New arboretum to preserve trees after post-tropical storm Fiona damaged N.S. Eastern Shore

Post-tropical storm Fiona tore down half the trees at the Memory Lane Heritage Village in 2022 in Lake Charlotte, N.S. (Courtesy of Eastern Shore Archives)

When post-tropical storm Fiona made landfall near a history museum in Lake Charlotte, N.S., nearly 200 trees were knocked down on the Eastern Shore property.

The museum operator had to decide whether to replant the trees at the Memory Lane Heritage Village.

In the end, the operator, the Lake Charlotte Area Heritage Society, “saw an opportunity for something more – a dedicated area to protect and study trees and forest plants,” according to a news release from the province.

The Government of Nova Scotia announced support for their vision for the Atlantic Coast Arboretum on Thursday.

The project will receive $131,548 from the province’s Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund.

“Our government is pleased to fund this project and support the conservation and climate change leadership of the Lake Charlotte Area Heritage Society,” Minister of Environment and Climate Change Timothy Halman said in the announcement.

“The society and its museum, which have been impacted by climate change, are an outstanding example of best practices in responding to climate change and conservation work that will make our province greener and healthier,” he said.

Arboretums are dedicated to scientific research and education about biodiversity, conservation, sustainability best practices, tree species and the impact of climate change on trees and forests. They also provide a home for wildlife, birds and endangered species.

“We thank the Province and Minister Halman for recognizing the importance of this initiative,” said Thea Wilson-Hammond, executive director of the Lake Charlotte Area Heritage Society.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page