10:00-12:00, June 28, 2025 (rain date June 29)
Pickard Quarry Nature Park (Sackville)
Leader: Richard Elliot
The site of the former Pickard Quarry in Sackville has evolved from industrial glory to a nature park and wetland area that is becoming a must-visit site for Sackville, similar to the Sackville Waterfowl Park, but with rolling wooded slopes and low rocky cliffs surrounding two quarry ponds. These varied habitats have attracted many bird species and other wildlife, as well as a diverse flora with native and non-native species.
This protected area is approximately 5 hectares in size and is now crossed by a network of 3 nature trails and smaller side footpaths, winding through the naturalized woodland and wetland area that has become a wildlife sanctuary. The rambling pathways total approximately a kilometer in length and may take us 1 to 1 ½ hours to cover at naturalist speed.
This park is a joint effort of the Tantramar Outdoor Club (TOC), Chignecto Naturalists’ Club, and Tantramar Heritage Trust, along with the Municipality of Tantramar, and their work on improving footpaths and providing interpretive signage is still underway.
Richard Elliot is the retired wildlife biologist coordinating this project for the TOC, and he’ll begin our visit with a 15-minute introduction on the incredible industrial history of this former sandstone quarry and recent progress to improve accessibility and awareness for visitors.
We’ll meet at the top of Quarry Lane, and folks should put Quarry Lane, Sackville in their phone or car GPS to get to the right place. Richard suggests that most use the Mount Allison Parking lot at the corner of Salem and Park Streets, though some can park at the end of Quarry Lane. A contact phone number, if needed, is 506-866-2752.
As always, all are welcome, Nature Moncton member or not.
https://naturemoncton.com/events/
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