Overview

Located on unceded Mi’kma’ki territory on the northern shore of the Southwest Miramichi River, the Riparian Wilds of Southwest Miramichi (Official Name Pending) is a diverse 3.6-hectare (8.9-acre) property where wetlands, forest, shoreline, and part of a freshwater island meet near Doaktown.

History

Historically used as a pasture, the northern half of the mainland property consists of a maturing early successional forest characterized by a dense canopy of spruce (Picea sp.), trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides), and white birch (Betula papyrifera). Protecting this land will help maintain cool, clean water for Atlantic salmon, safeguard habitat for species at risk, and preserve a beloved corner of Doaktown’s river valley—a landscape known across the world for its natural beauty and outdoor heritage. 

This preserve was generously donated by Deloris Wetzel as part of the Nature Trust’s Together for 100 campaign, becoming the 99th nature preserve protected in a history of land conservation efforts.

Ecology

Located on the banks of the salmon-bearing Southwest Miramichi River, this land supports a variety of habitat and a wide range of species and species at risk. The forest above the floodplain is an early successional spruce-mix stand with moderately dense ground vegetation like Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense), alder buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula), and various sedges. Deadwood, varied canopy species, and two cold-water streams flowing toward the river also create the structure needed for the critically imperiled butternut tree (Juglans cinerea) to thrive. Other canopy species include white pine (Pinus strobus), red maple (Acer rubrum), and balsam fir (Abies balsamea).  

The diversity of habitat supports wildlife at every turn: ducks gathering in the wetland, black bears feeding on berries near the field edge, and monarch butterflies drawn to the stand of milkweed that still grows here. 

Access and Activities

There is no public access to the preserve. If you have any questions regarding information about this preserve, please contact the Nature Trust at info@ntnb.org