Committed to the conservation, enhancement and stewardship of habitat across Newfoundland and Labrador

The entirety of the Town of Flower’s Cove is within the Strait of Belle Isle Barrens ecoregion. Its proximity to Labrador means that this ecoregion is frequently visited by animal species that are typically found in more Arctic climates. Shallow soils and harsh weather contribute to the large swathes of exposed limestone bedrock in the region, creating habitat known as the Limestone Barrens.

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Formation of the Limestone Barrens: Newfoundland’s west coast is theorized to have once been the edge of a tropical ocean teeming with animals and plants. The death of these species deposited calcium and magnesium-rich sediments on the sea floor, which accumulated and hardened into thick layers of limestone (calcium-rich) and dolostone (magnesium-rich). As surrounding tectonic plates shifted, this shallow ocean was trapped between converging continents and the seafloor was thrust up and became land. As upper rock layers eroded away, the limestone and dolostone were eventually exposed. More recently, glaciation has scoured the landscape submerging the coastal lowlands and rain and frost have transformed the exposed bedrock into the barrens we see today. The Limestone Barrens are found only in the windiest, coldest, coastal, and mountaintop sites that are unable to support forest or bog, however, despite climate conditions there are many tough and resilient species of plants that have adapted to a way of life in this unique habitat. Several rare plants are found in these protected areas, including Fernald's Braya (Braya fernaldii), Barrens Willow (Salix jejuna), Long’s Braya (Braya longii), and Wooly Arnica (Arnica tomentosa), as well as unique geological features such as stone stripes, limestone pavement and thrombolites (the rare, fossilized remains of primitive life forms).

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Learn more about the Limestone Barrens

 

These habitats of special significance require added protection, and the Town of Flower's Cove has designated 2 areas within their municipal planning boundaries as Conservation Areas (CAs): Thrombolites CA and White Rocks CA.

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The Thrombolites CA (24.5 acres) is found on the lower western border of the municipality, in the shoreline habitat where the Thrombolites and a portion of the Thrombolites walking trail are found. Thrombolites are the fossilized remains of primitive creatures. Though only found in a handful of places in the world, they are easily seen in Flower’s Cove, making the area and the associated trail system popular with visitors and locals alike. Given the coastal nature of the thrombolite fossils, the CA encompasses the coastal habitat along the water’s edge. The White Rocks CA (133 acres) encompasses a portion of the well-loved White Rocks walking trail. The area provides important opportunities for local residents, students and visitors to learn more about the unique features of the Limestone Barrens.