The Nashwaak Watershed Association Inc., in partnership with the City of Fredericton, is laying the groundwork for the creation of a “Greenway” along the banks of the Nashwaak River from Marysville to the confluence of the St. John and Nashwaak Rivers. We have created 10-year management plans for two city owned properties:
Marysville Flats 10-Year Management Plan
Neil’s Flats 10-Year Management Plan
Our hope is that the Nashwaak Greenway will be a publicly held forest and wetland area, with trails and river access points maintained as a natural landscape within walking distance the city centre and maintained for the use of all. The proposed area will offer the enjoyment and experience of an untouched forest, a clean and bountiful river for fishing, paddling, or swimming and all the activities, benefits, and natural beauty most city dwellers must drive great distances to find.
The land falls within the floodplain and as such cannot be used for housing or industry. As a forested wetland it will greatly increase flood protection for the city, improve our air quality, and moderate summer temperatures. As the city grows and the surrounding forests are cleared, this natural buffer will help ensure that future generations have a beautiful city to live in and can enjoy the Nashwaak River as we do today.
As of the end of 2018, the NWAI has planted over 8,000 willow stakes, over 4,000 native tree seedlings, and restored a 30 m stretch of bank using bio-engineering techniques.
