Nouvelles des groupes
- Détails
- Publié par : Nature Trust of New Brunswick
- Affichages : 9392
“The Lower St. John River region is a rich landscape that is home to a diversity of plant, animal, insect, and bird species - many of them rare and endangered such as the Cobblestone Tiger Beetle and the Peregrine Falcon,” says Aaron Dowding, NTNB Conservation Planning Manager. “Protecting these habitats can help ensure that the beauty and diversity we see today will remain for generations to come.”
The development of this conservation strategy has been a complex yet rewarding process, involving the extensive analysis of relevant data and the close collaboration of many partners including federal and provincial government scientists, conservation groups, researchers, and naturalist organizations. Having now identified important areas for conservation in the region, NTNB is seeking to actively engage New Brunswickers in land conservation and stewardship efforts, with the first step being a series of informative open house events.
"We hope that those interested in these initiatives can join us in taking a hands-on role in stewarding the forests, wetlands, and rivers in this region for future generations. And, we are here to give them the tools to do so," says Dowding.
NTNB and its partners invite everyone with an interest in conservation to attend an open house in their community, where information will be provided about species at risk, important habitats, private land stewardship, and the overall Lower St. John River conservation strategy.
"Our community tour gives us an opportunity to share our learnings about the Lower St. John River region. For example, landowners may not know that they have endangered species on their property, so we can help inform them about that,” says Dowding. “On the other hand, there is also a lot we can learn about the ecology of the region from landowners and what they have observed over time.”
Please join NTNB for an open house in your community:
- Keswick Ridge - Sun., Jan. 26, Keswick Ridge Community Hall (84 Route 616) from 2 to 3:30 pm
- Taymouth - Mon., Jan. 27, Taymouth Community Centre (864 Route 8) from 7 to 8 pm
- Hampton - Tues., Jan. 28, Lighthouse River Centre (1075 Main St) from 6:30 to 8 pm
- Grand Bay-Westfield - Wed., Jan. 29, Community Centrum (609 River Valley Dr) at 7 pm
- Sussex - Thurs., Jan. 30, Sussex Public Library (46 Magnolia Dr) at 6:30 pm
- Gagetown - Fri., Jan. 31, Royal Canadian Legion (81 Tilley Rd) from 7:30 to 8:30 pm
About the Nature Trust of New Brunswick
The Nature Trust of New Brunswick is a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to preserving New Brunswick’s outstanding ecological landscapes for people and nature. Nature Trust NB currently protects 37 nature preserves in the province. For more information about the organization, visit naturetrust.nb.ca.
- Détails
- Affichages : 13724
Hello everyone,
I am writing to you from beautiful (and rainy) Costa Rica, where we have already reached the halfway point for our internship at the International Analog Forestry Network (IAFN). At this point we have settled into a routine here in San Jose. One of my favourite weekly activities is to head to the organic food market that happens every Saturday morning in San Jose, known as the Fería Verde. There is always a wonderful selection of fresh, organic produce, prepared foods, smoothie stands, as well as artisanal clothes and crafts. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with live music and great people, so much so that it often feels more like a large gathering of friends rather than a market. Through this event we have been fortunate to meet many new people who are involved in very interesting environmental projects throughout the region, whether it be planting food forests, promoting organic farming or working to protect local bee populations.
Despite what this may sound like, we are also working hard here in the offices of the IAFN. Currently I am working on a short paper to describe the opinion of Analog Forestry vis-à-vis the use of non-native species. Often demonized in popular culture and within conservation circles, exotic species can serve a valuable role, especially within Agro-Forestry. Many foods that today are considered staple crops and that provide many economic and social benefits were once introduced species themselves. In Costa Rica, for example, one practitioner of Analog Forestry, Milo Bekins (also the Co-President of the IAFN), currently grows cinnamon, mangosteen, nutmeg, cardamom, citronella, ginger and turmeric, none of which are native to this region. He does this utilizing a method that is geared towards conserving and rehabilitating the natural ecosystem.
Non-native species may also have a role to play in the restoration of degraded landscapes. They may act as food or habitat for native species, promote pollination, replace ecological engineers or provide ecosystem services, among others (Schlaepfer, Sax, and Olden 430). Not wishing to diminish the real danger of many invasive species, the IAFN hopes to promote the idea that exotic species can be useful and beneficial and should not be prematurely overlooked for their non-native status.
- Détails
- Publié par : Sharon Murphy
- Affichages : 47749
Dear friends of sustainability education,
The deadline is fast approaching for the winter edition of Sustainability News. I am hoping to receive lots of submissions from our SEA-NB partners, as usual J
Can you think of anything you are currently aware of that might be of use to teachers for the winter? Workshops? Helpful tips? Partnership opportunities? Curriculum links? Dates to note?
This newsletter goes out to as many English speaking teachers as Martha can get on her list which is currently HUGE and growing!!! We also circulate through SEA-NB and our own networks-so our reach is indeed awe inspiring!!!
Content needs to be sustainability education oriented, appropriate for the winter semester and may include:
-funding opportunities for teachers and schools
-partnership opportunities between teachers, students, schools, community, business, NGO's etc
-activities for classrooms and schools
-workshops for teachers and students
-curriculum links
-good news stories
-good example stories
-presentations for classes from outside schools
-advice for teachers
-dates of note
Please submit to me asap,
In sustainability,
Sharon from SEA-NB's Team Connections!
- Détails
- Publié par : Terry Wishart
- Affichages : 19863
For Immediate Release PRESS RELEASE November 4, 2013
Communities, groups and organizations call on Alward Government to start listening to people
FREDERICTON – This Tuesday, November 5th at lunch hour, the Council of Canadians will be joined by citizens, community groups, Church organizations, unions and professional associations from throughout the Maritimes and other regions at the provincial legislature for the Unity and Solidarity Rally. Rally goers will be delivering a message to Premier Alward that all shale gas exploration and development must be halted and that the New Brunswick government must begin listening to all people about the future they want, based on his government’s duty to consult and in the spirit of true democracy.
“The Alward Government must reopen dialogue and have a genuine conversation around issues surrounding our natural resources”, says Terry Wishart, a member of the Fredericton Chapter of the Council of Canadians. “Part of this discussion has to be about the unsustainable projects they continue to pursue while many countries and jurisdictions have firmly stated their opposition to extreme resource development like shale gas and oil. Others are realizing significant increases in jobs by laying the groundwork for the resource development of wind, solar, geothermal, tidal, biogas and their forests”, Wishart points out.
One of David Alward's promises during the 2010 provincial election was citizen engagement, yet the Premier– who is also the Minister of Citizen Engagement and Aboriginal Affairs – has demonstrated his contempt for public consultation, consent, and aboriginal treaty rights. Premier Alward has refused to meet with the Wabanaki people in a traditional place of North American democracy, the Longhouse, which now rests on the banks of the Saint John River, across the street from the Provincial legislature, and was constructed for such a meeting.
As Leader of the Opposition on April 6th 2010, David Alward spoke frankly about the consequences of shale gas development on water contamination, saying, "Many problems have been reported because of [fracking] companies. Significant contamination of people's drinking water is taking place. We know that, in the United States, companies are not required to provide the information.” Government, health and academic studies document additional environmental hazards of the industry, like severe air contamination and impacts on human health, including accelerated rates of cancer and childhood asthma.
“Today Premier Alward claims he was elected with a mandate to develop shale gas. His minister of energy, Craig Leonard, says that shale gas opponents are ‘ridiculous’ or he resorts to calling us names. They discount the real facts and ignore citizens who are petitioning for public meetings and asking some very important questions”, states Council of Canadians member, Dr. Caroline Lubbe-D’Arcy. “Shale gas and hydraulic fracturing were never mentioned in their platform. In fact they avoided any mention of it in the platform’s ‘Energy Plan’, yet renewable energy and efficiency are included”, adds Lubbe-D’Arcy.
Critics charge that in the wake of Mr. Louis Lapierre’s fraud, the Alward government is also lying in order to justify moving ahead with their plans for a shale gas industry. They point out that the Alward government is following suit with the Harper Government by diluting or changing laws based on industry requirements, and are thwarting the efforts of citizen groups that work to shine a light on their failure to adequately consult with the public on shale gas.
“We hope David Alward will respect democracy and renew constructive dialogue with the Wabanaki and all peoples on the direction and future of New Brunswick” says Wishart.
- Détails
- Publié par : Tashina Thomas
- Affichages : 7481
Le documentaire « Kahsatstenhsera : Résistances des peuples autochtones aux oléoducs pour les sables bitumineux» est à voir absolument. « Kahsatstenhsera » est un mot Mohawk qui signifie l’union fait la force. Voyez ce court documentaire à propos de la résistance des peuples autochtones aux oléoducs pour les sables bitumineux, et plus particulièrement pour la ligne 9 et l’oléoduc d’Energy East, qui menacent la santé de leurs territoires. Vous y entendrez les voix et les perspectives de Ron Tremblay, de John Levis et de Suzanne Patles.
- Détails
- Publié par : Nature Trust of New Brunswick
- Affichages : 44681
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013
(Fredericton, NB) The Meduxnekeag River Association Inc. (MRA) is this year’s recipient of the Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Land Conservation. On Friday, Nov. 1 from 2 to 4 pm, an award ceremony will take place at Government House in Fredericton to recognize the outstanding achievement of the MRA in acquiring and protecting a significant portion of the lands in the Meduxnekeag watershed, a valuable part of New Brunswick’s Saint John River watershed.
“This is the second year of the award, which was created by his Honour Graydon Nicholas, Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick, to mark the 25th anniversary of the Nature Trust of NB,” says Don Dennison, Past President of Nature Trust. “This initiative by His Honour to establish the award for land conservation is testimony to Mr. Nicholas’ understanding of, and commitment to respecting the land and the connection to it felt profoundly by First Peoples and generally by all New Brunswickers. The award provides an opportunity to give thanks to those who work to protect it.”
Twelve nominations were put in front of a five-member selection committee, which includes Angela Acquin, a member of the St. Mary's First Nation community, Paula Noel, Regional Director of the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Mike Sullivan, New Brunswick Ministry of Natural Resources, Kevin Davidson with Canadian Wildlife Services, and Don Dennison, Nature Trust of New Brunswick.
“I think we were chosen in recognition of our 15 years of work in acquiring and protecting ecologically significant land in the Meduxnekeag watershed,” says George Peabody, MRA Program Coordinator. “We are, so far as I know, unique among NB local organizations in carrying this out.”
Starting in Woodstock in 1995, the MRA initially focused only on fish and fish habitat in the area. Recognizing the importance of the Meduxnekeag watershed and uniqueness of the Appalachian Hardwood Forest found there, the group blossomed into the impressive organization seen today, with almost 800 acres of protected land through the Meduxnekeag Valley Nature Preserve system and well-established educational outreach programs.
“In addition to the direct value of our work, we think our example shows how a relatively small local organization can make a big local difference in land conservation,” says Peabody. “We'd like to see the same sort of thing happening in communities all over New Brunswick.”
About the Award
The Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Land Conservation recognizes individuals and organizations like the MRA for their achievements in land conservation, including:
- An individual or entity who has contributed in a sustained manner over a significant period of time.
- An individual or entity who has contributed significantly in a relatively short amount of time.
- A donor of funds or property.
- A volunteer, steward and/or member of the Nature Trust of New Brunswick.
- A corporate or community partner of the Nature Trust of New Brunswick.
- An individual who contributed significantly in the past and should be recognized posthumously.
About the Nature Trust of New Brunswick
The Nature Trust of New Brunswick is a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to preserving New Brunswick’s outstanding ecological landscapes for people and nature. The Nature Trust currently protects 36 nature preserves in the province. For more information about the organization, visit naturetrust.nb.ca.
About the Meduxnekeag River Association
The Meduxnekeag River Association is a community-based watershed organization in Woodstock, New Brunswick that has protected over 800 acres of eco-regionally significant habitats. For more information about the organization, visit meduxnekeag.org.
