This property is on the West Branch of the St. Mary’s River, and shares a border with the A.M. Sandy Cameron Conservation Lands. The southern portion of the property consists of mature Red Oak, Red Maple, and Yellow Birch, with an understory of ferns and flowers, including Canada Lily. The mature forests on these lands provide shade over the water, and reduce erosion into the river, both critical aspects in maintaining suitable habitat for Atlantic Salmon on the St. Mary’s River.

The forests along the edge of the St. Mary’s River are also one of the few places where the nationally Threatened Wood Turtle is found. This fascinating species regularly forages for berries, mushroom, and soft invertebrates in the floodplain forests of the river. In these lush habitats they can avoid being accidentally killed by cars, or farm equipment, which are dangers that they face when searching for food on developed lands. If visiting this property, please do so in a respectful way by not disturbing any wildlife, or removing any plants, while on your visit.

Dale Archibald generously donated this property to the Nature Trust in 2009. Dale is the past president of the St. Mary’s River Association – an organization that is also committed to caring for the St. Mary’s River. Thanks to his foresight and conservation ethic, this property is protected to preserve important habitat for wildlife, and will carry on a local family’s connection to the beloved St. Mary’s River.