Hyla Park Preserve

In 1995, the Nature Trust of New Brunswick entered into a lease agreement with the City of Fredericton "for the purpose of protecting and preserving the Gray Tree Frog (Hyla versicolor) and its habitat for future generations". Hyla park, which lies within the city boundaries, is the northeastern limit of distribution for this species and is separated from other tree frog sites in western New Brunswick by approximately 80 kilometres. The 8-hectare Hyla Park has the distinction of being Canada’s first amphibian park.The Hyla Park Nature Preserve is also home to six other species of frogs and toads. In view of the distinctiveness of the tree frog site and of the concern about declining populations of frogs and amphibians throughout the world, the significance of this site is immediately apparent. The site has historically been subjected to considerable environmental degradation and disturbance. The Nature Trust therefore thinks the restoration and preservation of this site is very important.The Hyla Park Nature Preserve also has three species of provincially rare plants - the red milkwort (Polygala sanguinea), the narrow-leaved gerardia (Agalinus tenuifolia) and the small-flowered gratiola (Gratiola neglecta).The Nature Trust is cooperating with representatives of the City, Nature New Brunswick, the Fredericton Nature Club and the Fredericton and Oromocto Herptile Club in rehabilitating the site. Several cleanup operations have been carried out. The park is a great place to visit, with a short network of trails that meander through the woods and along the wetlands.Hyla Park is accessible by car and by the Fredericton trail system. If driving the gravel parking lot is located behind the Greenwood Drive United Baptist Church at 150 Greenwood Drive. A google map to this location can be viewed by clicking here. If on foot or bike, Hyla Park is off the Gibson trail in between where the trail intersects with Watters Drive and Greenwood Drive. If you would like more details or directions, please do not hesitate to contact us 457-2398.