Which river nearly divides Prince Edward Island in half? If you answered the Hillsborough River – that’s correct!
Beginning in the hills above Mount Stewart, this 45 km long river widens into an estuary before leading into Charlottetown Harbour.
Sometimes considered the wetland capital of PEI, the Hillsborough drainage basin is a wildlife oasis as it provides a variety of habitat with its salt, brine and freshwater marshes. Waterfowl are especially abundant in these wetlands.
Hundreds of great blue heron nesting pairs can be spotted where the Glenfinnan and the Hillsborough rivers merge. A common tern colony can be seen where the Hillsborough River empties into Charlottetown Harbour.
There’s also 57 rare plants in the watershed, many shore bird species on the tidal flats and both salt and fresh water fish – such as eel, smelt, mackerel and brook trout – in the waterway.
Also of interest is a 4 hectare mature mixed woodlot known as Royalty Oaks. Consisting of red oak, red maple, sugar maple and yellow birch – to name just a few of the tree species found here – these trees are between 100 and 300 years old.
This river and its surrounding areas certainly have a lot to offer!
Terri-Lee Reid
Terri-Lee Reid is a Freshwater Conservation Researcher at the Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF). She leads initiatives in researching, designing and delivering freshwater programs and advocating CWF’s freshwater positions to government, the public and other stakeholders.
