Overview
This preserve is 8.08 hectares (19.9 acres) of rocky, forested island landscape. Part of the collection of islands known as Western Isles in the Bay of Fundy, it has been designated as a Quoddy region Important Bird Area (IPA), as well as an ecologically and biologically significant area (EBSA).
History
White Island is within traditional Peskotomuhkati lands, as part of the Wabanaki traditional territory.
White Island was granted to Charles S. Lord in 1912 and remained in the Lord/Lambert family until ownership was transferred in the early 2000’s. This preserve was donated to the Nature Trust for protection by Douglas DeAngelis in December 2023.
Ecology
The island is a Quoddy Region Important Bird Area, considered globally significant for: Congregatory Species, Colonial waterbirds/seabird concentrations, and shorebird concentrations. Also deemed an ecologically and biologically significant area (EBSA), this EBSA has the highest diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates in the Bay of Fundy, with a diverse community of sponges, sea cucumbers, and anemones. Due to turbulence and upwellings caused by strong tidal currents, this area is known for high concentrations of plankton and associated wildlife that come to the area to feed. Marine mammals, including the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), finback whale (Balaenoptera physalus), and harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), frequent the area while feeding.
The preserve is made up almost entirely of red spruce (Picea rubens), with some balsam fir (Abies balsamea), mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia), white birch (Betula papyrifera) and red maple (Acer rubrum). The soil is felsic volcanic rock from the late Devonian-early Carboniferous period, containing feldspar and silicon, it has low fertility and slow weatherability.
Access and Activities
Please contact Nature Trust office at (506) 457-2398 or steward@ntnb.org for more information about visitation.
*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.