Diligent River Nature Reserve protects a biologically productive site, with mature conifer forest and about 1.5 km of shoreline along the tidal portion of Diligent River.

This part of the river includes expansive estuarine flats and salt marsh before emptying into the north side of Minas Basin, across from Cape Split.

The nature reserve provides important habitat for shorebirds. The site is one of a limited number of provincially-owned properties on Minas Basin, where most of the land base is privately owned

A potential destination for coastal walking, sea kayaking, and bird watching, the nature reserve is on the Fundy Shore Ecotour route. There are currently no managed trails.

A 30 hectare parcel adjacent to the reserve, at the mouth of the river, is identified in the Province’s 2013 Parks and Protected Areas Plan as being of interest for potential securement. These lands remain privately owned and are not part of the nature reserve.