August 30, 2019
(Miramichi, NB) The Nature Trust of New Brunswick is pleased to announce the conservation of over 16 hectares (41 acres) of extensive mixed forest and wetland habitat, which includes part of the Carding Mill Brook tributary of the Miramichi River, in Miramichi.
Located in the former village of Nelson, the property has been named the Dolan Woodlands Nature Preserve after the Dolan family who generously donated the land to the Nature Trust for its permanent protection in 2018. The property borders the popular Miramichi Cross Country Ski Club and protects land where some of its trails are located.
The Dolan Woodlands Nature Preserve has a rich history in the Miramichi area, as the woodlot was originally purchased in 1845 by John (Doolan) Dolan. He arrived in Miramichi in 1830 at age 15 from Ireland with his father, mother, and younger brother Thomas, and the family lived on Beaubears Island for the first 20 years of their new life, originally working in the shipbuilding industry.
Throughout the years, the Dolan family have been wise stewards of this property, enjoying the surrounding nature which would become a touchstone for many members of the family. The intentions of the family’s donation include to honour their ancestors, to ensure the land will be conserved, in perpetuity, and to give back to the community of Miramichi, where this nature preserve will be enjoyed for future generations.
The nature preserve protects an extensive network of wetlands, including forested wetlands, which provide important habitat for many plant species, including highbush cranberry, rattlesnake root, wild cucumber, and hawthorn. The extensive mixed forest located on the preserve is rich with white ash, pin cherry, eastern white cedar, white spruce, aspen, white birch, balsam fir, larch, and red maple. This habitat supports various species of wildlife including ducks, brook trout, moose, deer, beaver, raccoon, as well as many species of birds and amphibians.
The wetlands and riparian zone surrounding the nature preserve are important to the sustainability of the Carding Mill Brook and the quality of the water in this brook. This brook is a direct tributary of the salmon bearing Miramichi River.
To celebrate the announcement of this newest addition to the network of Nature Trust protected areas in the Miramichi region, a grand opening celebration will take place at the nature preserve on Saturday, September 7th, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
All members of the public are welcome to attend. Participants are asked to meet Nature Trust staff at the Miramichi Cross Country Ski Club (131 Nelson St. Miramichi, New Brunswick, E1N 6A8). The event will begin at 1:00 p.m. with a grand opening speech and will be followed by an interpretive walk, guided by a Nature Trust staff member, at 2:00 p.m. to showcase the important ecological features of the preserve.
Interested individuals are asked to visit the Upcoming Events page to register in advance. Any questions about the event or the preserve can be directed to Nature Trust Stewardship Manager, Bethany Young, at bethany.young@ntnb.org or by calling (506) 457-2398.
Quotes:
We are thrilled to expand our network of growing nature preserves in the Greater Miramichi Area, and to have conserved this significant piece of property to ensure that it is protected forever. This property provides significant habitat for diverse flora and fauna and protects various wetland ecosystems, which play an important role in the health of our communities and environment.
- Wayne Burley, President of the Nature Trust of New Brunswick
About the Nature Trust of New Brunswick:
Established in 1987, the Nature Trust of New Brunswick is a charitable conservation organization dedicated to preserving the province’s ecologically significant landscapes and natural heritage. To date, the Nature Trust has conserved over 8,000 acres (3,200 hectares) in over 60 beautiful and diverse nature preserves in New Brunswick.
media contact:
Danielle Andrus
Communications and Engagement Manager
danielle.andrus@ntnb.org
(506) 457-2398