Overview
This preserve is approximately 8.1 hectares (20 acres) and is located at the eastern end of Sugar Island. This island is one of the Keswick Islands in the Saint John River, above Fredericton and below the Mactaquac dam.
History
Sugar Island Preserve was donated to the Nature Trust in 1996 by the H.M. Dignam Corporation of Ontario and Prince Edward Island. An additional property was donated by the Hawkins family in 2015.
Ecology
The floodplain islands (Sugar and the adjacent islands) have an unusual floodplain and prairie-type flora. The gravel strands, which are flooded annually, are effectively in a state of perpetual early succession. Rare plants occurring on the strands of these islands include: Brunet’s milk-vetch (Astragalus alpinus var.brunetianus), beard grass (Schizachyrium scoparium), Lake Huron tansy (Tanacetum huronense), and tall dropseed (Sporoblus asper). The western end of the island, above the gravel stand, has been used for grazing and does not host the variety of plants, though the Nature Trust may reintroduce some of these species in future planning.
Access and Activities
This area is accessible by boat. Access by the bridge from Crock’s Point Road requires the crossing of privately owned farm land and should only be used with permission of the landowners.
*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.