There are an estimated 130 lakes in the St. Mary's watershed, ranging in size from less than 5 hectares (12 acres) to 3 square kilometres (1.2 sq mi) (Lochaber Lake). The largest lakes, all on the East and North branches, are the Lochaber, Lochiel,Eden and Archibald's Mills Lakes.
Named Rivère Isle Verte by explorerSamuel de Champlain,[4] the current name is from Fort Saint Marie, a French-built fort which was later taken over and destroyed by the British. There was also a Fort Saint Charles on the river nearby; both were 17th century forts. Atlantic salmon, an endangered species, inhabit the river.[3] There are efforts under way by the Nova Scotia Nature Trust to protect ecologically important lands along the river.[3]
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