Overview
This 29.86 hectare (73.79 acre) nature preserve is located in the Central Uplands Ecoregion in northern New Brunswick on the Tobique River approximately one hour from Mount Carleton Provincial Park. It is the Nature Trust’s northernmost nature preserve.
History
In 2014, this land was donated to the Nature Trust by a person who wishes to remain anonymous, on behalf of their family. The donation was also made in memory of their parents who they describe as naturalists who appreciated birds and all that nature has to offer. It was part of the family’s homestead for many generations.
The land on the Tobique River and surrounding wetlands and forests have remained undeveloped to preserve resident wildlife and cultural practices, as local First Nations people have historically used this site to harvest strips of wood from ash trees for basket weaving.
Ecology
The nature preserve contains a diverse range of habitats, including old farm fields, a softwood forest upland, and lowland floodplain, with mixed forests and a Provincially Significant Wetland. The wetland portion covers a third of the property and provides important hydrological functions, including storage of excess water from a nearby brook and the Tobique River during high rain events.
The regionally endangered bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) has been known to frequent this site, along with a wide array of common New Brunswick wildlife such as osprey (Pandion haliaetus), pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), moose (Alces alces), North American beaver (Castor canadensis), black bear (Ursus americanus), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus), and American red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus). Many songbirds also visit the area, including the yellow-rumped warbler (Setophaga coronate), which has been observed nesting on the property. Tuckerman Sedge (Carex tuckermanii)—a rare plant species listed as vulnerable (S3) by the Atlantic Conservation Data Centre—inhabits the rich soils of the lowland river floodplains.
This land is monitored by local stewards who help to keep an eye on it and report any disturbances to the Nature Trust.
Access and Activities
The exact location of the nature preserve is not publicized due to the donors’ request to protect the ecological integrity of the area. Those interested in visiting the site for scientific or educational purposes, should contact the Nature Trust at (506) 457-2398 or naturetrust@ntnb.org for more information.