Mersey River (Nova Scotia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mersey |
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Bridge across the Mersey River at Liverpool
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Nova Scotia |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Eleven Mile Lake (Annapolis County) |
| River mouth | Atlantic Ocean sea level |
| Length | 146 km (91 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 3,030 km2 (1,170 sq mi) |
The Mersey River is a cool river in Nova Scotia, Canada. It used to be called Rivière Rossignol by the Acadians, who were early French settlers. The river got its current name from the famous River Mersey in Liverpool, England.
This river starts at the eastern end of Eleven Mile Lake in Annapolis County. From there, it flows south through Kejimkujik Lake inside Kejimkujik National Park. It then continues through Lake Rossignol before finally emptying into the Atlantic Ocean at the town of Liverpool, Nova Scotia. The very beginning of the river, its true source, can be found even further northwest, near Sandy Bottom Lake or Tuskopeake Brook in Annapolis County.
Contents
The Mersey River: A Journey Through Nova Scotia
The Mersey River is about 146 kilometers (91 miles) long. It drains an area of about 3,030 square kilometers (1,170 square miles). This means it collects water from a very large part of Nova Scotia.
Where Does the Mersey River Flow?
The journey of the Mersey River is quite interesting. It begins in a lake, then travels through a national park, and finally reaches the vast Atlantic Ocean. This path makes it an important waterway for both nature and people.
A River with a Rich History
The Mersey River has been important for a long time. It played a big role in the lives of the Mi'kmaq people, who are the Indigenous people of Nova Scotia. They used the river as a main route for travel and transportation.
How People Used the Mersey River
Later, the river became important for moving logs from the forests in the middle of the province. These logs were floated down the river to sawmills. The Mersey River was even written about in a book called The Tent Dwellers by Albert Bigelow Paine. In the book, it was called the 'Liverpool river'.
Making Electricity from the River
For more than a hundred years, people have used the Mersey River to make electricity. This is done through hydroelectric projects. These projects use the power of the flowing water to turn turbines, which then create electricity. It's a clean way to get power!
Nature Along the Mersey
The area around the Mersey River is full of interesting natural features. Much of the land where the river starts is made up of something called a fen. A fen is a type of wetland, like a marsh, that has special plants and is very important for the environment.
Fun Activities on the River
The Mersey River is a popular spot for people who enjoy canoeing, especially for beginners. Its calm waters make it a great place to learn and explore by boat. You might even spot some wildlife while you're out on the water!
Animals in the Mersey River
One of the fish found in the Mersey River, and other nearby waterways, is the smallmouth bass. These fish are a common sight for anglers and are part of the river's ecosystem.
