ODELL PARK
This popular 175-ha park features old-growth hemlocks and white pines, spruce/fir woodland on upper slopes, deciduous hardwood stands mid-slope, several walking and skiing trails, ball fields, a botanic garden, ponds, benches, picnic area, waterfalls, kids’ playground, an arboretum, and winter sliding hills. Medicine Walks are offered by Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tours.
A bookable Lodge has public washroom facilities. Parking can be found at the entrances at 350 Rookwood Avenue and 695 Prospect Street.
Previously a farm owned by United Empire Loyalist Rev. Jonathan Odell, the park has been practically “loved to death”, requiring a Management Plan to balance the interests of the many user groups.
The various habitats offer a wide variety of songbirds: Scarlet Tanagers, Great Crested Flycatchers, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Black-throated Blue Warblers being particularly sought by birders in the mid-slope beech/yellow birch/sugar maple woodland. A pair of Merlins can often be heard calling above the Rookwood Avenue parking lot.
More information on habitat and birds in this park can be found in an article written by Fredericton Nature Club President Graham Forbes.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Photo by David Lilly
Pileated Woodpecker
By David Lilly
