Overview
This nature preserve is 75.4 hectares (186.3 acres), protecting about 2 km of shoreline along the St. Croix River and across the river from the Moosehorn National Wildlife Preserve on the U.S. border. This floodplain habitat provides home for many rare plant species.
History
The Beausoleil Nature Preserve is within traditional Wabanaki territory and was acquired from Pat Beausoleil in 2019 for permanent protection.
Ecology
The habitats found on the Beausoleil Nature Preserve provide ideal conditions for many rare and uncommon species. For some of these species such as Sweet Wood Reed Grass (Cinna arundinacea), lowland yellow loosestrife (Lysimachia hybrida), Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago) and Northern Arrow-wood (Viburnum dentatum), this is the only location they can be found in abundance, making this preserve along the St. Croix River very unique.
Access and Activities
From NB Route 1 West, take exit 4 – Church St./St. Stephen Drive. Continue on Church St. for 1.9km, then turn right on Spring Street and take another right on Pleasant St. for 1.7 km. Turn left on Lloyd Hill Rd (continue about 100m past the sign for Lloyd Hill Rd.) and continue about 1.1 km to fork in gravel road and stay to the right. It is about 0.5 km to the gate of the property.
*The property is undeveloped and there are a variety of hazards and risks associated with accessing this preserve. While this nature preserve is open for public access, visitors must assume responsibility for their own actions and safety and are to use the land at their own risk.