Why Protect the Forest and Wetland in Waasis
Why Protect the Forest and Wetland in Waasis
WRITTEN BY ETHAN NYLEN, CONSERVATION AND ENGAGEMENT INTERN
Sweeping green brush aside, long-time Nature Trust supporter John Kipping leads us through the floodplain forest down a gentle slope, toward a beautiful creek. We follow John out onto an untouched nature preserve where, dappled along the banks of the winding stream, the silver maples enjoy the height of summer's bloom. We spend the morning talking about his experiences as a land steward as he shows us what the area has to offer.
In the far corner of the preserve sits a silver maple floodplain forest and Provincially Significant Wetland, where the stream carves through, creating small pools of water with banks sloped toward its edge. For the past few years, the Nature Trust has been surveying and attempting to protect this special property: the Forest and Wetland in Waasis, New Brunswick.
Nature Trust Conservation Manager, Carli Le Roux, describes the area's ecological significance and its ability to create habitat connectivity for species at risk as endlessly valuable. But as Carli explains, the area's beauty should not go overlooked. "It's just beautiful," she says, "when you look at the shoreline, and then if you go upland from there, the whole forest changes completely.” In part, Carli is surprised by the area's topography and how the river interacts with the forest. "If you're walking down the plain, the river almost catches you by surprise. It's so different from what is behind you," she says.
Not only is this area home to important species at risk, but it stands as a quintessential image of New Brunswick's beautiful wilderness.
The quiet creek flows from the Wolastoq/Saint John River, pooling and branching through the area's ecologically significant habitats. As we walk to the corner of the adjacent hay field and push through the brush, John shows us where the shoreline is gently valleyed, shaped by last year's flood. With pride, he tells us of the history of the land and how it has flourished, untouched and tucked away in the Fredericton area. "It's a special place," he says.
The Nature Trust has the exciting opportunity to conserve a pristine 38.2-hectare (89.4-acre) property directly adjacent to the existing nature preserve. The Forest and Wetland in Waasis sits in an area of High Conservation Value, Carli explains. Its protection would expand the conserved area and preserve important wildlife habitat. In short, it's a refuge – and the Nature Trust hopes to keep it that way.
When it's protected, the area will remain undeveloped, allowing it to remain a critical wildlife sanctuary.
Nature Trust Board Member Dr. Tom Beckley, a professor in the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Management at the University of New Brunswick, notes that there is "tremendous value" in having untouched nature preserves. Both Carli and Dr. Beckley explain that even small trail systems on properties considered as ecologically significant and delicate as the Forest and Wetland in Waasis can have detrimental effects to the ecological health of the area.
From the river's shoreline, John leads us to the edge of the small head pond. He points out the lilies which stipple the water's surface, and we chat about his time at UNB's Forestry program.
John states that the wildlife in the area has created diverse habitats, and unique and uncommon plants are growing throughout the protected natural space.
Looking across the water and into the dense forest, it's exciting to imagine the plans to protect and extend this conserved area - to create safe connectivity for wildlife to move freely and undisturbed, allowing the present species to thrive in perpetuity.
Taken by the raw beauty of this peaceful nature preserve, we walk back to the car with John. He's only shown us a portion of what the property has to offer and the stories which shape it. From my conversations with John, Carli, and Dr. Beckley, it is clear that we need to act now to protect the unique and beautiful natural spaces we know and love in New Brunswick. From immense ecological diversity to sincerely stunning vistas, the Forest and Wetland in Waasis is no exception.
By giving to the Conserve Y(our) NB: Protect the Forest and Wetland in Waasis campaign, you will be contributing to the conservation and stewardship of another New Brunswick treasure. With your help, we can protect this special wildlife refuge, forever.