Refuge Conserve. Steward. Educate.
CONSERVATION: Saving our Appalachian Hardwood Forests
Vol. 25, No. 2 | Summer 2016
most important sites near the Meduxnekeag River, including the 60-hectare Bell Forest. Using the reports from the 1997 study, the Nature Trust’s conservation planning team is currently working toward revisiting the AHF sites of high conservation priority in an attempt to preserve what remains. The Nature Trust is also working alongside staff from the Canadian Forest Service to identify native butternut stands at these sites as well. The focus area is between Hartland and Grand Falls.
This spring, families were sent a letter to request permission to visit their woodlots for a follow-up assessment. When permission is provided, the Nature Trust aims to conduct each site visit with the landowners when possible to show them firsthand where the sensitive parts of their woodlots are located and help them to identify the rare plants that make their woodlot unique. The next step in the Examples of uncommon understory plants of the AHF: left - showy orchis (Galearis spectabilis) and right - Northern project is to follow up with landowners to provide maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum). site assessment reports, maps and conservation long the back roads of Carleton and “The region’s high-quality soils that make recommendations to help guide their efforts to Victoria counties in the Central St. John these sites so unique are also some of the preserve the ecological integrity of these sites. River Valley, tucked in forested ravines best soils available for agriculture and many and slopes, behind the region’s potato of the known AHF sites are woodlots being “The options available for forest stewardship are farms lies a rare and vanishing forest type actively harvested,” says Aaron Dowding, quite flexible, so we work with people’s vision for not found anywhere else in the Maritimes. Conservation Planning Manager with the their woodlot and try to integrate conservation The Appalachian hardwood forest (AHF) is Nature Trust. “If we want to preserve these guidelines and simple rules of thumb into their a species-rich, tolerant hardwood forest, remnant forest stands and the rare species harvesting plans, if outright conservation isn’t an consisting of trees that are more commonly found there, conservation and working option,” says Dowding. found together outside of the province in lands will have to go hand-in-hand.” the lower St. Lawrence River valley and The conservation planning team will continue this This summer, the Nature Trust is reviving work throughout the summer and over the next southern Great Lakes regions. a project initiated in 1997 by revisiting several years with woodlot management workshops Mature forests of sugar maple, beech, previously identified AHF sites to assess and demonstration site tours for woodlot owners. white ash, yellow birch, and ironwood are changes to the forests, report to landowners Ultimately, the goal will be to preserve as many of typical of this forest type and, occasionally, about what has been found, and, when the remaining AHF sites, using a variety of methods, basswood and butternut are found closer applicable, provide them with woodlot so that the remnant populations of this rare to floodplain areas. Associated with these management recommendations. ecosystem remain in New Brunswick. forests are very rare and uncommon understory vascular plants and bryophytes, “The Nature Trust will work with landowners The Nature Trust gratefully acknowledges the including northern maidenhair fern, showy over the long-term to integrate conservation support of the following supporters: Government of orchis, wild ginger and yellow lady’s slipper forestry into their woodlot management, Canada Habitat Stewardship Program for Species that are found alongside the more common where more formal conservation is not at Risk, The McCain Foundation, NB Wildlife Trust ground flora of rich tolerant hardwood appropriate,” says Dowding. “Often, it’s a Fund, and the NB Department of Natural Resources. forests. Some of these species, such as cut- simple matter of individuals not knowing For more information or to help with conservation leaved toothwort, are known only from a about the alternatives to clearcutting or efforts for the AHF project, please contact Aaron handful of locations in the entire province other ways to preserve old forest and still Dowding at (506) 457-2398 or staff@ntnb.org. and others found here are at the northern make money from a family woodlot.” limit of their range in New Brunswick. Much IN THIS ISSUE: of this is attributed to the region’s climate During the original 1997 project, the Nature Trust and botanists identified, assessed and and nutrient-rich limestone soils. ranked over 100 remaining patches of AHF - CONSERVATION: Saving our The significance of this forest type has forest. Multiple conservation successes Appalachian Hardwood Forests long been recognized, but it continues were achieved as a direct result of the to disappear. It only remains in small project, including an agreement between - STEWARDSHIP: Stewarding fragments across the landscape, an the Nature Trust and the Town of Woodstock shorelines in the southwest Bay of Fundy estimated one per cent of what it used to to protect a 15 hectare high-priority AHF be. These remaining populations of intact site now known as the Beardsley Hill Nature - EDUCATION: Board member Walter AHF are most often found as islands of Preserve. In the 20 years since the project Emrich recognized with international forest surrounded by farm fields or in the began, the Meduxnekeag River Association back woods where the land is too difficult has established the Meduxnekeag Valley volunteer award Nature Reserve and preserved some of the to farm. - SUMMER EVENTS LIST
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STEWARDSHIP: Stewarding shorelines in the southwest Bay of Fundy The Nature Trust is now planning a largescale, one-day marine debris cleanup event for multiple coastal and island nature preserves within Charlotte County on Saturday, July 23.
Participants at the Nature Trust's shoreline cleanup AND, first-ever, underwater cleanup at at the Connors Bros. Nature Preserve at Pea Point in Blacks Harbour.
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ince the early 1990s, the Nature Trust has been organizing marine debris cleanup events on nature preserves within the southwest Bay of Fundy region in Charlotte County, where over 600 hectares in 14 nature preserves are protected by the organization. These periodic cleanups eventually became an annual occurrence through the establishment of the Charlotte Isles Cleanup—an event in which a different coastal nature preserve in Charlotte County is selected for a shoreline cleanup. These cleanups have grown to be some of the most popular public volunteer events and important because the issue of marine debris is so pervasive in this region. Recognizing that an innovative and collaborative approach between citizens, government, other NGOs and industry is needed to tackle this issue, the Nature Trust has become increasingly creative with engagement in shoreline stewardship over the years.
partners at the Village of Blacks Harbour and Eastern Charlotte Waterways, a not-for-profit, environmental resource and research centre located in Blacks Harbour that supports the Nature Trust’s stewardship efforts in the region. There were 11 dedicated volunteers on land who removed over 30 bags of garbage from the shoreline and surrounding forest of the nature preserve.
The underwater cleanup portion of the day was made possible by partners at COJO Diving—a Fredericton-based scuba diving business that offers dive training programs for all levels, as well as equipment sales and rental. The cleanup dive was also a registered “Dive Against Debris” through Project AWARE, which is a nonprofit organization that works with volunteer scuba divers to protect the ocean. Eight divers participated in the event and some of the items they found and recovered included plastic cutlery, bottles, cans, rubber tubing, and, the strangest item, a toilet seat. Most recently, in May, the Nature Trust hosted It was noted that there actually was not too a unique event at the Connors Bros. Nature much garbage found at the dive site, which was Preserve at Pea Point in Blacks Harbour, which promising to see, and divers were impressed included both a shoreline AND underwater with the marine life seen, including large moon cleanup with certified scuba divers searching snails, nudibranchs and more. Debris such as for debris in the ocean before it even reaches glass bottles or anything else that may have the shore. This event was supported by become a habitat for marine life was left there.
Scuba gear set-up before the cleanup dive. Perfect weather for a day along the Fundy coastline!
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Refuge - Summer 2016
“Divers are naturally drawn to action on issues impacting the marine environment, and seek opportunities close to home that provide a direct and immediate benefit,” says Connie Bishop, co-owner of COJO Diving. “We are pleased to support these events as they draw attention to the concern of marine debris, they bring visibility to the unique preserves managed by the Nature Trust, and we have the opportunity to educate local divers and other participants on how to identify and safely remove harmful marine debris.”
“Our coastal and island nature preserves in the Bay of Fundy are beautiful and unique places, but there are few of them unaffected by marine debris,” says Richelle Martin, Stewardship Coordinator. “We are planning a cleanup event of this scale because we want to engage as many people as possible in shoreline stewardship. Having it happen at a number of sites over the course of one day makes a statement about the issue in hopes of raising broader public awareness and fostering a greater stewardship ethic in the region.” Funding has been secured from the New Brunswick Wildlife Trust Fund and in-kind partnerships with industry, government other NGOs have been formed to be able to undertake this event. The nature preserves that will be focused on for this event include L’Etang Islands, Frye Island, Meredith Houseworth Memorial Seashore at Whale Cove on Grand Manan, South Wolf Island, Western Isles, Caughey-Taylor, Navy Island, Pagan Point and Connors Bros. Nature Preserve at Pea Point. Teams of between 10-20 volunteers will be sent to each location with a team leader. Each site is registered with the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup—an initiative of the Vancouver Aquarium and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to clean Canadian shorelines and collect data about marine and aquatic debris. For more information or to register as a volunteer with this event, please contact summer intern Lisa Lawyer at l_lawyer@ ntnb.org or (506) 453-4886. You can also visit http://www.shorelinecleanup.ca/en/ search/cleanups/summer2016, search New Brunswick and find the different cleanup sites within the Fundy region on a map on the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup website (continued top of page 3).
Scuba divers in the water and getting ready for the underwater cleanup.
Questions? Contact: communications@ntnb.org | (506) 457-2398
STEWARDSHIP: Stewarding shorelines in the southwest Bay of Fundy (continued) Thank you to our partners and participating organizations for making this possible: Connors Bros. Clover Leaf Seafoods Company, Cooke Aquaculture, Ginger Design, the Village of Blacks Harbour, New Brunswick Provincial Parks, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS-NB), Nature NB, COJO Diving, Fundy Baykeeper, Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Woodstock First Nation and Maritime DayTripping.
Thank you to Office Interiors in Fredericton for printing this issue of Refuge!
EDUCATION: Board member Walter Emrich recognized with international volunteer award
facilitate workshops, Walter has educated hundreds of people on our natural heritage, inspiring others with his love of nature and passion for forest and ocean ecosystems. “We sincerely appreciate the significant difference Walter has made in advancing conservation, stewardship and education around protection of valuable nature preserves throughout the province,” says Joan LeBlanc, Gulf of Maine Council Coordinator. “Whether hosting kayaking and hiking tours to introduce people to the natural beauty of these important areas, or working directly to help acquire and conserve key parcels of land, his tremendous volunteer efforts have truly made a difference in protecting valuable natural resources within the Gulf of Maine watershed.”
Walter Emrich accepting the 2016 Longard Volunteer Award from the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment.
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he third pillar in the Nature Trust’s mission is “to EDUCATE the public about the importance of land conservation and environmental stewardship, engaging and connecting all people with nature.”
Most recently, Walter guided an interpretive trip with staff members for grade 7 and 8 students from Fundy High School around the Sam Orr’s Pond trail at Caughey-Taylor Nature Preserve in Bocabec. In May, for the third year in a row, he helped guide 19 people in a sea kayaking trip to Dicks Island Nature Preserve in the Passamaquoddy Bay with Maritime DayTripping.
Walter first became involved with the Nature Trust in 2001 when he took on the role of voluntary land steward for several nature preserves within the Bay of Fundy region. He joined the Nature Trust’s board of directors five years ago and, as chair for the stewardship While all Nature Trust staff, board and committee and part of the acquisition volunteers play a role in advancing this aspect committee, he has since been an incredibly Walter was presented with the Longard of the mission, one board member in particular, active board member. Volunteer Award at a reception and award Walter Emrich, has gone above and beyond his role in supporting and perpetuating public He has led dozens of nature hikes and sea/river ceremony on Tuesday, June 7 at the Killarney engagement activities within the southwest kayaking tours for community members in all Lake Rotary Centennial Lodge in Fredericton. New Brunswick region for over five years now. seasons across New Brunswick and mainly Recently, he was recognized for his dedicated within the Bay of Fundy region. By guiding Thank you, Walter, for all that you do for the involvement as a Nature Trust volunteer nature walks, paddling trips and helping Nature Trust! through the 2016 Longard Volunteer Award from the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment. “I am truly honoured to be the recipient of the Gulf of Maine Council’s Longard Award for the small part I play in volunteering on the New Brunswick side of this amazing body of water,” says Walter. “The pleasure and satisfaction I get out of my volunteer activities is certainly more than equal to what the Nature Trust gets from me. For someone who loves the outdoors, what could be better than visiting the spectacular islands in the Bay or exploring the amazing and diverse coastal habitats and helping to preserve them for others to enjoy?”
Walter and a harbour seal during a sea kayaking trip to Dicks Island Nature Preserve (Photo: Michael McEwing).
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Summer Events Frog Walks at Hyla Park Nature Preserve, Fredericton Wednesdays until August 31
Our extremely popular amphibian adventures at Hyla Park Nature Preserve happen every Wednesday evening from 6 to 7 pm until August 31. If you would like to join up for a Frog Walk, please contact Kaela Neil, Stewardship Assistant at 2016stewardshipassistant@ntnb.org or (506) 453-4886. Private walks can also be booked for classes, daycares, scouts, guides or other small groups.
The Great Fundy Cleanup, Charlotte County (volunteers needed!) Saturday, July 23
We need your help! Join us for our large-scale, one-day marine debris cleanup event for multiple coastal and island nature preserves within the Charlotte County region. Cleanups will happen throughout the morning and afternoon, with a celebration event happening in the Village of Blacks Harbour in the early evening to thank volunteers. Read more about this event in the article on page 2 and 3. For more information and to register, please get in touch with Lisa Lawyer at l_lawyer@ntnb.org or (506) 453-4886.
Village of Bath River Run Monday, August 1
The Village of Bath is hosting their annual River Run from Bath Fair Grounds to FlorencevilleBristol on New Brunswick Day, Monday, Aug. 1, with a stop at the Nature Trust’s Green Island Nature Preserve. The Nature Trust is happy to be participating in this event this year and will have staff on Green Island leading interpretive activities. Canoe and kayak rentals will be available. No registration is necessary. For more information, contact bathfairgrounds@gmail.com or (506) 2785293 or see bathfairgrounds.com.
New River Island Nature Preserve Big Canoe Paddling Trips Saturday, August 13
For the third year in a row, we will be partnering with Canoe Kayak NB, Maritime DayTripping and GetOutside! NB during the Annual Sand Sculpture Competition at New River Beach Provincial Park. We will be there with two big canoes from 10 am to 4 pm to bring people on a paddle to our New River Island Nature Preserve in Maces Bay – the beautiful backdrop of the park. From the water, participants can observe the island’s unique intertidal zone and its algae-covered rock ledges. No registration is necessary – just find us on the beach that day!
Become a member of the Nature Trust or renew membership for 2016.
Honourary Patron
The Honourable Jocelyne Roy Vienneau
Honourary Directors Jessie Davies Robert Stewart Board of Directors Mike Bonga - President Lynn MacKinnon - Past President Vince Zelazny - Vice-President Brenda O'Donnell - Treasurer James LeMesurier- Secretary Edouard Allain Wayne Burley Walter Emrich Jane Fullerton Peta Fussell Eric Hadley Rick Hutchins Sandy Loder Timothy Nowlan Sara Taaffe Raja Wetuschat Trustees Emeritus Bill Ayer Mike Dillon Jane Tims Don Vail Dorothy Diamond Ken Hirtle Executive Director Renata Woodward Staff Karen Fearneley Jessica Bradford Aaron Dowding Richelle Martin Bethany Young Carli LeRoux Chelsea DiValentin
AS A MEMBER, YOU WILL RECEIVE: Our network of members is key to our successes in conservation, stewardship and education. If you haven't • The knowledge that you are a part already, we hope you will consider joining us by becoming a member or renewing your membership for this year. of efforts to conserve and steward significant natural areas in the $50 $100 $250 $500 I would like to give: $ province of New Brunswick. • Two issues of our ‘Refuge’ (print newsletter) and one copy of the Name Annual Report. • Monthly e-Newsletter (if email is Address provided). • Invitations and encouragement City to get involved in field trips, Phone Postal code workshops, and other Nature Trust events. Email • The right to vote at the Annual General Meeting. A cheque to the Nature Trust of New Brunswick is enclosed. • *NEW* Members are eligible for a 10% discount on gear, rental, Exp. I will pay by Visa. Visa # and training at COJO Diving – a Yes No Charitable receipt required? Fredericton-based scuba diving business.
Mail to: The Nature Trust of New Brunswick, PO Box 603, Stn. A, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A6