The property was established in 1948, primarily to protect rare swamp conifer land, made up of 90-100 year old white cedar.

The Northeast Sands region is known for its extensive forest cover and high quality rivers.

Notable examples include jack pine, black spruce, aspen, and northern pin oak.

The AWA is encompassed within a larger habitat area, created specifically to address the conservation of birds.

[6][7] Notable or rare examples of birds that have been readily sighted in the area include the canada warbler, field sparrow, yellow-billed cuckoo, yellow-bellied flycatcher, and the wood thrush.