by The Nature Conservancy of Canada has announced the protection of three habitats in Cape Breton, today.
It says the protected areas are its first on the Island in more than a decade.
It also says they’re the first in its long-term plan to protect unique habitats and ecosystems in central Cape Breton.
The areas include 162 hectares near Ottawa Brook, west of Iona that features many rare and uncommon plants, such as the yellow lady’s-slipper.
Also being protected is 69 hectares of mainly Acadian forest near Marble Mountain and a 43-hectare site at West Lake Ainslie, near the Black River Bog Nature Reserve, managed by the Province.
The federal government is providing funding for the conservation of the properties.