Taylor Head Provincial Park*

Overview

Large coastal headland offering white sand beaches, swimming, coastal hiking, picnicking and also plays an important conservation role

Protection Values

Regionally significant; contributes to Province’s goal of protecting 12 % of its land base by 2015; Pyches Island recently acquired and has been identified by the N.S. Department of Environment as one of several coastal islands (Patch #280) that could further enhance contributions to the Province’s 12 % goal.  One species of bird found at the park has been identified as critically imperiled, one as imperiled and two as vulnerable to extirpation or extinction. One species of non-vascular plant was classed as critically imperiled. Cemetery within park.

Education Values

Provides opportunities for a range of regionally significant interpretive themes, including geology, coastal processes, coastal habitats; interpretive kiosk.

Tourism Values

Provides a range of opportunities to discover, experience, and enjoy Nova Scotia’s distinctive Eastern Shore; major regional tourist attraction on Marine Drive; connection to coastal islands opportunities (kayaking); offers range of activities including hiking, beach access, picnicking, scenery; “Friends of” group sponsors events, well used.

Outdoor Recreation

Coastal hiking and walking trails, canoe / kayaking, swimming, beach access, picnicking, bird watching, cross-country skiing

Annual Visitation

Unknown

Operating cost

$38,600 * Includes Spry Bay costs as park staff cover both parks

Other Site Considerations

Old House on site that has interest by local community; cemetery on site as well.  Conservation vs. recreation demands sometimes in conflict.  Forest type along park entry road has extreme potential for blowdown (balsam fir, black spruce, and white spruce) - extremely shallow soils.  Mature spruce trees may require ecological restoration program to remove dead and dying trees in areas of public use to re-establish a more suitable forest cover.  Susceptible to coastal processes (storm events with high tide surge or wind driven waves) that cause site erosion.  Friends of Taylor Head provide programming and activities within the park and assist in providing an extended operating season past Thanksgiving.