New nature reserve announced in Nova Scotia’s Digby County

An aerial view of the Fourchu Coast Wilderness Area, a recently expanded protected area. (Courtesy: Communications Nova Scotia / File)

The province of Nova Scotia has announced a new nature reserve in Digby County.

The Toy Makers Marsh Nature Reserve received the designation with the goal of protecting wetlands, forest and migratory bird habitats.

The province says two other nature reserves and seven wilderness areas have also been expanded.

In total, the designations protect 836 hectares of land and water and 5.2 kilometres of coastline, according to a government release.

Additionally, there are currently 13 new or expanded wilderness areas and nature reserves being proposed around the province.

Nova Scotians can view the sites and share their thoughts online until July 28.

The province says four of the sites were purchased using federal funds under the Canada-Nova Scotia Nature Agreement.

“These new designations, along with the sites now open for consultation, will protect an additional 2,782 hectares. I want to thank the land trust organizations, municipalities and the land protection team in our Department for their ongoing work to acquire and prepare land for protection designation,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Timothy Halman in the release.

“It is time-consuming, complex and important work that contributes to the greater good as we work together to both protect and develop more land for the benefit of Nova Scotians and the environment.”

Nova Scotia’s Collaborative Protected Areas Strategy aims to protecting 20 per cent of the province’s land and water by 2030.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page