Overview
The Wilson Family Nature Preserve consists of 75.72 hectares (187.11 acres) of a unique combination of wetlands, silver maple (Acer saccharinum) floodplain, hardwood river terraced forest, and grasslands. The property is located on the Canaan River at the headwater of the Washademoak Lake. The property contains Provincially Significant Wetlands (PSW), beautiful red oak floodplain forests, and grasslands.
History
The Nature Trust acquired this preserve from the Wilson Family in 2021. The property has a history of agricultural use and timber harvesting, with portions of the property slowly regenerating from past harvest operations.
The Wilson Family Nature Preserve is located within traditional Wabanaki territory, and the Nature Trust is proud to protect this piece of New Brunswick’s natural heritage, forever.
Ecology
The Wilson Family Nature Preserve contains a unique mixture of silver maple floodplain and hardwood river terrace forest, dominated by red oak (Quercus rubra), which has significant aesthetic value. The New Brunswick government has designated the wetland as a Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW) because it represents a remnant of a formerly-widespread habitat type that has been severely impacted throughout history.
The grassland habitat, a result of agricultural use, has been identified by the Habitat Conservation Strategies for the province as potential habitat for rare, uncommon, and at-risk species.
The property is also the meeting point for three different soil types: stony brook, organic, and harcourt, which help create unique microhabitats. This preserve is home to a variety of flora, including willow (Salix spp.), raspberry (Rubus spp.), and blueberry (Vaccinium spp.), and attracts birds such as eastern wood-peewee (Contopus virens) and common nighthawk (Chordeiles minor).
Access and Activities
The Wilson Family Nature Preserve lies on the southern side of the Canaan River. It is located on Route 10, 1.15 km south of Coles Island. One corner of the property is located where Fire Road meets Route 10. The property can be accessed by the Trans-Canada Highway/NB-2 E until exit 365 onto NB-RTE 10 E. Take a right onto NB-10 E and drive for 5.2 KM until just before civic address 11579 NB-10 and you have arrived at the nature preserve.
*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 use the land at their own risk.