A Nova Scotia couple has generously gifted their cabin and 12 hectares of land in Lunenburg County to safeguard the Blanding’s turtles, a highly endangered species in the province. Maggie Thomas and her late husband, Richard Donat, resided near Eds Island for more than five decades. The peninsula, situated within the Pleasant River watershed, is a critical habitat for rare creatures like the eastern ribbonsnake and Blanding’s turtles.
Over the years, cottage development and road expansion have encroached upon the turtles’ natural habitat. Observing the environmental changes as cabins and a suburb emerged in the area, Thomas and Donat decided to protect the bay to conserve the ecosystem. With only about 500 adult Blanding’s turtles remaining in Nova Scotia, the species faces an uncertain future due to a low hatchling survival rate.
Initially acquiring a small piece of land for their family during their involvement in the film industry, Thomas and Donat, known for his roles in shows like “Star Wars: Ewoks” and “Haven,” eventually acquired 12 hectares of land adjacent to Eds Island. Following Donat’s passing last month before the donation announcement, Thomas finalized the donation to the Nova Scotia Nature Trust, viewing it as a tribute to her late partner.
The conservation area holds sentimental value for Thomas, as it served as a cherished family space where they swam in Shingle Lake. Donat, who had a deep connection to the land, spent his time tending to the garden. Their son will now oversee the land they once cared for, continuing the family’s legacy of environmental stewardship.
While acknowledging the rarity and protection status of Blanding’s turtles, Thomas admitted to never having seen one in person, describing them as elusive creatures. Their land donation will expand the turtles’ habitat, crucial for their survival, as it falls within the mapped critical habitat area designated by the nature trust organization.
Jaimee Morozoff, the director of conservation at Nova Scotia Nature Trust, emphasized the significance of Thomas and Donat’s contribution, highlighting the area’s importance within the critical habitat zone. Given the turtles’ dependence on lakeshore environments for sustenance, the donation plays a vital role in preserving the species and allowing nature to flourish.