Brier Island
Brier Island, NS (Photo by NCC)
The Brier Island Nature Reserve was established in 1988 and continues to expand with your support.
Remote and rugged, Brier Island is Nova Scotia’s westernmost point and requires two ferry rides to get there. A popular Nature Destination for birders and whale-watchers, visitors can enjoy the sights and sounds of the Bay of Fundy along the 3.5-kilometre coastal trail between Western Light and Pond Cove.
With nearly 500 hectares of protected area, the reserve includes Big Meadow Bog, which provides rich habitat for migrating birds on the Atlantic flyway, and several rare plants, such as eastern mountain avens. Approximately 95 per cent of the Canadian population of eastern mountain avens grows on Brier Island but are still under threat. The Nature Conservancy of Canada, research groups, local volunteers and donors are restoring Big Meadow Bog to save the avens and reverse impacts caused by attempts to turn the area into farmland years ago. Previous ditching reduced water levels, allowing more woody plants to grow and attracted nesting seagulls. The eastern mountain avens were losing their main habitat. Protecting a rare plant on a small island may not seem like much, but by joining together to take decisive, restorative action for the sake of this oft-hidden flower, we are developing good habits and sharpening our processes in order to protect the existing biodiversity.
The current decisive, restorative opportunity is to expand the nature reserve by adding a property that features an undisturbed bog — a valuable asset because it can serve as a healthy bog reference point in the restoration project.
Together, we can add this property, restore these unique wetlands and conserve the eastern mountain avens at Brier Island Nature Reserve. Donate today.
Brier Island in the archives:
- Blog post: Conservation Volunteers and community members are vital in the maintenance and restoration of the nature reserve
- Video: Creating the coastal trail
- Article: Taking in the view - Incredible wildlife viewing awaits those who make the trek to the Brier Island Nature Reserve
- Blog post: The eastern mountain avens time to shine
