’s owner, Brian Noseworthy, wanted to see the wetland conserved, so he approached DUC about divesting the land. DUC was able to purchase a portion of the land with funding from the National Heritage Conservation Program, and Nosegard Holdings donated the rest.

The acquisition of this property by DUC ensures that the wetland remains intact and maintains its important ecological functions. Not only will it continue to be a haven for wildlife species, including green-winged teal, it will become a key piece of natural infrastructure for the city, helping to filter water and manage flooding in an area of the city undergoing rapid development.

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