Micou's Island, Nova Scotia facts for kids
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Native name:
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View of Little Indian Island from Micou's Beach
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Canada
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Micou's Island is a cool tidal island in Nova Scotia, Canada. It's about 22 acres big and sits near the eastern shore of St. Margarets Bay. What makes it special? You can walk to it! A sandbar connects the island to the mainland when the tide is low. This makes Micou's Island a very popular beach spot in the summer.
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Micou's Island and the Mi'kmaq People
Micou's Island has a long history. It was once known as Big Indian Island. This name, along with nearby Little Indian Island and Indian Point, came from arrowheads found there. These arrowheads suggest that the Mi'kmaq people used this area as a summer camping ground many years ago.
You can still see signs of their history on Micou's Island. There are two "shell middens" there. These are like ancient trash piles made of shells. The Mi'kmaq people left them behind after harvesting shellfish for food. These piles show where they gathered food for centuries. The Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History has also confirmed two Mi’kmaq burial sites in the area.
Early European Settlers (1700s-1930s)
The first European family to settle in this area was the Dauphinee family in 1785. Their original farmhouse is still on Indian Point. The Dauphinee family used Micou's Island for their farm animals, like cattle and sheep. They also harvested wood and hay from the island every summer.
The Micou Family (1930-2005)
Micou's Island got its current name in the 1930s. That's when an American family, the Micous, bought the island. The Micou family used the island as their special summer vacation spot.
Who Takes Care of the Island Now?
In 2007, the province bought Micou's Island. Now, it's looked after by two groups: the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and the St. Margaret's Bay Stewardship Association. They work together to make sure the island is managed for fun activities like hiking and beach visits, but also in a way that protects its natural environment. It's a favorite place for people to visit during the warm summer months.
Cool Spots on Micou's Island
Micou Family Memorial Site
On one side of the island, there's a special memorial site. It's for Creswell MacMurrary Micou and his wife Andrina McIntyre. Later, in 2014, a plaque for Anne Micou Harper was added to the memorial rock. The ashes of these family members have been spread here during memorial services. Many hikers who visit the island leave shells or other beach finds at the memorial site to remember the island's past residents.
Strong Arm Tree
Micou's Island is home to its oldest living tree! It's a sugar maple tree known as "Strong Arm."
Walking the Sandbar
The sandbar that connects Micou's Island to the mainland is a unique feature. You can walk across it without getting wet for about five hours each day. This window is usually 2.5 hours before and 2.5 hours after low tide. It's a fun way to get to the island!
