Nature conservation reaches new heights in Musquodoboit Harbour juillet 9, 2025

A community-loved trail system and the surrounding forest and wetland have been added to the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s (NCC’s) Musquodoboit River Valley Nature Reserve. This new 26-hectare section brings the total protected area in the nature reserve to over 300 hectares. NCC has partnered with Climb Nova Scotia (CNS) and the Musquodoboit Trailway Association (MTA) to ensure that this natural area retains its value for people and wildlife alike. 

Climb Nova Scotia was the initiator of the project. CNS is a volunteer-run, non-profit group that promotes indoor and outdoor rock climbing around the province. It hosts events, offers climbing tips and provides information on climbing locations, including a popular outdoor climbing rock known as “The Spot.” This well-liked rock is accessible only through the trails on the new section of the Musquodoboit River Valley Nature Reserve. CNS was eager to protect these beloved trails and contacted NCC for help in conserving the land and will, along with the MTA, act as stewards of the nature reserve.  

The Musquodoboit Trailway Association is a local non-profit organization run by volunteers. Comprised of a team of hiking enthusiasts, MTA watches over the five main trails around Musquodoboit Harbour, as well as the 15-kilometre-long Musquodoboit Trailway on the Trans Canada Trail, which runs alongside the new section of the nature reserve. MTA has conducted trail maintenance around Musquodoboit Harbour for over 25 years and has been a great help in this project, ensuring that the trails on the Musquodoboit River Valley Nature Reserve are safe and the key habitats around them remain intact.  

This conservation project was made possible thanks to the generosity of individuals, private donors and funding from the Nova Scotia Crown Share Land Legacy Trust and the Nova Scotia Nature Agreement, which is administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Government of Nova Scotia. 

This section of the Musquodoboit River Valley Nature Reserve is brimming with Wabanaki (Acadian) forest, wetlands and healthy riparian ecosystems. NCC properties border the Musquodoboit River, which is one of the most ecologically rich rivers in central Nova Scotia due to the minerals and fertile soil in its headwater and middle regions. The nature reserve also contains significant wetlands, which provide habitat for at-risk species such as olive-sided flycatcher (threatened), snapping turtle (special concern) and freshwater pearl mussel, a rare species of mussel that is found along the Musquodoboit River. It is thanks to the involvement of community members and organizations like CNS and MTA that these important species and ecosystems will be protected for the long-term.   

There is still more opportunity to conserve land around the Musquodoboit River Valley Nature Reserve. 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. Together, we can all be part of the solution.   

Quotes 

“Climb Nova Scotia is thrilled that NCC is adding this property to its Musquodoboit River Valley Nature Reserve. It provides access to climbing and it protects important habitats for biodiversity. CNS is excited to assist with stewarding this beautiful part of Nova Scotia’s natural heritage.” – Jamie Simpson, Access Chair at Climb Nova Scotia 

“The MTA is proud to partner with NCC and CNS on this exciting project to both protect and conserve this land. 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. 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.” – Craig McCrea, Chair, The Musquodoboit Trailway Association 

“People thrive when nature thrives. This project is an excellent example of community-driven land stewardship and recreational use leading to long-term biodiversity conservation. NCC is proud to support both Climb Nova Scotia and the Musquodoboit Trailway Association with their goals for the area, and we’re excited to see our nature reserve in the river valley grow. There is more to do, and NCC is excited to continue this work with the community.”  
– Dave Ireland, NCC program director in Nova Scotia   

“Nature is part of our very identity as Canadians and safeguarding natural spaces like these enrich community health and wellbeing while protecting biodiversity. I am inspired by the efforts of the NCC, Climb Nova Scotia, and Musquodoboit Trailway Association to protect these important wetlands and forests that support species at risk like the olive-sided flycatcher and the snapping turtle. Together, we are making real progress toward conserving more and more of our lands and waters, helping these wild, beautiful places thrive for current and future generations to explore and enjoy.” – The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada 

 Facts 

• The name “Musquodoboit” derives from the Mi’kmaq language. “Mascoudabouet” (also “Muskoodeboowek”) is said to mean “flowing out square,” “rolling out in foam” or “suddenly widening out after a narrow entrance at its mouth.”   
• The Musquodoboit River is one of several productive rivers in central Nova Scotia that support a number of species at risk, such as Atlantic salmon and snapping turtles. The high level of soil and water alkalinity in the area contributes to the development of rare and unique flora. 
• The trail to “The Spot” climbing rock can be accessed at the end of Bayers Mill Road. Visitors are asked to avoid parking in the cul-de-sac to allow emergency vehicles and school buses to turn around.  

About 

As Canada’s largest environmental charity, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has worked with partners to conserve natural landscapes since 1962. Together, we deliver solutions to address the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change through large-scale and long-term conservation. We create lasting change for the planet and its people by partnering with Indigenous Nations and communities, governments and businesses around shared interests. Nature makes it possible. To learn more, visit natureconservancy.ca. 

Climb Nova Scotia (CNS) is a non-profit, volunteer-based group dedicated to promoting and facilitating climbing throughout Nova Scotia. They support all climbing interests including trad climbing, sport climbing, ice climbing, indoor climbing and bouldering, and serve beginners and experienced climbers alike. 

The Musquodoboit Trailway Association (MTA) is a volunteer-run, nonprofit community organization that manages 41 kilometres of non-motorized trails around Musquodoboit Harbour. Their funding is provided through family and corporate membership fees, donations and Halifax and Provincial grants. They were incorporated in October 1998.