Conservation Areas

The Town of Port Rexton is within the within the Maritimes Barrens Ecoregion, and in the Northeastern Barrens Subregion. This region is characterized by barren ecosystems, interspersed with peatland and forest. Most of the geological composition of the region is ground moraine coupled with glacial erratic, with wetland ecosystems dispersed throughout the area, comprised of hundreds of ponds, mixed with slope bogs, basin bogs, and fens. Forests are dominated by Balsam fir (Abies balsamea), Black spruce (Picea mariana) and White birch (Betula papyrifera). In the riparian area, Alders (Alnus incana) are common, while in peatland ecosystems, Sheep laurel (Kalmia angustifolia), Rhodora (Rhododendron canadense), Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum) and Low-Bush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) are abundant. Natural areas within the town contain significant wildlife habitat and wildlife, including waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, mammals, and salmon.

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The following two areas have been designated as Conservation Areas within the Town of Port Rexton for their important wildlife habitat: Skerwink Trail and Salmon Cove River, totaling 200 acres.

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The Skerwink Trail Conservation Area buffers the coastal headlands of the Skerwink Peninsula and includes most of the internationally recognized Skerwink Hiking Trail. It is a recognized birding hotspot with 75+ bird species identified at this location, including species like Black guillemot (Cepphus grylle), Double-crested cormorant (Nannopterum auritum), Northern waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis), White-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis), and Boreal chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus). The provincially vulnerable Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) has been observed in the area. The Salmon Cove River Conservation Area encapsulates the scheduled salmon river on the eastern municipal boundary in Port Rexton. Maintaining an intact riparian buffer around the river helps sustain the health of the river.