Each year, four special wetlands across Nova Scotia that represent the diversity and abundance of wetlands in our province are designated as a Treasured Wetland. They highlight the importance of wetlands and the values they provide. Take a moment to explore and learn about the South Maitland Marsh in East Hants, Nova Scotia. This site was designated in 2020.

Twice a day the massive tides rise and fall in the Bay of Fundy, and twice a day all that water gets funneled up tidal rivers in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, including the Shubenacadie. Here, a tidal bore measuring up to three metres in height rolls up toward Stewiacke. And one of the best places to watch it is on the edge of South Maitland Marsh in the Fundy Tidal Interpretive Centre.
The interpretive centre is a very special place full of walking trails, wildlife, and two different kinds of marshes teeming with biodiversity. On one side of the river is a salt marsh, full of salt marsh cord grass, and salt water fish like gaspereau and mummichog. The marsh also helps protect the river’s shoreline from those high Fundy tides and strong waves. On the other side of the road, behind an old agricultural dike, is a freshwater marsh, restored by Ducks Unlimited Canada in 2001. Here, you can go critter dipping for tiny invertebrates (think water bugs), tad poles, and more, or take a quiet walk your way around the wetlands. Bring binoculars and keep an eye out for birds like red-winged black birds, bald eagles, yellow warblers and black ducks. There’s something meditative in the rhythm of the place.
Visit this summer and take part in the interpretive centre’s special scavenger hunt, stop by the Treasured Wetlands photo post, and don’t forget to take in those tides.
Thank you to our partners at the Fundy Tidal Interpretive Centre and the Municipality of East Hants for nominating South Maitland Marsh for the Treasured Wetlands program!

свернуть