A generous couple has gifted their cabin and 12 hectares of land in Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia, to protect the endangered Blanding’s turtles. Maggie Thomas and her late husband, Richard Donat, lived near Eds Island for more than five decades. The area, within the Pleasant River watershed, is a vital habitat for endangered species like the eastern ribbonsnake and Blanding’s turtles.
The couple observed changes over the years due to cottage development and road construction encroaching on the turtles’ habitat. Thomas remarked on the transformation of the area with the emergence of cabins and nearby residential development. Concerned about preserving the bay, they decided to make the donation.
With only around 500 adult Blanding’s turtles remaining in Nova Scotia, the species is facing an uncertain future with a low hatchling survival rate. Thomas and Donat, known for their involvement in the film industry, initially purchased a small piece of land for their family. Over time, they acquired 12 hectares, which they have now donated to the Nova Scotia Nature Trust for conservation purposes.
The donation process, spanning two years, concluded shortly after Donat’s passing at the age of 84. Thomas described the protected area as a tribute to her late partner, emphasizing its significance for the family. Donat, a nature enthusiast, spent time in the garden, instilling a love for the land in their family.
While recognizing the rarity and importance of Blanding’s turtles, Thomas admitted to never having seen one in person, citing their elusive nature. The contribution by Thomas and Donat will expand the turtle’s living space within a critical habitat area mapped by the Nova Scotia Nature Trust.
Jaimee Morozoff, the Trust’s conservation director, highlighted the significance of the couple’s donation, emphasizing the land’s location within a crucial habitat for the turtles. She explained the turtles’ reliance on lakeshore areas for food, which are abundant in this region, underscoring the Trust’s commitment to preserving and enhancing natural habitats.