Tusket River Nature Reserve was established in 1989 to protect a 22-hectare property on Wilsons Lake which hosts endangered Atlantic coastal plain flora. A second, 16-hectare property on nearby Gillfillan Lake was added in 2006, expanding the protected shore within this reserve to about one kilometre. Both lakes are on the Tusket River.

The lake shores host a nationally significant plant community known as Atlantic Coastal Plain Flora. Over six rare plant species occur along here, including the largest populations of pink coreopsis and Plymouth gentian along the Tusket River. Both of these species are provincially and federally listed as endangered.

The designation extends 100 feet (30.5m) into the shallow lake shore, where most of the rare plants occur. These are vulnerable to human disturbance, especially during low water conditions when they are fully exposed.

The upland portions of the reserve are wooded, with red spruce, balsam fir, red maple and other species. This buffer helps protect the rich shoreline-beach plant community.

Research and education are undertaken at this important nature reserve.

Additional lands along Tusket River are protected by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), Nova Scotia Nature Trust (NSNT), and within the provincially designated Tusket River Wilderness Area.