HISTORY Beaver Mountain is part of a necklace of hills that link the Cobequids with the Cape Breton Highlands in Northern Nova Scotia. High hilly terrain and deep valleys characterize the natural landscape. Beaver Mountain was home to some of the area's earliest settlers when British subjects who were given land grants from Great Britain populated it in 1804. Northern Nova Scotia was one of the last large land grants to be parceled, and therefore remained in its natural state longer than other areas. Of course long before the Europeans settled the land the Mikmaq had established many trails throughout the hills and valleys. Beaver Mountain Provincial Park first opened as a full service campground in 1967, and continues to be open today as a day park. The provincial government in cooperation with the Municipality of the County of Antigonish has worked very hard to maintain the natural integrity of the park and today it remains a place of serene beauty and history. The Three Ecosystems Beaver Mountain Provincial Park offers a collection of Ecosystems, most of which can be defined by the trees that populate the area. The tolerant hardwood forest in the park today that consists of sugar maple, red maple, and yellow birch, is an example of a climax succesional stage. This would have been the same type of forests that existed before human settlement. Both humans and animals (mainly the beaver) have altered the climax forest over time, and we can see the results today. There are three distinct forest types in the park; a pasture spruce forest, a mixed forest (spruce and hardwood), and a tolerant hardwood forest. 1) Pasture Spruce - The original forest at the opening to the park would have been a tolerant hardwood stand of maple, beech and birch.. The earliest settlers cleared the land to create pasture for livestock. After the pastures were abandoned, the pasture slowly grew up in mostly white spruce trees, which is what is evident today. Overtime the spruce stand that grows today in the former pasture will eventually revert to hardwood climax forest. 2) Wetland - Beaver Mountain Park has a wetland situated in a natural valley where the remains of a series of beaver dams and flowage can be seen. The beaver moved on to the stream and built their dams which in turn flooded the stream banks and margins cr eating a wetland habitat. This area created an ideal setting for the beaver to happily live and raise its young. Over time however the beaver literally ate itself out of a home, and then moved along the stream. After the beaver leaves the area, the dam eventually breaks; the stream will revert to its original location, and the flooded banks and margins drain off. These banks and margins will support a new food source, creating an ideal setting for another family of beavers. 3) Hardwood Ridge - The back of the park is host to a tolerant hardwood stand, which is in the mature climax stage. There are several species of maples, beech and yellow birch in this stand. In some areas, older trees that have fallen down have created an opening to allow young trees to become established. This large woody debris is an import ant part of the forest ecosystem. Bugs and invertebrates feed of the deadwood, birds feed off the insects and the dynamic world of the food chain continues. Enjoy the symphony of fall colours in the park. A variety of hardwood create a tapestry for the eyes in the autumn season. The hardwood hills beyond the former beaver colony to the west represents the original pre-settlement forest which once covered most of the park area. Some Of The Animals In The Neighborhood Whether you are walking, hiking, or skiing through our beautiful park there are many different species of animals you might chance to see. Beaver Mountain Park offers a diverse ecosystem which many animals and plants call home. Indeed, it has become a favourite spot for birders and those who enjoy wildlife in its natural habitat. A variety of birds can be spotted such as the Pileated Woodpecker, the elusive Barred Owl, the Red-tailed Hawk andthe majestic Bald Eagle. Other residents of the park include a variety of frogs, Red-backed Salamanders, and Garter Snakes. The beavers for which the park was named have moved on, however their workings reminds us that they may yet return. A Special Message To Park Visitors Nova Scotia's provincial parks are provided for your benefit and enjoyment. Flowers, trees, shrubs, and even rocks are part of the park's natural history. Help preserve these parks for future generations by leaving them as you found them. Beaver Mountain Provincial Park is a 133- hectare park, which lies in the Pictou- Antigonish Uplands. The park is managed and operated by the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources in partnership with the Municipality of the County of Antigonish with further assistance from the Antigonish Regional Development Authority and the Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation Commission. Beaver Mountain Park strives to meet as many of the needs of the public as possible and offers a wheelchair accessible paved loop that is 1-1.6 kilometers in length. This loop is also ideal for those who wish to simply stroll and enjoy the scenery, inline skate, or push a baby stroller. There are two easy to moderate trails 3 and 6 kilometers in length that cut through the interior and the back ridge of the park. These trails are ideal for cross country skiing or long hikes.