Nestled within Fredericton city limits lies a reclaimed green treasure: Hyla Park Nature Preserve (Directions: the Park is 1.5K from the Trail Visitor Centre along the Gibson Trail). Once an illegal dump and a stockcar racetrack, Hyla Park now stands protected. Home to six species of frogs, one species of toad, three species of salamander – as well as other rare fauna and flora – Hyla Park is an oasis of beauty and biodiversity. With over one kilometer of trails, three permanent ponds, and a host of singing birds and frogs, Hyla Park is a must-se
Hyla Park Nature Preserve
During the month of April the following ‘wildlife’ have been spotted by members of FRAWG (Fredericton's Reptile and Amphibian Wetlands Group) in the area of Hyla Park:
Herpetofauna - Blue Spotted Salamander, Yellow Spotted Salamander, Red Spotted Newt, Spring Peeper, Wood Frog, Leopard Frog, Painted Turtle, Garter Snake, and Red-bellied Snake
As far as the gray tree frog, for which the Preserve was created, they start breeding in June and can be heard calling from the Gibson Trail in the late evening until early morning. There is always the chance someone could see one along the trail but they are very secretive and often high in trees. Listen to the gray tree frog on YouTube
This website was created in 2009 by Carol Randall of Fredericton Keepsakes and last updated on
July 30, 2011
Birdwatching
The trail network in Fredericton offers local bird watchers the opportunity to visit diverse bird habitats that ordinarily would be inaccessible. [Read more]
Our first event of Trail Mix was certainly deemed a great success when over 20 people met at the Trail Visitor Centre on Wednesday evening, July 13, 2011 when Peter Pearce introduced us to the world of birdwatching. After a short presentation, Peter led us on a walk along the Gibson Trail in search of some birds.
Peter suggested the following soft covered books for beginners:
> A Field Guide to the Birds of Eastern and Central North America by Roger Tory Peterson (Houghton Mifflin Company).
> Field Guide to the Birds of North America by National Geographic.
> Birds of New Brunswick: An annotated list. Multi-authored. New Brunswick Museum. 2004.
Have you considered planting a native garden in your own backyard that included many plants found along Fredericton's walking trails?
Books that David Smith recommended would be useful in creating your own native garden are:
> Identifying, Harvesting and Using Wild Plants of Eastern Canada by MarilynWalker)
> 100 Easy-To-Grow Native Plants for Canadian Gardens [updated] by Lorraine Johnson
> Handbook of Wildflower Cultivation by Kathryn S. Taylor & Stephen F. Hamblin
> A Guide in full Colour-Wildflowers & Weeds by Booth Courtenay/James H. Zimmerman
Over the years, the SAP program, which consists of David, a native of Fredericton, and his wife Connie, has assisted school children in creating native wildflower gardens and community display gardens, such as the one near the Trail Visitor Centre.
David Smith, creator of the Save A Plant (SAP) program, entertained about 20 trail users on the evening of July 27th (part of the Trail Mix series) when he introduced us to many species of native plants that are growing in our vicinity. The majority of these plants are present in the garden at the junction of the Gibson and Nashwaak Trails..
