Overview
Big Rock Nature Preserve contains 64.4 hectares (159.1 acres) of protected hardwood, softwood, and mixedwood stands, located in Springfield, Kings County. Mature ironwood (Ostrya virginiana) and eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) can be found growing on the steep slopes of the preserve, and numerous Appalachian Hardwood Forest indicator species are found throughout, as well as other rare and sensitive species.
The nature preserve is home to important Species at Risk in New Brunswick that the Nature Trust is honoured to protect.
History
The Nature Trust protected the Big Rock Nature Preserve in 2020 with the assistance of the previous landowners, the Hughes Family.
Ron Hughes’ mother emigrated from Scotland and, with her family, cared for these lands they called home. The Big Rock Nature Preserve gets its name from the large rock Ron’s mother used as her landmark to find her way back home from walking cross-country, or visiting neighbours and the general store.
There is little evidence of man-made disturbances, except for a young even-aged stand of maple (Acer sp.) and American beech (Fagus sp.) trees regenerating from past timber harvests. The surrounding area was most likely used for forestry and farming.
The Big Rock Nature Preserve is located within traditional Wabanaki territory, and the Nature Trust is proud to protect this important natural space in New Brunswick, forever.
Ecology
The preserve contains large mature birch (Betula spp.), maple (Acer spp.), eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), beech (Fagus spp.) and spruce (Picea spp.) along steep slopes where logging was more difficult. Numerous Appalachian Hardwood Forest indicator species are present, including red trillium (Trillium erectum), jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), and silvery glade fern (Deparia acrostichoides). Rare and sensitive species such as lance-leaved grape fern (Botrychium lanceolatum) and eastern spotted coralroot (Corallorhiza maculate) have also been observed.
Multiple streams meander through the site, including a significant fish-bearing stream below a large ridge containing mature eastern white pine (Pinus strobus). A few areas near this stream are rocky/cobbly, which appear to be dried-out stream beds which flood in the spring.
The Big Rock Nature Preserve is home to a variety of wildlife and attracts birds such as red-eyed vireo (Vireo olivaceus), common yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas), and ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla). The eastern wood-pewee (Contopus virens), a species of special concern, has been heard multiple times throughout the property.
Access and Activities
Please contact the Nature Trust office at (506) 457-2398 or steward@ntnb.org for more information about visitation or stewardship opportunities.
*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.