Abstract

Recent palaeoethnobotanical research carried out at the Clam Cove site in the Minas Basin region of Nova Scotia has added new information to the study of Late Woodland hunter-gatherer groups in this area. Although this small midden site is considered to be in a marginal area, the large clam bed located near the site, and the modest compliment of plant and animal species made this location suitable as a temporary camp during lithic collection trips to Davidson's Cove, a quarry site across Scots Bay. Evidence of previously unknown species to the Clam Cove site, including beech (Fagus grandifolia), poplar (Populus sp.), strawberries (Fragaria sp.) and blueberries (Vaccinium sp.) have been recovered through flotation and charcoal analysis. This information will be compared to habitation sites in the area to gain insight into the movement of people during the Late Woodland.