Friends of the Pugwash Estuary
The Friends of the Pugwash Estuary (FOPE) is a volunteer-led Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and protection of the Pugwash Estuary in Nova Scotia. Established in 2004 and registered as a charity in 2013, FOPE collaborates with local communities, researchers, and conservation groups to safeguard the estuary's biodiversity and promote environmental education.

Mission and Activities
FOPE focuses on stewardship, habitat monitoring, and public engagement. Its initiatives include maintaining trails, organizing bird-counting events, and supporting academic research on salt marshes. The group owns properties along the estuary, including an outdoor classroom and an interpretive center under development, which aim to educate visitors about the ecosystem's ecological and historical significance.

Partnerships
FOPE works closely with the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), which has protected over 550 hectares of wetlands, forests, and shoreline in the Pugwash Estuary area since 2004. This collaboration has established one of Nova Scotia’s largest conservation networks along the Northumberland Strait, safeguarding critical habitats for migratory birds such as American black duck, Canada goose, and semipalmated sandpiper.

Impact
The organization mobilizes volunteers for conservation efforts, including post-hurricane restoration projects, and engages over 150 members in its activities. By integrating community involvement with scientific research, FOPE contributes to the long-term preservation of the estuary, recognized as one of the province’s most productive coastal ecosystems.