Meduxnekeag River facts for kids

The Meduxnekeag River (pronounced mə-DUKS-nə-keg) is a cool river that flows into the Saint John River. It's about 35 miles (56 kilometers) long. This river actually has two main parts, like two arms reaching out!

The North Branch Meduxnekeag River starts from a small pond in Maine, USA. It then flows until it meets the main Meduxnekeag River in Wakefield, New Brunswick, Canada. The South Branch Meduxnekeag River begins at Johnson Pond in Linneus, Maine. It joins the Meduxnekeag River about two miles before Houlton, Maine. Finally, the Meduxnekeag River itself meets the Saint John River in Woodstock, New Brunswick.

What's in a Name? The Meduxnekeag River's History

The name "Meduxnekeag" has a long history. The first time we see it mentioned is in a story from 1689 by a person named John Gyles. He wrote about visiting a part of the Saint John River called "Medeockseenecasis."

The ending "asis" often means "little." So, it's possible that the name "Meduxnekeag" might come from "Little Meductic." The way we spell "Meduxnekeag" today first appeared around the year 1840.

Exploring the Meduxnekeag River's Amazing Nature

The area around the Meduxnekeag River in New Brunswick is super special! It has some of the richest and most diverse forests in Atlantic Canada. These forests are called Appalachian Hardwood Forests. They are home to many plants that are rare or hard to find anywhere else in the province.

Some of these unique plants include black raspberry, wild ginger, maidenhair fern, showy orchis, and wild coffee.

Protecting the Meduxnekeag Valley Nature Preserve

A group called the Meduxnekeag River Association Inc. works hard to protect this amazing area. Since 1998, they have bought about 2.25 square kilometers (500 acres) of forest. This includes more than 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) of riverbank that has not been developed.

This protected area is called the Meduxnekeag Valley Nature Preserve. It has over 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) of walking trails. These trails are well-marked and designed to have a small impact on nature.

Animals Living in the Meduxnekeag River Area

Many different animals call the Meduxnekeag River area their home. You might spot some of these creatures if you visit!

Common animals found here include:

• Moose
• White-tailed deer
• Black bear
• Eastern coyote
• Red fox
• Raccoon
• Beaver
• Eastern chipmunk
• Striped skunk
• Red squirrel
• Snowshoe hare
• Mink
• Weasels
• Porcupine
• Various mice, voles, and shrews

Fun Activities on the Meduxnekeag River

The Meduxnekeag River is a great place for outdoor adventures! You can easily go canoeing or kayaking on many parts of the river. This is best when the water levels are high or medium. This usually happens in May and June, and again in September and October. You might even be able to go in July or August if it's been a rainy summer.

Canoe Races and Scenic Paddling

Every year, exciting canoe races are held on the river in both Maine and New Brunswick during May. Many people who enjoy canoeing start their trip just below a bridge on the North Branch. They then paddle all the way to downtown Woodstock.

This trip can take about half a day, depending on how long you stop to enjoy the views. You'll pass through beautiful, mostly forested areas. The last 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) before Woodstock take you through a large wetland, which is a unique experience.

Delicious Fiddleheads from the River

The areas along the Meduxnekeag River are famous for something special: edible fiddleheads! Fiddleheads are the young, curled-up shoots of the ostrich fern. They are harvested in May and are considered a tasty treat by local people.