Sand Pond National Wildlife Area pamphlet
What makes Sand Pond NWA so special?
Sand Pond was the first National Wildlife Area (NWA) to become part of Environment and Climate Change Canada’s NWA Network in 1978. Formerly a commercial cranberry area, the removal of drainage systems used for berry production has resulted in the restoration of the wetlands. In addition to the pond, the 531-hectare NWA also includes bog, old field, forested and heath habitats. Sand Pond NWA hosts a diversity of waterfowl and songbirds that use the area as a migratory stopover and for nesting.
Recognized as one of the best areas for waterfowl in Nova Scotia, Sand Pond NWA provides:
- fall staging habitat for flocks of Green-Winged Teal, Canada Geese and Black Ducks;
- nesting habitat for American Bittern and Common Snipe;
- excellent breeding and nesting habitats for upland birds including Ruffed Grouse and American Woodcock, and for songbirds such as warblers and finches;
- a home to numerous mammals including Coyotes, Bobcat, White-tailed Deer and Black Bear.
Black Ducks make greater use of the NWA than other species; as many as 2000 have been observed during the early autumn.
What are Environment and Climate Change Canada Protected Areas?
Environment and Climate Change Canada establishes marine and terrestrial NWAs for the purposes of conservation, research and interpretation. NWAs are established to protect migratory birds, species at risk, and other wildlife and their habitats. NWAs are established under the authority of the Canada Wildlife Act and are, first and foremost, places for wildlife.
Migratory Bird Sanctuaries (MBSs) are established under the authority of the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, and provide a refuge for migratory birds in marine and terrestrial environments. The current Protected Areas Network consists of 54 NWAs and 92 MBSs comprising close to 12 million hectares across Canada.
What can I do at Sand Pond NWA?
Sand Pond NWA is open to the public for activities including wildlife observation, canoeing, hiking, skiing and berry-picking. Fishing, hunting and trapping are permitted (subject to provincial and federal regulations), but the use of off-road vehicles and all-terrain vehicles is prohibited in order to protect wildlife species and their habitats.
Long description of the map
Location of the NWA on an illustrated map of Canada. The NWA location is indicated by a general annotation in the province of Nova Scotia.
Who can I contact?
Environment and Climate Change Canada - Atlantic RegionCanadian Wildlife Service
17 Waterfowl Lane
Sackville, New Brunswick E4L 4N1
1-800-668-6767
Email: ec.enviroinfo.ec@canada.ca
Protected Area web site
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