North Mountain (conservation area)

North Mountain is a prominent landform and significant conservation area located primarily in western Nova Scotia, Canada. The term generally refers to the basalt ridge that stretches approximately 200 kilometers along the northwestern coast of the Annapolis Valley and the Bay of Fundy. It forms the northern boundary of the valley and descends dramatically to the shoreline.

Geologically, North Mountain is part of the greater Triassic-Jurassic North Mountain Basalt, formed by extensive volcanic activity during the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea. The basalt flows created distinctive columnar jointing and contributed significantly to the formation of the fertile Annapolis Valley through weathering and erosion.

The conservation area encompasses a variety of habitats, including mixed Acadian forests, coastal barrens, and intertidal zones. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several rare or endangered species. Significant bird populations are found along the coastline, particularly migratory shorebirds and seabirds.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting the integrity of the natural ecosystems, maintaining biodiversity, and promoting sustainable land management practices. Pressures on the conservation area include residential development, resource extraction (particularly quarrying), and recreational use. Various organizations, including government agencies and non-profit groups, are involved in monitoring, research, and stewardship activities aimed at preserving the ecological value of North Mountain. Access to portions of North Mountain are regulated to protect sensitive areas.