Overview

The Bernie Bowie Sr. Nature Preserve contains 21.04 hectares (51.99 acres) of Acadian Peninsula wetland habitat, in the Miramichi region of Northumberland County. The preserve is composed of 50% wetland and a designated Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW). It is home to a variety of rare and uncommon plant species such as white fringed orchid (Platanthera blephariglottis) and red goosefoot (Oxybasis rubra). This preserve is home to an important Species at Risk that the Nature Trust is proud to protect.

History

The preserve’s surrounding area has a history of peat mining, which contributes to the importance of conserving its habitat. The Nature Trust protected the Bernie Bowie Sr. Nature Preserve in 2018 thanks to the generous donation of Janice Buchanan. It is named in memory of her grandfather, Bernard (Bernie) James Bowie.

The Bernie Bowie Sr. Nature Preserve is located within traditional Mi'kmaq territory. The Nature Trust is proud to protect this significant piece of New Brunswick’s natural heritage, forever.

Ecology

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The Bernie Bowie Sr. Nature Preserve contains predominately shrubby, coastal, and forested wetlands. The shrubby wetlands consist mostly of black spruce (Picea mariana), tamarack (Larix laricina), alder (Alnus sp.), and red maple (Acer rubrum). The preserve is home to a variety of plant species including American searocket (Cakile edentula), shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) and Pennsylvania bittercress (Cardamine pensylvanica).

There are five Important Bird Areas stretching up the coastline nearby: Escuminac Beaches, Neguac Sandspit, Tabusintac Lagoon & River Estuary, Pointe-a-Bouleau, and Tracadie Bay and Sandspit. Birds observed in the area include greater yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca), spotted sandpiper (Actitis macularius), willet (Tringa semipalmata), pectoral sandpiper (Calidris melanotos), bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), and pine siskin (Spinus pinus). The beach area of the preserve offers quality nesting habitat for migrating shorebirds.

Access and Activities

The Bernie Bowie Sr. Nature is a wildlife refuge with no public access. Hunting and trapping are not permitted. Please contact the Nature Trust office at (506) 457-2398 or steward@ntnb.org for more information about stewardship opportunities.   

*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.