LITTLE NARROWS, N.S. — An endangered bird and some rare plants now have a safe haven in central Cape Breton.
On Tuesday, the Nature Conservancy of Canada announced it had purchased 251 hectares of land that include unique gypsum-based — or karst — landscapes, old-growth Acadian forest and freshwater wetlands.
Doug van Hemessen, stewardship co-ordinator with the conservation group, said now those properties will be connected with the nearby Cain’s Mountain Wilderness Area to protect at-risk plant and animal species.
“We know there are rusty blackbirds there — that’s considered an endangered species. The Canada warbler has also been observed in the area and the olive-sided flycatcher, another significant bird species, has been seen there,” he said, adding that plant species such as the hoary willow and showy lady’s slipper are also found in this habitat.
“People don’t identify with plants as much as the birds sometimes but there are rare plants in there as well and they exist there and nowhere else in the province.”
The old Acadian forest of sugar maple, yellow birch, beech and eastern hemlock is also home to large mammals, including black bears and bobcats, and the trees provide important habitat for the northern goshawk, pileated woodpecker and flying squirrel.
Van Hemessen said they were able to acquire the land, which borders the Bras d’Or Lake, thanks to a willing landowner.
JoAnne Bourinot said the MacLeod branch of her family was displaced in the Scottish clearances and eventually established a farm on Cain's Mountain.
“It is a privilege for our family to assist in the conservation of the lands on Cain's Mountain, home to multiple cultures, species and geological deposits,” she said.
“Our family's roots are deeply connected to Cape Breton and we are excited by the initiatives taken to preserve these lands for future generations.”
The latest purchase brings the Cain’s Mountain Wilderness Area to more than 400 hectares and van Hemessen said the Nature Conservancy of Canada will continue growing it.
“It’s always better to have larger connected areas than scattered small ones. Once we start a land assembly we like to continue to see if we can add to it. We’ll definitely be active in that area.”
