BARTLETT MILLS NATURE PRESERVE

Overview

The Bartlett Mills Nature Preserve protects 74.38 hectares (183.80 acres) in Bocabec NB, surrounding Goldsmiths Lake. The preserve hosts diverse wetland, waterfowl, rare and sensitive plants, and priority habitat.

The preserve is located less than 5km from the Caughey-Taylor Nature Preserve. The acquisition of this land contributes to the Nature Trust’s goal of creating a wildlife corridor in this area, which will provide connectivity of diverse habitats and support species migration. Corridors are essential for unfragmented land where animals can travel safely within the landscape.  

This preserve is home to important Species at Risk in New Brunswick that the Nature Trust is honoured to protect. 

History

The Bartlett Mills Nature Preserve was donated to the Nature Trust by Frances and Lance Howard, through the Government of Canada’s Ecological Gift Program. Frances’ ancestor, Leonard Bartlett, moved into the area around 1810. He established a grist mill that milled buckwheat and corn, lumber, and carded wool. The lake served as a reservoir system that powered the mill wheel. 

The Bartlett Mills Nature Preserve is located within traditional Wabanaki territory. The Nature Trust is proud to protect this important piece of New Brunswick’s natural heritage, forever. 

Ecology

The preserve falls within the Whole Quoddy Region Ecologically and Biologically Significant Area (EBSA), with one parcel surrounding Goldsmiths Lake, and the other consisting primarily of softwood forest. Both areas offer an abundance of biodiversity and support important and unique habitats. The diverse stands contain a rich moss and lichen forest floor, and the area is populated by many large diameter pines (Pinus spp.) and eastern white cedars (Thuja occidentalis). Vernal pools are present, providing specific breeding habitat for amphibians. 

The Bartlett Mills Nature Preserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including rare and uncommon plant species like boreal aster (Symphyotrichum boreale), and thread-like naiad (Najas gracillima). The Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre (ACCDC) has identified the preserve as home to threatened species such as barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) and snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina). 

Access and Activities

Please contact the Nature Trust office at (506) 457-2398 or steward@ntnb.org for more information about visitation or stewardship opportunities for this nature preserve.