Date Acquired: 2003

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Address: 200 Bell Settlement Road, NB

Trail: Non-maintained Access Road

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          Bell Forest is a 57-hectare property contains a largely undisturbed forest ecosystem, with the exception of an overgrown access road that provides foot access from the property entrance to the Meduxnekeag River.

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          Containing all four indicator species (butternut, ironwood, white ash, and basswood), the Bell Forest is considered a true Appalachian Hardwood Forest (AHF) and is regarded by many as one of the finest remaining examples of the forest type. The forest begins with a rich hardwood ridge, where these characteristic AHF species grow throughout a canopy dominated by sugar maple and yellow birch. The forest floor supports an abundance of wildflowers that thrive in moist, nutrient-rich soils, particularly along the former access road where canopy openings allow additional sunlight to reach the understory. Trout lily and red trillium are common spring wildflowers, especially near the numerous streams that dissect the forest as it slopes toward the Meduxnekeag River.

 

          The moist soils also reveal evidence of the property's wildlife inhabitants. Moose and deer frequently use the existing access road, taking advantage of the extensive protected forest that creates an important wildlife refuge along the river. The mature, contiguous forest cover also makes Bell Forest a destination for birdwatchers, offering opportunities to observe species associated with interior forest habitat. Pileated woodpeckers, barred owls, ovenbirds, ruffed grouse, and brown creepers are just a few of the birds that may be encountered.

 

          Near the midpoint of the trail, towering white ash trees become a prominent feature of the forest, rising above the canopy with their characteristic diamond-patterned bark. Along the trail, visitors may also observe butternut trees affected by butternut canker, serving as a reminder of the vulnerability of this unique forest community and the conservation challenges it faces.

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          As the trail descends toward the river, forest conditions gradually transition from a hardwood-dominated ecosystem to one characterized by associated Appalachian softwood species, including eastern hemlock, eastern white cedar, and eastern white pine. The trail terminates at a scenic overlook of the Meduxnekeag River, where deep pools are used by waterfowl and the many fishes of the Meduxnekeag. During warm spring days, hatches of mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies can often be observed emerging from the river, creating a remarkable air show of aquatic invertebrates.

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          Beyond the trail corridor, foresters and environmental scientists have identified a rich black ash swamp bordering the adjacent Bell Flats Preserve. This wetland provides critical habitat for amphibians and hydrophilic vegetation, while also holding cultural significance for Indigenous communities that have traditionally used black ash in basket making and other cultural practices.

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          Bell Forest is open to the public, with limited roadside parking available along Bell Settlement Road.

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          Written by Devon Bustard