Overview
The preserve is 38-hectares (94.5 acres) of regenerating forest habitat located in York County on the Kingsley road in Estey’s Bridge.
History
The Seymour Woodlands Nature Preserve is within traditional Wabanaki territory. The preserve was donated in 2017 by Judith Seymour to keep this land, with deep ties to her family, protected in perpetuity.
The preserve has a historic use of farming and firewood harvesting; the last harvesting happened in the 1970’s. There are old hay fields on the north-west portion of the nature preserve that are currently growing into alders and large wild black/raspberry patches. An old apple orchard is also on the preserve, indicating that there was probably a homestead in the past.
Ecology
The nature preserve dominated by birch and balsam fir contains white spruce, eastern white cedar, red maple, trembling aspen, black ash, yellow birch, hemlock, larch and large pine trees. Mill Brook runs diagonally throughout the preserve and eventually into the Nashwaaksis Stream, providing important habitat for deer, forest birds, fish, frogs, porcupine and other wildlife.
Access and Activities
Parking is located near 124 Kingsley Rd. after Seymour Cemetery, on the right. From the parking lot, there is about a 300m section leading you to the interpretive sign with more information about the nature preserve. The loop trail (1.6km) starts clockwise by following the blue markers along the path with bridges that crisscross Mill Brook. Rope guides are placed near inclines to aid in traversing the trail which provides a higher vantage point of the creek. After crossing the second bridge, the trail leads through the forest back towards the interpretive sign and the trail back to the parking lot.
*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.