Overview
Located in the Upper Nashwaak area on the unceded territory of the Wolastoqiyik, the Leaning Cedar Nature Preserve safeguards 66 hectares (163 acres) of rare species, forested wetland, and forest just north of the city of Fredericton.
History
Shaped by a history of selective cutting and thinning, this land’s mix of poplar, maple, birch, and balsam fir forests are regrowing, offering a renewed home for wildlife. In 2025, the Nature Trust officially acquired this preserve during our most successful year of conservation to date, protecting it in perpetuity.
The name Leaning Cedar was suggested by Allyson Heustis as part of our new preserve naming contest, drawing inspiration from the plentiful leaning cedar trees found on the property, which provide an ideal habitat for species at risk like white-rimmed shingle lichen (Fuscopannaria leucosticta).
Ecology
Our Leaning Cedar Nature Preserve safeguards forested wetland habitats comprised of eastern white cedar, red maple, and black ash (Fraxinus nigra), as well as white-rimmed shingle lichen (Fuscopannaria leucosticta), an imperiled species in New Brunswick only capable of growing in the humidity of a swamp
Porter’s Brook winds through a corner of this preserve, while mature cedar trees stand as timeless sentinels of its beaver-flooded wetlands. These industrious beavers have engineered and reshaped the landscape into a thriving wetland that supports an array of wildlife, offering sanctuary and ensuring the survival of the species that depend on it — think moose, bears, and more. By fostering biodiversity, this protected area contributes to the resiliency and longevity of these increasingly rare ecosystems in the face of our changing climate.
Access and Activities
Please contact the Nature Trust office at (506) 457-2398 or steward@ntnb.org for more information about stewardship opportunities.
*The property is undeveloped and there are a variety of hazards and risks associated with accessing this preserve. Any visitor must assume responsibility for their own actions and safety and are to use the land at their own risk.