Original Article By Emma Smith – April 1, 2022
Read at https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/wellington-robert-perkins-wetland-habitat-beavers-birds-turtles-1.6403620

For more than two decades, local resident Robert Perkins has quietly transformed a section of his property near Fall River into a thriving wetland habitat—creating a vital space for turtles, herons, otters, and other wildlife within a growing suburban landscape.
What began as a personal project has become a model for grassroots stewardship within the Shubenacadie Watershed. Situated on roughly 3.5 hectares, the wetland now features eight interconnected ponds surrounded by native vegetation and nurtured by natural water flow. While a family of beavers has since moved in and added their own enhancements, the original design and excavation were guided by a deep appreciation for the land and its ecological role.

SWEPS recognizes the value of this kind of commitment. Constructed wetlands like Robert’s serve as important buffers in developed areas—slowing runoff, filtering pollution, and providing critical habitat at a time when natural wetlands continue to disappear. His site also highlights the importance of community awareness, respectful land use, and the positive impact that even small-scale restoration can have on local biodiversity.

As this wetland continues to mature, it offers opportunities not only for habitat support but also for public education around wetland conservation and climate resilience. SWEPS applauds Robert’s long-standing efforts and hopes to see more stories like this emerge across the watershed.