Ecology

The Upper Bay including the Minas Basin and Cobequid Bay in the Bay of Fundy host one of the largest shorebird migrations in North America. Every year, in the late summer/early fall, thousands of birds flock to the mudflats of the Bay of Fundy. The record-high daily tides uncover an important food source for these birds on their way to South America. Shrimp and krill are uncovered as the Fundy tides go out, ensuring safe and plentiful feasting for these weary travellers. The estuaries and saltmarshes, along with other coastal wetlands of the upper bay provide safe and important roosting areas for the various species including semipalmated sandpipers and plovers. Some of the areas in the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark are: The Fundy Discovery site on Salmon River, Little Dyke, and Thomas Cove Coastal Reserve. Since the 1970s, when research into this phenomenon began, migratory bird populations have been reduced by half and are steadily declining. It is an event which is recognized by the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and education around the issue hopes to bring awareness to more sustainable human activities during these migratory times. The Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network has designated the Cobequid Bay as a Landscape of Hemispheric Importance.

Mud Piddock are an endangered species, who’s fragile habitat is found among the red mudstone in the upper Bay of Fundy. These clams, also known as “Fallen Angel Wings” are a crucial part of the ecosystem, supporting shorebird populations and other coastal creatures. They live exclusively in the mudstone in the Economy, Five Islands and Burntcoat Head areas of the Cobequid Bay. Human activities have previously overlooked these habitats and efforts are being made to educate locals and visitors about safe practices in these areas.

Various lichens, mushrooms, and wildflowers populate the Acadian forest system that makes up the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark. Important protected areas including Economy Wilderness Area and Portapique Wilderness Area help establish the northern boundary of the Geopark. MacElmon’s Pond is another Wildlife reserve which provides safe nesting for Bald Eagles and Hawks in the area.

The Cliffs of Fundy Geopark ecology varies because the environments here include; coastal areas, estuaries, brackish (where salt water and fresh water meet, such as a river meeting the bay) waters, natural forests, lakes, and farmland. The area is well known for it’s blueberries, honey, and maple agriculture.

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!!UPDATE!! Due to provincial trail closures, we will meet at the beach access on Advocate Beach Road.Join us on World Environment Day for our first shoreline cleanup of 2023! #BeatPlasticPollution #WorldEnvironmentDay2023 ... See MoreSee Less
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In addition to the current province wide burn ban, the Provincial Government has banned all activity in Nova Scotia forests. This includes hiking trail systems. See below for more details and follow Nova Scotia Government for updates.As fire crews battle wildfires in Nova Scotia, the Province is announcing measures to prevent more from starting.Travel and activities in the woods are restricted. Hiking, camping, fishing and the use of vehicles in the woods are not permitted. People can still access beaches and provincial parks, but trail systems are off limits. Camping is allowed only in campgrounds.The restrictions apply to Crown and private land. Private landowners are free to use their own properties but cannot host others to use wooded areas of their properties.Forestry, mining and any commercial activity on Crown land, are also restricted. People who conduct commercial activity on Crown land can apply for a permit at their local Department of Natural Resources and Renewables office.Forestry companies working on Crown land can only work between 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. All companies and private landowners are encouraged to take this approach.The restrictions are in place until June 25 or until conditions allow them to be lifted.Cape Chignecto, McNabs Island and Cape Split provincial parks are closed because they are backcountry camping/hiking parks. Wildfires in province are covering more than 12,360 hectaresThere have been 195 wildfires to date this year; they have burned about 12,817 hectares. In 2022, there were 152 wildfires that burned about 3,390 hectares. ... See MoreSee Less
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Join us on World Environment Day for our first shoreline cleanup of 2023! #BeatPlasticPollution #WorldEnvironmentDay2023 ... See MoreSee Less
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The new executive director of the Cliffs of Fundy Global Geopark visited Advocate Harbour recently as part of the organization's 'road trip' in preparation for a visit by UNESCO evaluators in July. www.cumberlandcounty.ns.ca/cliffs-of-fundy-geopark-prepares-for-unesco-visit-in-july.html ... See MoreSee Less
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What is a Geopark?

A Geopark is a designation that attracts tourists wishing to explore the connections between geology, local communities, culture, and nature. Geoparks are designed to promote tourism and celebrate a region’s uniqueness, and do not prohibit any land use.