LaHave Coastal Protects East Spectacle Island

LaHave Coastal Conservation Association focuses its work in the LaHave Archipelago, located on the beautiful and biodiverse South Shore of Nova Scotia, in the traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq Nation. LaHave Coastal is happy to announce that it acquired East Spectacle Island on May 3, 2024 for conservation and restoration.  This unique 19-hectare island is relatively far from human disturbances, which makes it an ideal reservoir for biodiversity. Its diverse habitats include wetlands such as a salt marsh and a fen, which provide insect habitats and food webs that are essential for birds.The southeastern banks of East Spectacle Island are candidates for hosting Bank Swallows, also known as Sand Martins (Riparia riparia), a threatened shore bird. The island’s biological significance reaches beyond its rocky shores to the near-shore waters rich in marine life.

Land uses over the last century have included farming, forest harvesting and even a hotel, leaving the ecosystems of the island impacted. 50 years ago the island’s several parcels were recombined under a single owner, and the land was allowed to rest. LaHave Coastal’s acquisition of the island will enable monitoring and active restoration of the island, including tree planting.

LaHave Coastal is grateful to the Crown Share Land Legacy Trust and many donors for supporting LaHave Coastal’s work to secure and restore East Spectacle Island.