One of New Brunswick’s largest nature preserves will mark its grand opening this weekend.
The Keiko & Errol Nature Preserve is located on Ross Island, a small island off Grand Manan.
The Nature Trust of New Brunswick raised more than $1 million to protect the 373-hectare sanctuary.
It contains freshwater wetland areas including bogs, fens, marshes, and swamps, according to the Nature Trust’s website.
These habitats are home to several rare and uncommon plant species such as seaside ragwort, ghost antler lichen, and estuary sedge.
Rare bird species like red-breasted merganser, great cormorant, red knot, and semipalmated sandpiper have also been observed.
The nature preserve also includes an 8.9-kilometre trail, according to Nature Trust officials.
You can access Ross Island at low tide by foot or 4×4 from Grand Manan.