Melrose Hill: Forest For The Future
By Rebecca Jacobs, Posted on March 15, 2022
We are excited to announce that Community Forests International has successfully secured nearly 500 acres of forest in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, to protect for long-term community and climate benefits!
This newly protected property marks the first expansion into the province for Community Forests International’s active conservation work, and we look forward to caring for these forests alongside local communities. Together, we can ensure these forests thrive today and for the future.
Quick Facts
- Size: 489 acres
- Location: U’nama’kik, Mi’kma’ki, known today as Cape Breton, Nova Scotia (near the town of Mulapukuek / Mabou).
- Description: mixed age, hardwood-dominated forest with numerous freshwater streams throughout.
This newly protected forest is located near to the world-famous Cabot Trail!
Old Forests For Today & Tomorrow
The property is home to over 125 acres of rare old Wabanaki forest that will be carefully protected for the diverse long-term climate and ecosystem benefits old forest provide.
These benefits range from carbon storage and sequestration to vital wildlife habitat, species diversity, to important hydrological services like flood mitigation and water filtration. In fact, this forest is located at the top of Mulapukuekewe’l Ko’mi, also known as the Mabou Harbour, an important watershed that provides water for a number of nearby towns and communities.
Full of sugar maple, yellow birch, red maple, white pine, and red spruce — this special hardwood-dominated forest is home to a species composition that bodes well for resilience in the rapidly changing climate.
Sugar maple, yellow birch, red maple, white pine, and red spruce make up this hardwood-dominated forest.
The relatively young forest found across the majority of this property will be planted with native Wabanaki tree species. After conducting a survey and evaluation, the Forest Team will create a unique management plan for this young forest to ensure it can reach its potential as a healthy and resilient ecosystem — and become an old forest for future generations to enjoy.