The Nature Conservancy of Canada is making some recreational trails more resilient against the impacts of climate change at three sites in Nova Scotia and one site in New Brunswick after an investment of $200,000 from the federal government.
The Maritime Coastal Trails project will address erosion and drainage challenges while enhancing trail safety and ecosystem health at the Brier Island Nature Reserve and the Gaff Point and Prospect trails in Nova Scotia, and at the Musquash Estuary Nature Reserve Trail in New Brunswick.
Among the improvements, the Nature Conservancy of Canada will install stone-lined channels that capture and direct water flow, called rock swales, to manage stormwater runoff. They will also replace invasive plants, such as rugosa rose, with native coastal shrubs.
Together, these actions will enhance the trails’ resilience against intense rain and storm surges caused by climate change, while improving sustainable trail access and nature-based recreation for rural communities and seasonal visitors.
“The Government of Canada is proud to invest in natural infrastructure projects like this one that will improve the climate resiliency of three trails in the region, as well as the biodiversity of the plant life on Brier Island. When we protect our communities against the effects of climate change and invasive species, we ensure continued access to nature and recreation opportunities for all,” said Chris d’Entremont, Member of Parliament for Acadie–Annapolis.
“It is essential that we protect our coastal areas against the impacts of climate change. The work of the Nature Conservancy of Canada will ensure that we make our beautiful maritime coastal trails more resilient to flooding and erosion so that residents and visitors can continue to explore these natural wonders for years to come,” said Jessica Fancy, Member of Parliament for South Shore–St. Margarets.
“Nature is critical to our well-being and to the resilience of our communities in the face of climate change. These same coastal areas that draw visitors and locals alike serve as our primary defence when storms hit. Canada’s investment helps us improve and maintain coasts and trails so that we can enjoy them, rain or shine,” said Laurel Bernard, director of stewardship, Nature Conservancy of Canada.
The federal government’s $200,000 contribution is through the Natural Infrastructure Fund (NIF), and the Nature Conservancy of Canada is contributing $50,000.
The NIF supports projects that use natural or hybrid approaches to increase resilience to climate change, mitigate carbon emissions, protect and preserve biodiversity and wildlife habitats, and promote Canadians’ access to nature. To date, more than $87.3m has been announced for 47 infrastructure projects through NIF.
