Everything about Terra Nova National Park totally explained
Terra Nova National Park is located on the northeast coast of the island of
Newfoundland in the
Canadian province of
Newfoundland and Labrador, along several inlets of
Bonavista Bay. The park takes its name from the
latin name for Newfoundland.
Terra Nova's landscape is typical of the northeast coast of Newfoundland, with remnants of the
Appalachian Mountains contributing to widely varied and rugged topography throughout the region. The park's seacoast consists of several rocky "fingers" jutting into
Bonavista Bay along an area stretching from just north of
Port Blandford to the vicinity of
Glovertown. The coastline varies from cliffs and exposed headlands to sheltered inlets and coves, contributing to Newfoundland's prime recreational
boating area.
Inland areas consist of rolling forested hills, exposed rock faces, and
bogs, ponds and
wetlands. Wildlife protected by the park range from small to large land
mammals,
migratory birds, and various marine life. Terra Nova also protects an area containing remnants of the
Beothuk Nation, as well as many of the early pioneer European settlements in the region.
Terra Nova National Park was created in 1957 and was the first
National Park in
Newfoundland and Labrador. Terra Nova protects the Eastern Island Boreal Forest natural region. This region covers most of the island of Newfoundland, east of
Deer Lake, and is characterized by
black spruce trees with pockets of
balsam fir,
white pine,
mountain ash,
tamarack,
maple and other
deciduous tree species.
Challenges
Terra Nova, like many parks, has challenges in preserving its ecological integrity. Firstly, one of the mechanisms to renew a
boreal forest ecosystem is
forest fire - something that hasn't happened in the region in many years. As a result, the forest of Terra Nova isn't mixed. It is mostly
old growth forest with trees of roughly the same age. Forest fire renews the forest and creates new
habitat for many boreal creatures. Another challenge facing Terra Nova is introduced species. Newfoundland suffers from "the island effect". Islands can have very different
ecosystems than their mainland counterparts. For example, the island of Newfoundland only has 14 native mammals while neighboring Nova Scotia has over 40. A
native species is one that got to the island on its own by swimming, flying or walking over the ice. If you look at the mammals found here there are many more than 14. Many of our mammals, including
moose,
snowshow hare,
red squirrels and
mink, have been introduced through the island either on purpose or by accident. And these species are creating trouble for the forest. Snowshoe hare and moose in particular are having a detrimental effect on balsam fir stands in the park. The creatures browse new growth of balsam fir and many other tree species, which is preventing the trees from growing and maturing. The Park has
exclosures set up so that visitors can see the effect that introduced species are having on the forest. The exclosures are areas that are fenced off so that moose and snowshoe hare can't get in. That way we can see what the forest would look like if those animals weren't there.
Activities
There are lots of things to do during your visit to Terra Nova National Park. There are two
campgrounds that offer front country camping: Newman Sound and Malady Head. Newman Sound is the bigger of the two and has many sites with electrical capability. Malady Head is a quieter campground and offers more of a "
wilderness experience." There are also a number of
backcountry camping areas that you can
hike,
canoe or
kayak to. There are many
trails in the park of varying length and difficulty. The main visitor centre is located at Salton's Brook. There you'll find marine exhibits, including a touch tank, the Ocean Watch boat tour that will take you out into Newman Sound to see
bald eagles, and sea kayaking. There is also a
Coast Guard exhibit, a gift shop
(External Link
) and a restaurant.
During the summer there are a number of interpretive programs offered at Terra Nova. Almost every night there's a show at the Evening Theatre about the themes of the Park. Previous shows include "Forest Feud" and "The Broad Cove Bachelor". Once a week there's also a
campfire program at the campfire circle where you can listen to some sounds of Newfoundland while sipping
hot chocolate. There are also a number of interpretive hikes that cover themes such as introduced species,
forest fire, species at risk, and edible plants.
There are a number of activities for kids. There is a Nature House
(External Link) in Newman Sound Campground that offers daily programs. One of the more popular programs is the Junior Naturalist Program where children get stamps towards becoming a junior
naturalist. There is also a Graduate Naturalist Program where older children get a workbook with lots of fun activities to complete.
Terra Nova also organizes and celebrates a number of special events. Some of the more popular include
Canada Day (July 1), Kids day, Newfoundland and Labrador day, Take a Hike Day, Oceans Day (June 8), and the Heritage Folk Festival
(External Link)(August).
Winter activities at the park include winter camping,
snowshoeing and
cross country sking. People are also welcome to come and have a "mug up" at the park during the winter.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Terra Nova National Park'.
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