Overview

The Malsonawihkuk/ Malsənawihkok Nature Preserve consists of 170.87 hectares (422.23 acres) of rich silver maple (Acer saccharinum) floodplain forest, located in Maugerville. This property is important to the Lower Saint John River Habitat Conservation Strategy since floodplain forests help mitigate flooding in the surrounding areas during the spring freshet.

This preserve is home to important Species at Risk in New Brunswick that the Nature Trust is honoured to protect.

History

The Malsonawihkuk/ Malsənawihkok Nature Preserve was acquired by the Nature Trust in 2021 via the Schuttenbeld Family, who have cared for this land and remain faithful stewards. The preserve is located within traditional Wabanaki territory, and past land use was mainly nature enjoyment and firewood harvesting.

The Nature Trust is proud to protect this important piece of New Brunswick’s natural heritage in perpetuity.

Ecology

The Malsonawihkuk/ Malsənawihkok Nature Preserve is part of the Sheffield/Jemseg Lower Wolastoq /Saint John River Important Bird Area for migratory and threatened species.

Throughout the property are small streams, a 15.5 hectare (38.3 acre) pond, and vernal pools, which are essential breeding habitat for amphibians.

The site is primarily silver maple (Acer saccharinum) floodplain forest with varying stand types and ages. Red and sugar maple (Acer Spp.), scattered mature yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), ash (Fraxinus pp.), speckled alder (Alnus incana) and some eastern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis) make up the remainder of the forest cover.

Access and Activities

Please contact the Nature Trust office at (506) 457-2398 or steward@ntnb.org for more information about visitation or 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 are to use the land at their own risk.