Riverside-Albert

Stream on Riverside-Albert Property (Photo by NCC)

In the southeast corner of New Brunswick, between the village of Riverside-Albert and the Caledonia Gorge Provincial Protected Natural Area, is a spectacular old forest protected by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC). This 201-hectare (473-acre) nature reserve is an excellent example of a diverse Acadian forest. It includes mature red spruce, sugar maple, red maple and yellow birch. Most of the trees on the NCC nature reserve are more than 80 years old. 

NCC prioritized this forest for conservation because it’s so rare. Less than five per cent of mature Acadian forest, the original forest type of the Maritimes, remains intact due to centuries of settlement and harvesting. Old forest in this part of the province provides a haven for wildlife, including two birds listed under the Species at Risk Act: chimney swift (threatened) and eastern wood-pewee (special concern). Provincially rare plants, such as lesser purple-fringed orchid and Braun’s holly fern, are found here. Braun’s holly is only one of the rich diversity of plant species on the NCC nature reserve.

Project history

This conservation project is the result of a remarkable collaboration. While searching for old forest to protect, NCC staff discovered water reservoirs for the Village of Riverside-Albert. The water was provided to residents under a 100-year “water lease” that was about to expire. NCC staff met with the landowner, then the Village, to work out an arrangement that would benefit everyone. With the help of multiple partners, the land was secured for the conservation of both the forest habitat and the water supply. It was a win-win-win for NCC, the community and nature.

NCC now conserves and cares for the forest. Ownership of nine hectares (22 acres) immediately surrounding the reservoirs has been transferred to the Village of Riverside-Albert for conservation and management of the water supply.

NCC is working to expand this nature reserve, and we are seeking donations. If you would like to help conserve one of the Maritimes' few remaining old Acadian forests, please call our New Brunswick office at 506-450-6010 or 1-877-231-4400. 

Listen to our podcast and transport yourself to this important natural area. Learn about NCC’s conservation work here:

Partners in conservation

Conservation of this property was made possible with funding from:

• Government of Canada, under the Natural Areas Conservation Program
• New Brunswick Regional Development Corporation
• New Brunswick Wildlife Trust Fund
• Crabtree Foundation
• McCain Foundation
• Chipoudy Communities Revitalization Committee
• Shepody Fish & Game
• EXP Services
• Natural Forces Technologies Inc
• Larry and Margo Sheppard
• Darrell and Kathy Weir
• Lockhart Foundation
• and many other private donors who contributed to the success of this conservation project

NCC also gratefully acknowledges a significant donation from an anonymous New Brunswick donor, which helped complete this project.