Overview
Clark’s Point preserve is located near Scotch Ridge, 14 km north of St. Stephen. The preserve protects 138 hectares (341 acres) of St. Croix River shoreline habitat and is flanked by upland hardwood and softwood forests.
History
Local residents have historically used the property for hunting and cranberry harvesting . In 2000, Peter and Carol Orser of Ohio generously donated the Clark’s Point Nature Preserve to the Nature Trust.
Ecology
Clark’s Point Nature Preserve is characterized primarily by the St. Croix River, which forms the preserve’s western boundary. The preserve also includes lowland marsh-meadow, and upland forest patches of cedar, hemlock, tolerant hardwoods and mixed woods. Near the south-eastern entrance to the preserve, beavers have dammed a small brook creating a pond and wetland meadow. The preserve’s size, shoreline habitat, unique flora, and geographic location combine to make the site deserving of protection. Furthermore, the fact that the preserve is situated along the St. Croix International Waterway contributes to the potential creation of a provincial park along the river corridor.
The preserve is home to an impressive number of rare and very rare plant species. The preserve’s botanical richness appears to be concentrated in the several kilometres of St. Croix River frontage, along which grow the rare (S2) waterworts (Elatineamericana and E. minima), and the extremely rare (S1) sweet viburnum (Viburnum lentago), (S1) silky dogwood (Cornus amomum), (S1) buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis). Within the marsh-meadow complex grow small populations of the very rare boreal aster (Aster borealis) and the rare peat moss (Sphagnum nitidum), while another rare moss (Rauiellascita) and a hornwort (Anthoceros laevis subsp. Carolinianus) can be found within the upland forests.
Access and Activities
This nature preserve is at the end of the Clark Point Road – Pomeroy Ridge Road from St. Stephen. The old forest road on the preserve is overgrown and no longer useable for motor vehicles. Hiking, snowshoeing and skiing are permitted while hunting, fishing and trapping are not. The trail is 1.9 km long and will take you over the marsh and through the mature forest, leading to the St. Croix River.
*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.