25 September 2025

TRADITIONAL TERRITORY OF WABANAKI PEOPLES/FREDERICTON, N.B. — The Nature Trust of New Brunswick has selected the winning entries in its Preserve Naming Contest, which invited New Brunswickers to help mark a milestone year for conservation. From many thoughtful, creative, and heartfelt submissions, two names rose to the top—each honouring the rare species and resilient ecosystems these new protected areas will safeguard forever.

Grand Tsuga Nature Preserve: A new 24-hectare (60-acre) nature preserve nestled in the quiet heart of Wicklow, Carleton County, now bears a name as grand as the forest it protects: Grand Tsuga Nature Preserve. The name—submitted by Ian Murdoch—references the centuries-old Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) that anchors the site, estimated at 300–500 years old. Located within the unceded territory of the Wolastoqiyik, this preserve supports vibrant vegetation, cedar-dominated wetlands, and mature stands of sugar maples, hemlock, and yellow birch. White Marsh Creek meanders through deep gullies on this ecologically resilient land, which also supports a rich variety of plant species characteristic of the rare Appalachian hardwood forest, including yellow lady’s slipper, northern maidenhair fern, and unique understory plants like Canada yew and painted trillium. 

Leaning Cedar Nature Preserve: In Upper Nashwaak, on the unceded territory of the Wolastoqiyik, a 66-hectare (163-acre) mosaic of rich wetland and forest will carry the name Leaning Cedar Nature Preserve. The name Leaning Cedar was submitted by Allyson Heustis, who was inspired by the plentiful cedars that lean gracefully across the landscape. These trees provide ideal habitat for species-at-risk lichen such as the white-rimmed shingle lichen (Fuscopannaria leucosticta) our team identified on the property, an S2 (imperiled) species in New Brunswick.  Porter’s Brook winds through one corner of this preserve while mature cedar trees stand among its beaver-flooded wetlands, critical habitat for fostering biodiversity and climate change resilience.  

“This past year marked the largest conservation effort in our history, adding an unprecedented 21 new properties to our growing network, which now stands at 97 nature preserves,” said Carli le Roux, Acting CEO of the Nature Trust. “This naming contest was our way of celebrating these incredible collective achievements and giving everyone a chance to make another mark on conservation history.” 

The Nature Trust thanks everyone who shared their creative name ideas during the naming contest. The clever words and fond memories reflect what we know to be true: New Brunswickers have a deep, and personal, connection to the nature they love. 

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About the Nature Trust of New Brunswick 

The Nature Trust of New Brunswick is a charitable land conservation organization dedicated to permanently protecting New Brunswick’s natural habitats. Since 1987, the Nature Trust has worked in partnership with landholders, communities, and volunteers to conserve more than 14,000 acres across the province, safeguarding vital forests, rivers, and coastlines. With a mission grounded in connection, care, and community, the Nature Trust helps ensure that the wild places that feel like home today will be there for future generations to explore, love, and protect. Learn more at www.naturetrust.nb.ca.  

Media contact

Jon MacNeill  
Communications and Engagement Manager  
Nature Trust of New Brunswick  
jon.macneill@ntnb.org | (506) 457-2398 (office) | (506) 238-3539 (mobile)