St. Mary's River (Nova Scotia) facts for kids

The St. Mary's River is a long and important river in Nova Scotia, Canada. It stretches for about 250 kilometres (160 mi), making it one of the longest rivers in the province. This river flows through several areas of Nova Scotia, including Guysborough, Antigonish, and Pictou.

Finally, the St. Mary's River empties into the Atlantic Ocean near a place called Sonora, Nova Scotia. The river system, including all its streams and lakes, covers a large area of about 1,350 square kilometres (520 sq mi). It has four main parts, or branches: the West, East, North, and Main branches.

Discovering the St. Mary's River

The St. Mary's River is a key part of Nova Scotia's natural landscape. It provides a home for many different plants and animals. The river's journey from its start to the ocean is important for the environment.

Where the River Flows

The St. Mary's River begins its journey in Nova Scotia. It winds its way through different counties before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. This long path means the river touches many different communities and natural areas.

Lakes Connected to the River

The area around the St. Mary's River, known as its watershed, has many lakes. There are about 130 lakes in total. These lakes vary in size, from very small ones to larger bodies of water like Lochaber Lake, which is about 3 square kilometres (1.2 sq mi).

The biggest lakes are found on the East and North branches of the river. These include Lochaber Lake, Lochiel Lake, Eden Lake, and Archibald's Mills Lakes. These lakes are important parts of the river system.

History of the River's Name

The St. Mary's River has an interesting history, including how it got its name. Long ago, a famous explorer named Samuel de Champlain called it "Rivère Isle Verte," which means "Green Island River."

The name "St. Mary's River" came from a French fort built in the 1600s called Fort Saint Marie. This fort was later taken over and destroyed by the British. Another fort from the same time, Fort Saint Charles, was also located nearby on the river.

Wildlife and Conservation Efforts

The St. Mary's River is a very important place for wildlife. It provides a home for several special animals, including the Atlantic salmon and the wood turtle.

Atlantic Salmon in the River

Atlantic salmon are a type of fish that live in both fresh water and the ocean. They are an endangered species, meaning their numbers are very low. The St. Mary's River is a crucial habitat for these salmon. They use the river to lay their eggs and for their young to grow.

Protecting the River's Future

Because the river is so important for wildlife, people are working to protect it. The Nova Scotia Nature Trust is an organization that helps save important natural areas. They are working to protect lands along the St. Mary's River. These efforts help make sure that animals like the Atlantic salmon and wood turtle have a safe place to live for many years to come.