Why We Love Grand Manan
Why We Love Grand Manan
WRITTEN BY KATELYN BARKER, CONSERVATION AND ENGAGEMENT TECHNICIAN
We have embarked on one of our most significant conservation projects to date - to conserve 860 acres on Ross Island. We met with some of our Conserve Y(our) NB Cabinet Members, Board Members, and staff to learn more about why protecting Ross Island is so exciting and why they love Grand Manan.
Michael McEwing, Board Member
My favorite nature spot to visit on Grand Manan is the Thomas B. Munro Memorial Shoreline Nature Preserve.
One of my favourite hikes on Thomas B. Munro Memorial Shoreline Nature Preserve started with seeing some minke whales at the beginning of the Red Trail. I continued to hear the whales as I hiked about the coastal cliffs.
A Michael McEwing Painting of Ashburton Head
Michael’s Conservation on Canvas exhibition featured paintings of 33 Nature Trust preserves across the province, including those found on the beautiful Island of Grand Manan.
What excites Michael most about protecting more of Grand Manan:
Grand Manan is a place that my family and I hope to keep returning to on a yearly basis. There is no end to the number of paintings possible from exploring natural areas in Grand Manan. Protecting these areas will ensure that they can continue to be explored and enjoyed for their natural diversity for generations to come.
Bethany at the Thomas B. Munro Memorial Shoreline Nature Preserve
As a Stewardship Manager at the Nature Trust of New Brunswick, I am lucky to travel to Grand Manan quite often and love to go there in my spare time. With three nature preserves on the northern portion of the island, our stewardship groups care for the species that reside there and are protected for future generations.
Hiking the Red Trail from the Southwest Head Lighthouse until the Hole-in-the-Wall is my favourite Grand Manan experience. Of course, this is thanks to the hard work of the Grand Manan Trails Association. Overlooking the Bay of Fundy at Ashburton Head and observing the massive yellow birches that stretch their limbs over several hundred meters on the southwestern portion of the island are some of my most treasured memories.
On one frigid, dark and windy night on Indian Beach, I met an unexpected dinner guest. I was getting up to rinse my dish when all-of-a-sudden I witnessed a minke whale surface just 10 meters away, feeding on nearby fish. What a fantastic surprise!
What excites Bethany most about protecting Ross Island:
Ross Island is a gorgeous place with 11 km of shoreline. Building local partnerships and friendships excites me most, and caring for this special place so that it can continue to provide safe refuge to wildlife and plants that call it home. I am excited for a Great Fundy Coastal Cleanup on Ross Island!
Lydia’s snapshot from her favourite island
Lydia LaPointe, Conserve Y(our) NB Cabinet Member
I have taken many trips to Grand Manan, being a Charlotte County lover, and I always admire the historic and picturesque views at the Swallowtail Lighthouse. I visit every chance I can get.
My favourite memory on Grand Manan was a hot day in July, in a small clearing above the beach at Dark Harbour, looking out over the coast of Maine, smelling the sea and the wildflowers, with dozens of bees and monarch butterflies all around me.
Over the years, in my visits to Grand Manan, Ross Island was the decrepit lighthouse site, visible from the island, as it slowly crumbled.
What excites Lydia most about protecting Ross Island:
It never occurred to me that this privately owned island would be accessible to anyone who wanted to visit.
It is a gem.
Protecting Ross Island forever is a beautiful gift to the wildlife as well as human visitors.
Brittany and her family enjoying the views on Grand Manan
Brittany Dixon, Conservation and Engagement Technician
My favorite nature spot to visit on Grand Manan is the lookout over Dark Harbor. After a couple of days of hiking, it was a beautiful spot to take a break, look out over the Bay of Fundy, and relax into the sounds and smells of nature.
My favourite nature memory on Grand Manan is watching the sunset with my family from a bench overlooking the Red Trail's cliffs. We celebrated together and relaxed after a couple of hard days of hiking.
What excites Brittany most about protecting Ross Island:
I think what excites me most about protecting Ross Island is that it gives people the chance to explore this ecologically significant natural area for years to come! I’m excited for people to discover the birds, whales, and other creatures of Ross Island, myself included! By protecting the island, we can ensure that the pristine beauty of Ross Island remains intact for all.
Tom Beckley, Board Member
I can’t get enough of the Southwest Cliffs. My favourite nature memory on the island is from a hike through the Thomas B. Munro Memorial Shoreline Nature Preserve trail with my brother and sister-in-law.
What excites Tom most about protecting more of Grand Manan:
Grand Manan is a Maritime treasure. It is both domesticated and wild. It is an exciting “edge” environment between sea and land. It is easy to go on “island time” when you are there.
Catherine at the Thomas B. Munro Memorial Shoreline Nature Preserve
Catherine Wisniowski, Stewardship Coordinator
I love visiting the magical island of Grand Manan. Although it’s hard to choose just one – it would have to be Hayes Point. It has the perfect viewpoint of the island’s massive cliffs and the Bay of Fundy. What a delight to set up camp at such a scenic spot - we even spotted a couple of whales and seals … perfection!
Hiking the Red Trail – let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The trail is stunning with its ocean views and majestic twisted birch trees. Apart from the trail’s natural beauty, the friendly folk who offered to drive us to the trailhead when we arrived on the ferry and the hikers we ate lunch with along the way truly made our visit to Grand Manan a magical experience. I’ll be back to Grand Manan – only next time, I hope to explore the protected Ross Island.
What excites Catherine most about protecting Ross Island:
Coming from Toronto and city living for most of my life, I was stunned by the beauty and natural state of the Bay of Fundy coastlines. Grand Manan is a special place that is stunning for visitors and even more important to wildlife. Knowing that another piece of it will be protected is excellent news. Another island full of nature to explore and enjoy.
Kaela’s partner Tyler, her friends Shawn and Adrienne, and their son, Cohen.
Kaela Neil, Strategic Policy Coordinator
I have taken part in multiple trips to Grand Manan, both for the Nature Trust and in my spare time. My favorite nature spot to visit on the island is the hike along the southern tip towards the 'flock of sheep.' It is like a scene from Lord of the Rings. Especially when it is misty, and the waves are crashing into the cliffs and rock outcrops.
My favourite memory on Grand Manan is from a beautiful sunny day, hiking with some friends on the island's northwestern part. I remember that you could see for miles. While stopping on the beach for lunch, we noticed at least eight porpoises feeding on some fish nearby.
Another favorite nature memory is going on a "rock walk" with my friend Maree, a geologist. We explored the fault line, beach and intertidal area, searching for creatures in the seaweed.
What excites Kaela most about protecting Ross Island:
What excites me the most about protecting Ross Island? I am excited to be able to visit the nature preserve and take in the views of the ocean and marine life on the trail. I appreciate those hikes more when I know the land will remain protected forever and future generations can enjoy the same (or similar) landscape as I do.
Do you have a story you want to share with us about your love for Grand Manan nature? Or do you want to learn more about how we will Protect Ross Island?
We would love to connect with you!
Please send us a message by clicking the button below or by connecting with our Communications and Engagement Manager, Cheyenne at cheyenne.currie@ntnb.org.