A Dartmouth family has donated islands on the Eastern Shore that have been in their family's possession for more than a century, giving them to the Nature Conservancy of Canada. <\/p>\n
Mike's Islands are a series of islands, measuring 16 hectares, located in the upper reaches of Musquodoboit Harbour. <\/p>\n
Byrne Williams said the islands were acquired by his sea-faring grandfather, Captain Mike Williams, in the 1890s. <\/p>\n
He said the upkeep is difficult for the family and said donating the islands to the conservancy seemed like the right thing to do. <\/p>\n
\"It's very strategic, as far as ecology goes. It's quite a waterway, lovely salmon run and all sorts of seabirds,\" said Williams, \"And it mates up well with other holdings that the Nature Conservancy and others have in that particular waterway.\" <\/p>\n
According to the not-for-profit conservancy's press release, the area is home to a number of species including sandpipers and is known as a spawning area for declining Atlantic salmon. <\/p>\n
The newest protected area will be named after Capt. Williams and his wife, Ellen. <\/p>\n
The federal government's Natural Areas Conservation Program provided about $21,000 in funding for ecological surveys of the area. The Nova Scotia Crown Share Land Legacy Trust, Sobey's, Exxon and Mountain Equipment Co-op also provided funind for the project. <\/p>\n
The Nature Conservancy of Canada now manages 10 islands, measuring 546 hectares, in Musquodoboit Harbour. <\/p>\n
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Dartmouth family donates islands for conservation<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A Dartmouth family has donated islands on the Eastern Shore that have been in their family's possession for more than a century, giving them to the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Mike's Islands are a series of islands, measuring 16 hectares, located in the upper reaches of Musquodoboit Harbour. Byrne Williams said the islands were acquired by his sea-faring grandfather, Captain Mike Williams, in the 1890s. Continue reading