The only marine-protected area in New Brunswick, the Musquash Estuary nature reserve, has been expanded by over 900 acres, thanks in large part to land donations from two local families.
The family of the late Andy Simpson has donated 578 acres in his memory and CHSJ News spoke to his nephew, Luke Simpson, who says it’s been in his family a long time and his uncle really wanted to do something with the land before he passed away.
“When he did pass, it was something we decided that we would like for people to enjoy, a place that people can go…and leave a legacy with his name on it,” says Luke Simpson, who also spoke with us about the land, which overlooks the estuary.
“There’s some trails in there, I think we’d like to do something with those too and there’ sa great lookout where you can see the whole marsh. It’s really a beautiful piece of land.”
87 acres have been donated in memory of Albert and Mabel Fitz-Randolph and CHSJ News spoke to daugher Charlotte McCluskey who tells us it’s been in her family for ages.
“It originally was a George the III grant, and while that grant didn’t pertain to our family in particular, through the years it was acquired for our family,” says McCluskey.
“It was gorgeous…and we didn’t want it all chopped to pieces…We’ve enjoyed it so much, we’ve had it to enjoy all our lives,” says McCluskey, who adds, this way, other people get to enjoy it too.
The Nature Conservancy of Canada has added four new properties in total, adding 981 acres. Two of the properties were donated by the family, and two properties were purchased.
This brings the total number of protected acres at Musquash to 5200.
