CONSERVE Y(OUR) NB: PROTECT NEW BRUNSWICK’S RICH BIODIVERSITY

IMAGINE A NEW BRUNSWICK WHERE NATURE CAN FLOURISH IN ALL ITS GLORY, FOREVER.

WE HAVE THE EXCITING AND LIMITED OPPORTUNITY TO PROTECT 243 HECTARES (601 ACRES) OF THE NEW BRUNSWICK YOU LOVE

When we launched the Conserve Y(our) NB: Protect the Places you Love campaign, we committed to protecting the wetlands, shorelines, forests, coasts, and islands that you cherish.

Right now, we have the opportunity to protect even more of these special places. Together, we can conserve 243 hectares (601 acres) of important ecosystems such as Provincially Significant Wetlands, climate-resilient mature forests, and critical species at risk habitats.

These rich and unique properties not only contribute to New Brunswick’s diverse natural tapestry, but they also stand as quintessential images of the profound beauty our province has to offer.

But we need your help! 

As part of the Conserve Y(our) NB campaign, we are looking to secure these ecologically significant pieces of New Brunswick’s natural heritage. We have currently secured $720,000 to protect and care for these remarkable properties, but we need your help to raise the remaining $51,000 by March 31st, 2023.

As of February 23rd, we are thrilled to announce that, thanks to your generous help, we have raised the funds necessary to secure 36 hectares (89 acres) of mature climate-resilient forest and Provincially Significant Wetlands on Scotch Lake!

One property conserved, two more to go!

Will you give today to protect New Brunswick’s beautiful and diverse natural spaces, forever?

ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THESE SPECTACULAR PROPERTIES

Mature Forest & Granite Cliffs in Bonny River (Peskotomuhkati Traditional Territory)

This beautiful and unique property, located north of Saint George, boasts 150 hectares (370 acres) of steep slopes and cliffs, spectacular mature forests, abundant wetlands, and incredible views of the surrounding area.

There are three wetlands on the property, all situated near Mud Lake, providing rich biodiversity and indicating a potential for the property to host rare or at-risk species.

This highly climate-resilient property exhibits truly outstanding topography and geology, with some of its peaks reaching heights that are uniquely close to those in the Bay of Fundy. These cliffs not only provide breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape but expose the stunning red and black granite famous to the Saint George area.

To the south of this property lies McQuirk’s Mountain, a Candidate Conservation Area of the government of New Brunswick’s Nature Legacy program. Conserving land adjacent to protected areas is a high strategic conservation priority for the Nature Trust as it ensures the unfragmented protection and expansion of critical habitats for species to thrive.

The First Nature Trust Nature Preserve in Grande-Digue (Mi’gmaq Traditional Territory)

This special 57-hectare (141-acre) property in Kent County contains part of a well-loved trail system used year-round by the local community for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Its forest is naturally regenerating from a forest fire 75 years ago, which is a unique type of disturbance in New Brunswick. As this Early Successional Forest grows, the tolerant hardwood species will mature and increase the climate resiliency of the area. Currently, red maple (Acer rubrum) and tamarack (Larix laricina) are most prominent, with red oak (Quercus rubra) saplings beginning to sprout throughout the area, which will continue to increase the carbon storage ability of the forest over time.

This lush, forested area provides habitat for a variety of species like pinesap (Monotropa hypopitys), pink lady’s slipper (Cypripedium acaule), eastern wood-pewee (Contopus virens) and northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis).

We are thrilled at the potential to protect this local treasure and establish the first Nature Trust nature preserve in the Grande-Digue area.

Climate-Resilient Forest & Wetlands on Scotch Lake (Wolastoqey Traditional Territory)

Located on the southeastern shore of Scotch Lake in York County, this stunning property features 36 hectares (89 acres) of mature climate-resilient forest and Provincially Significant Wetlands.

These wetlands have been identified as one of only four known locations in the province to host Robbins’ spikerush (Eleocharis robbinsii), which is considered Imperilled in New Brunswick. This ecologically significant area also contains vulnerable species such as tender sedge (Carex tenera) and smooth sawgrass (Cladium mariscoides).

A climate-resilient forest with the ability to store high amounts of carbon makes up 80% of the property. It consists primarily of a conifer forest dominated by red spruce (Picea rubens), eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), sugar maple (Acer saccarhum), and eastern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis).

To ensure a future for nature in New Brunswick, we need your help.

WHY GIVE?

Imagine breathtaking views from the edge of towering granite cliffs overlooking spectacular mature forests. Imagine wetlands teeming with life and giving home to countless species. Imagine future generations exploring lush local forested trails, discovering the joy of nature and all the wildlife found in their backyard.

Now imagine that you are the reason that these special refuges will be protected, forever.

As our favourite nature sanctuaries disappear and the species familiar to us all face rapid decline due to land clearing and the increasing impacts of climate change, it is crucial now more than ever to protect the New Brunswick we know and love.

When you choose to Conserve Y(our) NB, your gift will go to protecting these unique and integral ecosystems for future generations to enjoy and for amphibians, birds, insects, mammals, and plants to thrive in perpetuity.

Nature has always been there for us, and right now, we have an opportunity to give back to the natural spaces we treasure.

Will you give today to ensure New Brunswick’s rich biodiversity is protected, forever?

WHO ARE WE? 

Established in 1987, the Nature Trust of New Brunswick is a charitable land conservation organization that is responsible for conserving over 11,000 acres of land in more than 75 beautiful and diverse nature preserves throughout the province.

Our mission is to conserve areas in New Brunswick that are ecologically significant, to establish nature preserves that remain protected forever, to steward the preserves through a network of volunteers and supporters, and to engage with the public on the importance of land conservation, New Brunswick’s natural heritage, biodiversity, and species at risk.

CONTACT 

Whether on a trail enjoying the nature preserves we’ve protected together, on the phone, or at a sit-down meeting over tea and coffee, we’d be delighted to learn about you, your vision for nature in New Brunswick, and answer any questions you may have.

We’re here to help! Please contact our Chief Executive Officer, Stephanie Merrill, or our Engagement Manager, Sabarah Pilon, at any time for a confidential conversation.