James C. Yerxa Preserve

This preserve is notable for its large hardwood trees and the discovery of numerous rare and uncommon plants. The site is representative of the richly fertile alluvial silver maple floodplain forest of the lower St. John River and its tributaries, an ecosystem type that is poorly represented in permanently protected natural areas in New Brunswick. This type of Appalachian hardwood forest site has declined in the area since the late 1800s due to extensive development for agriculture, and more recently for housing.

The 3- hectare property contains an old oxbow of the Keswick River and is host to organisms that are uncommon in New Brunswick. One such rare plant is Rugel's Plantain (Plantago rugelii). Other plants found here are Red Maple, American Elm, Highbush Cranberry, Chokecherry, Elderberry, Hawthorn, and Red Osier Dogwood. In addition to plants, the area attracts many waterbirds when the rivers flood in spring. Such rare birds as Cinnamon Teal (Anas cyanoptera) and Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) have been seen here.

The donor is Leonard Yerxa of Fredericton and it is named the James C. Yerxa Nature Preserve in honour of the donor's father. The preserve is found off highway 105 in Mouth-of-Keswick, just past the 104 turn-off.