One of N.B.'s newest nature preserves could protect endangered butternut tree
Taymouth preserve runs along the Nashwaak River north of Fredericton
A stretch of land along the Nashwaak River where endangered butternut trees grow is one of eight nature preserves created this month by the Nature Trust of New Brunswick.
"Butternut is probably one of the most endangered trees in the province," said Jon MacNeill, communications and engagement manager for the Nature Trust.
"It's highly at risk, so anytime we can find property where it's growing naturally and we can set it aside and make sure it will still have the space to keep coming up is a pretty good day."
The property covers 15 hectares in Taymouth, a drive of about 25 kilometres north of Fredericton. And there were several features that made it attractive as a potential preserve. MacNeill said.
"Just behind the river there is a beautiful wetland that supports a diversity of wildlife. … I know the landowner used to love watching the geese and the ducks that come and go throughout their yearly life cycle."
The property is home to a variety of native tree species in addition to the butternut — including silver maple and white ash — and has wetland and floodplain habitats as well,
Protecting natural shorelines is important, MacNeill said, because it helps the river's resilience against climate change.
The most serious threat to butternut trees has been an infection known as the butternut canker, caused by a fungus that targets butternuts.
According to the federal government, the disease has already killed up to 80 per cent of butternut trees in Ontario, where it was discovered in 1991. The disease showed up in New Brunswick in 1997.
The Taymouth preserve was donated entirely by the landowner, who wanted to remain anonymous.
The Nature Trust is gearing up to break its own record this year, with a goal to create between 15 and 20 new nature preserves, making a total of about 1,400 hectares of protected land. In other years, the trust has created two to four preserves.
"It's going to be a pretty exciting year for us and for anybody who likes to get out in the woods," MacNeill said.
The trust spends the majority of the year identifying properties worth preserving.
"Sometimes we just roll up and knock on the door and start a conversation … feel it out and see if they would be interested in working with us over time to either sell the property or donate it," MacNeill said.
The charity also raises money to help pay for the upkeep of each preserve, which includes maintaining trails, keeping watch for invasive species and making sure the boundaries of the property are being respected.
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