26 June 2025
TRADITIONAL TERRITORY OF WABANAKI PEOPLES/FREDERICTON, N.B. — After its biggest land conservation year ever, the Nature Trust of New Brunswick is inviting the public to help name two of its newest nature preserves. This unique naming contest offers New Brunswickers the chance to make a permanent mark on New Brunswick’s natural heritage while celebrating the protection of these exceptional landscapes.
The preserves—one in Wicklow, Carleton County, and another in Upper Nashwaak, York County—are stunning examples of New Brunswick’s natural beauty and ecological richness.
Carleton County Preserve: Nestled along White Marsh Creek, this 24-hectare (59-acre) preserve boasts vibrant vegetation, cedar-dominated wetlands, and towering stands of sugar maples, hemlock, and yellow birch—including an Eastern hemlock estimated between 300-500 years old. A prime example of the rare Appalachian hardwood forest, the land is home to yellow lady’s slipper, northern maidenhair fern, and unique understory plants like the Canada yew and painted trillium. Now forever protected, this preserve provides critical habitat for migratory birds and diverse wildlife.
Upper Nashwaak Preserve: Covering 66 hectares (163 acres), this newly conserved area protects Eastern white cedar and red maple swamps, important habitat for black ash trees and rare lichen species. The preserve supports abundant wildlife populations—moose, beavers, bears, and more. Porter’s Brook winds through a corner of its land 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.
“We couldn’t have done this without the support of thousands of New Brunswickers who generously contributed funds, volunteer hours, and even land donations to make these new natural treasures possible. This naming contest is our way of celebrating these incredible collective achievements and giving everyone a chance to make another mark on conservation history.”
The naming contest launched Thursday, June 26 and runs until August 15, 2025. Participants can explore further information on the new preserves, including detailed land descriptions and photos, and submit their name ideas via an online form on the Nature Trust website (www.naturetrust.nb.ca). Multiple entries are welcome.
Winning names will be announced in September.
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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)