Overview
The Hal Hinds Forest Nature Preserve consists of 48 hectares (119 acres) of critically threatened Appalachian Hardwood Forest located in the Wolastoqey Traditional Territory of Hovey Hill, Woodstock. The preserve borders the existing Hal Hinds Forest Protected Natural Area (PNA), which was effectively expanded with the establishment of our nature preserve.
History
The Hal Hinds Forest Nature Preserve is named in honour of the late Harold (Hal) Hinds, a founder of the Nature Trust, noted conservation champion, and author of the definitive field guide for vascular plants in New Brunswick, titled Flora of New Brunswick. This book helped spark a wave of concern and action against the threats which then, and now, challenged the rich diversity of life found in the Appalachian Hardwood Forests of New Brunswick.
“Learn them, love them, protect them!” - Hal Hinds
The Nature Trust officially protected the Hal Hinds Forest Nature Preserve in January 2024, thanks to the generous donations of New Brunswickers through our Hovey Hill/Hal Hinds Forest campaign, a fundraising effort undertaken as a part of our larger Conserve Y(our) NB campaign. We are proud to protect this important piece of New Brunswick’s natural heritage in perpetuity, and to honour the legacy of Hal Hinds.
Ecology
One of the most critically threatened ecosystems in New Brunswick, with less than one per cent remaining, the Appalachian Hardwood Forest ecosystem that makes up the Hal Hinds Forest Nature Preserve is a stunning example of a hardwood forest whose understory supports rare and endangered plants such as plantain-leaved sedge (Carex plantaginea), lopseed (Phryma leptostachya), wild comfrey (Cynoglossum virginianum), and yellow lady’s-slipper (Cypripedium parviflorum). This preserve also hosts other common species found in rich tolerant hardwood forests, like lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina), trout lily (Erythronium americanum), and black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis).
The Hal Hinds Forest Nature Preserve also indicates a great potential for sugar maples (Acer saccharum), basswood (Tilia americana), and endangered butternut (Juglans cinerea) to reestablish in the areas of open field where they most likely persisted in the past.
Access and Activities
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 use the land at their own risk.