And the winners are...
And the winners are...
Announcing the results of our new preserve naming contest!
WRITTEN BY ASH NOBLE, COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Earlier this summer, we invited New Brunswickers to help shape the future of conservation by participating in our New Preserve Naming Contest. We received many thoughtful, creative, and heartfelt submissions, each one reflecting a deep connection to the land and the species that call it home.
After much consideration, we are thrilled to announce the chosen names for two of our newest protected areas. These names honour the rare species and bountiful ecosystems that are now forever protected in our 14,100-acre network of conserved lands.
Grand Tsuga Nature Preserve
In Carleton County, a new 24-hectare (60-acre) nature preserve nestled in the quiet heart of Wicklow now bears a name as grand as the forest it protects: Grand Tsuga Nature Preserve. Located within the unceded territory of the Wolastoqiyik, this preserve supports 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.
White Marsh Creek meanders through deep gullies on this ecologically resilient land, which harbors 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.
The name ‘Grand Tsuga’ was submitted by Ian Murdoch, drawing inspiration from the Latin name of the centuries-old eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) on the property. It’s a fitting tribute to one of New Brunswick’s last remaining stands of rare Appalachian hardwood forest and all the beautiful and rare species it protects.
We also want to give an honourable mention to members of the Briggs family, who submitted several name suggestions and who cared for the property for generations before working with the Nature Trust to establish this preserve.
“My grandparents owned this land and farmed the cleared ground around it. That was back when all they had to work with were horses and a strong back,” wrote David. G Briggs.
“My grandfather used wood for heat and building materials like everyone else, and always had preservation in mind. He would selective cut when farming the woodlot, always using and removing the blowdowns first, which would open the forest window allowing more sunlight and growth for what remained. He knew if he cared for this woodlot properly, it would last him and his family a lifetime. And he was right. It has been passed down three generations and now it's in your (the Nature Trust’s) hands to carry on with the preservation my grandparents started. I know Grammy & Grampy Briggs would be very happy with this process.”
Leaning Cedar Nature Preserve
In the Upper Nashwaak, on the unceded territory of the Wolastoqiyik, a 66-hectare (163-acre) stretch of rich wetland and forest has officially been named the Leaning Cedar Nature Preserve. Situated just north of Fredericton, this land supports rare species and incredible wetland and forest habitat.
The name ‘Leaning Cedar’ was submitted by Allyson Heustis, who was inspired by the plentiful cedars that lean gracefully across the landscape. Leaning cedar trees in particular provide ideal habitat for species at-risk lichen like the white-rimmed shingle lichen (Fuscopannaria leucosticta) our team found on the property, which is an S2 (imperiled) species in New Brunswick. Porter’s Brook winds through a corner of this preserve while mature cedar trees stand among its beaver-flooded wetlands, critical habitat for fostering biodiversity and climate change resilience.
Thank you for being part of this moment!
Thank you to everyone who shared their creative ideas in our naming contest! Your clever suggestions and fond memories reflect what we know to be true: New Brunswickers have a deep, and personal, connection to the nature they love.
This contest was one special way of marking the biggest conservation effort in our 38-year history, with an unprecedented 21 new properties added to our network in the form of 15 new nature preserves and six preserve extensions. We’re so thrilled to celebrate our most successful year of conservation and continue protecting these cherished landscapes with you.
Together, we’re writing a story of love for the land that will last forever. Want to help us keep making history? We’re able to protect these important landscapes thanks to the support of Nature Trust supporters and donors. By making a gift, you join a passionate community dedicated to the protection and care of some of the most ecologically-significant habitats in New Brunswick. There are many ways to give, from monthly donors—the reliable backbone of our conservation efforts—to one-time or annual money donations, to stocks, bonds, shares or even land. See you how you can make a greater impact on nature by clicking the button below.