Located at the southern tip of the Cape Shore, Cape St. Mary’s can lay claim to a rich and diverse identity. It is an identity that touches on the many ecological, social and cultural attributes of the area.

Nowadays, Cape St. Mary’s is best known for the Ecological Reserve that covers approximately 64 km² with 54 km² comprising the marine portion. Although it had been recognised as early as 1964 as a Wildlife Reserve, with the enactment of the Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Act, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador designated Cape St. Mary’s as an Ecological Reserve in 1983. Fittingly. the Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Act states its intention to “preserve special and representative natural areas in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Wildlife

Given this aim, the Ecological Reserve is home to a wide array of the seabirds, flora and fauna that make a home in this unique part of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Ecological Reserve or the Cape, is the location of one of the six gannetries that are located in Atlantic Canada and is the fourth largest in North America. Along with gannets who annually nest on a sea stack (often referred to as Bird Rock), about a twenty minute walk away from the Interpretation Centre, a host of other seabirds can also be seen in the sky or nesting on the cliffs below. Casting an eye around, one may spot black-legged kittiwakes, Common Murres (Turres), Thick-billed Murres, Great and Double-crested Cormorants (Shags), Herring Gulls and Great Black-backed Gulls (Saddlebacks).

Alongside the seabirds, land birds also nest at the Cape. Some of these birds include Horned Larks, Water Pipits, Kestrels and Common Ravens. Seaducks, such as the endangered Harlequin Duck also winter off the coast of Cape St. Mary’s. And on a good day, one may be lucky enough to spy a few other species who periodically visit the Cape, including Humpback, Fin and Minke whales.

Plant Life

Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve occupies an ecoregion known as the Eastern Hyper-Oceanic Barrens. And so, the flora and fauna nest and whirl amidst a land that is punctuated by its beautiful trees and plants. There are areas of tuckamore (a spruce tree bent and entangled by winds on coastal shores of Newfoundland), primarily of the balsam fir species. A view of the landscape will also reveal a plethora of beautiful irises (Beach Head Iris) that bloom in the summer as well as alpine moss and Pink Crowberry in the open barrens.

Given the nature of this part of Newfoundland and Labrador, one of the objectives in the management plan of the Ecological Reserve is “to foster scientific studies.” Such studies help to ensure the integrity of the Ecological Reserve.

Social & Cultural Life

However, prior to its current identity as an ecological reserve, the social and cultural life of the region included Cape St. Mary’s. In 1860, the Government of Newfoundland built a lighthouse on what would, a century or so later, become the Reserve. Since this time, it has ensured that the boats could safely navigate the sometimes hazardous waters of Placentia Bay. John O’Reilly, the father of Thomas O’Reilly, the Magistrate of Placentia from 1877-97, was one of the lighthouse keepers. Places such as Golden Bay, Lear’s Cove, Branch or other communities have been founded by these individuals.

The lives and the memory of these men, women and children can be found echoing on the Cape and still animating the history that brings it to life. Since 1999, the Cape St. Mary’s Performance Series has showcased the rich cultural history, music, stories and photographs of Cape St. Mary’s, as well as other places in the province. It is a fitting event that celebrates the rich identity and mosaic of Cape St. Mary’s.