TRADITIONAL TERRITORY OF WABANAKI PEOPLES/FREDERICTON, N.B. – The New Brunswick Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS-NB) enthusiastically welcomes the public release of the draft Marine Conservation Network Plan for the Scotian Shelf – Bay of Fundy Bioregion, by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).
This draft plan identifies areas that are significant for conservation in the Scotian Shelf – Bay of Fundy Bioregion. DFO is encouraging public input on the draft plan.
“The Bay of Fundy is important to all New Brunswickers,” says Roberta Clowater, Executive Director of CPAWS-NB. “Yet the Bay is facing increasing industrial pressures and is warming due to climate change faster than other parts of the ocean. The Bay has been woefully unprotected for too long. It’s good news that the federal government has identified areas in the Bay that need to be conserved for wildlife and to support coastal communities. We have a responsibility to take care of the ocean that supports us, and we need strongly protected Marine Protected Areas in all these sites. This is a good beginning, but we believe more areas need to be added to the marine conservation network.”
The draft Marine Conservation Network Plan identifies six areas of high conservation value in the New Brunswick part of the Bay of Fundy. These sites include habitats for rare and endangered species such as the North Atlantic Right Whale and the Inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic salmon, saltmarshes and mudflats that are internationally important stopovers for millions of migratory shorebirds each year, and hotspots for whales, seabirds and fish nurseries.
Each of the sites identified in the Bay of Fundy will be part of a full consultation process in the future with Indigenous peoples, industries that use the Bay, local communities, and the public, once the draft plan is finalized. This is only the first step of a long process before final decisions will be made.
Canada has committed to protect 30% of the ocean around the country by 2030. This is consistent with the international target to protect 30% of the world’s ocean by 2030, as part of global efforts under the Biodiversity Convention. In the Bay of Fundy, there is currently only one small Marine Protected Area in the Musquash Estuary.
CPAWS-NB is reviewing the draft Marine Conservation Network Plan closely and will submit input to DFO. The public consultation process runs until June 29th.
CPAWS NB encourages the public to provide input to DFO using this online survey:
Join CPAWS NB for a forest hike Saturday, April 10 at 1 pm at Otter Creek
Come to learn about protecting and managing forests for biodiversity and enjoy the sights and smells of Spring in the forest!
Guided by wildlife biologist Bob Bancroft and landowner Estelle Drisdelle, we’ll explore a property managed to reflect the forest’s natural ecology.
The hike will last approx. 2 hours and will involve walking on some uneven terrain and crossing a wooden footbridge. ***Come prepared with sturdy hiking or walking shoes. And a walking stick is often helpful on uneven ground!
This event is free and open to all ages.
How to get there:
Otter Creek is located in Strait Shores, just outside the Village of Port Elgin. Type in 171 Moore Road Extension, Otter Creek, NB into a google maps or see here for directions. Drive to the end of Moore Road Extension, park at the end of the road and we will meet everyone there and walk into the trailhead together.
What to bring:
Bring at least two bottles of water: bring one along the walk, and leave one in your vehicle. Snacks are a great way to keep your energy up along the trail.
How can we help?
If you have any questions or require any additional accommodations to participate, please email mjellett@cpaws.org
This hike is being held to promote work being done by the The Chignecto/Sikniktewaq Partnership. CPAWS NB, along with our project partners, is working to find solutions that will help create resilient habitats for wildlife and people on the Chignecto Isthmus. To learn more: https://cpawsnb.org/campaigns/chignecto/
The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – New Brunswick Chapter (CPAWS NB) is the provincial branch of a national conservation organization. We are dedicated to the long-term protection of our province’s wild ecosystems in protected areas, and work to ensure that nature comes first in parks management. CPAWS NB is looking for an enthusiastic young leader, with a passion for nature and the ability to work as a key part of our environmental organization’s team this summer.
The job will be based out of Fredericton, with travel in New Brunswick throughout the summer, accompanying other staff members to events and activities.
Responsibilities
The Conservation Education and Outreach Assistant will:
a) Organize and facilitate nature-focused events, outreach and activities for the public. This may include organizing special nature-themed activities in parks, and setting up CPAWS NB booths at events or markets;
b) Draft and design communications, promotional and educational materials to promote CPAWS NB’s work in the community. As well as writing and posting blogs and other posts to social media;
c) Support CPAWS staff with revision and updates to materials for our education programs.
d) Create and distribute online outreach and promotional materials for nature-focused events and outreach activities, including event posts, website updates, flyers, as well as assisting with event registration;
e) Participate in training to learn basic skills in conservation education, engaging people in nature-oriented activities, outdoor safety, and event promotion;
f) Travel to event sites to assist with outreach activities;
g) Write event plans and reports on each activity to track outcomes, results and feedback received from participants;
Required Qualifications are:
A current post-secondary student, under the age of 30, who is studying Environmental Studies, Outdoor Education, Natural Sciences, Communications, STEM, or a related field with an interest in working in the conservation sector.
Experience and interest in conservation issues, communicating with the public, or event management and promotions.
Basic understanding of conservation and parks issues in New Brunswick.
Ability to communicate fluently in both of New Brunswick’s official languages is a strong asset for this position.
Proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Canva and/or other similar software, and well-developed online communications skills with various social media platforms.
Exceptional organizational skills and ability to track and report on the details of various aspects of the project.
Proven leadership abilities, ability to take initiative, ability to work independently with limited supervision and to develop own work plan to achieve assigned project tasks.
Ability to work some weekends and evenings.
Must be a resident of New Brunswick or a First Nation community in New Brunswick, and a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection applies.
A valid New Brunswick driver’s license is required, and the ability to drive a rental car.
Priority will be given to Indigenous peoples, women studying in the STEM fields, LGBTQ+ persons, persons with disabilities and students who are members of visible minorities. Candidates have the option of identifying themselves as one of these groups on their application, if they so choose.
Full time, summer position
35 hours per week, with some weekends and evenings
Hourly wage: $16
Anticipated Start Date: Mid-May 2024
TO APPLY
Please indicate in your cover letter how you meet these qualifications and why you think you would be a good fit for this position at CPAWS NB. Send your résumé and cover letter in one file to dhak@cpaws.org.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
This webinar is for anyone who loves the Bay of Fundy and wants to learn more about:
The plants and animals that call the Bay home,
The benefits of and need for more protection in the ocean,
Marine conservation opportunities in the Bay,
And how YOU can help the important coastal and ocean habitats you care about.
French interpretation will be available!
All are welcome to this FREE event!
Everyone is invited to join in the conversation – whether you work in the environment sector or have no previous knowledge about ocean protection, this webinar is for anyone who wants to learn more about helping the ocean.
Wednesday, March 20th from 2:00 – 3:30 pm
2:00-2:45 – Presentation by CPAWS NB about the current state of marine conservation in the Bay of Fundy
Ce webinaire s’adresse à quiconque aime la baie de Fundy et veut en savoir plus sur :
– Les plantes et les animaux qui habitent la Baie,
– Les avantages et la nécessité d’une plus grande protection de l’océan,
– Les possibilités de conservation marine dans la Baie,
– Et comment VOUS pouvez protéger les habitats côtiers et océaniques importants qui vous tiennent à cœur.
Un service de traduction simultanée vers le français sera disponible!
Tous sont bienvenus à cette activité GRATUITE!
Vous êtes tous invités à faire partie du dialogue – que vous travailliez dans le secteur de l’environnement ou que vous n’ayiez aucune connaissance préalable de la protection des océans, ce webinaire s’adresse à quiconque veut en savoir plus sur l’aide à apporter aux océans.
Le mercredi 20 mars de 14 h à 15 h 30
De 14 h à 14 h 45 – Présentation par la SNAP NB sur l’état actuel de la conservation marine dans la baie de Fundy
*Registration is required, to provide registrants event information and updates in the case of inclement weather. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be postponed to a later date and registrants will be contacted.
We can’t wait to share our love for the Bay of Fundy with you!
New River Beach Provincial Park by Kristen Hopkins
You may or may not already know, but some incredible natural spaces are silently working to help us fight the climate crisis simply by performing their natural function. Like nature’s secret weapon against the changing climate, these places, such as forests and the soil beneath, wetlands, the ocean and the magical places where ocean meets land, are all climate superheroes. From buffering against storms and protecting from floods to creating habitats and exceling at carbon storage, these spaces make up nature’s toolkit for safeguarding the planet! And the best part? It’s all done naturally and for free – by simply allowing natural spaces be.
Each of these climate superheroes is unique and works collaboratively to mitigate the effects of the climate change. These also happen to be beautiful places that offer people opportunities for relaxation, and recreational, emotional, and spiritual experiences which can catalyze human connections to nature. These places also provide wildlife with a habitat to live in.
The Ocean
The ocean takes first prize for the largest carbon sink in the world. It’s a silent superstar in the fight against climate change in two ways. First, the ocean dissolves and absorbs carbon by simply reacting with water. Second, aquatic plants and vegetation act as carbon sponges, absorbing carbon through photosynthesis. These processes come together to create a climate-regulating masterpiece that can help mitigate the impacts of climate change.
However, carbon loves the company of heat. When the ocean absorbs carbon, it latches on to the carbon molecules and does not like to let go. Hence, the more carbon the ocean absorbs, the warmer it will become. The ocean can help protect us from the changing climate, but only if we speak up for marine protection in return.
Seagrass Meadows
Photo by Nick Hawkins
Seagrass meadows are an important coastal ecosystem for humans and the rest of nature! Often mistaken for seaweed, seagrasses grow from root systems that reach beneath the ocean floor. Seagrasses have stems, roots and leaves and even produce flowers and seeds – just like trees do! This climate superhero is hidden just below the surface of the water and is among the most productive habitats in the world.
Seagrass meadows provide habitat for fish, crabs, sea birds and other sea life, which is important for biodiversity, the food chain and commercial fisheries. These meadows store large amounts of carbon in their root systems and surrounding sediment. They also help buffer storms and slow erosion of the coastline. These are some of the reasons that it’s important to protect this ecosystem, as many seagrass meadows are disappearing due to pollution and increasing development.
Kelp Forests
Photo by Nick Hawkins
New Brunswick is blessed with an abundance of forested areas, but did you know that forests grow in the ocean as well? In clear and cool, nutrient-rich water along shore, kelp forests grow. Unlike the trees on land, kelp is not a plant or a tree for that matter… it’s algae! This means that kelp lacks the same physical properties as plants, such as a root system, which is what allows trees to carry nutrients from one part of the plant to the other. Since kelp doesn’t have an established root system, it gets all its nutrients directly from the water. Kelp forests only form in areas where high amounts of sunlight can shine through the water. Through photosynthesis, kelp harvests energy from the sun and relies on sunlight to generate food and energy to survive. In optimal conditions, these plants can grow up to 2 feet in a single day!
As these plants grow to form forests underwater, they provide a special marine habitat, home to sea otters, thousands of invertebrates, and sea urchins. They are important breeding grounds for fish and a place to hunt for seals, sharks and other marine mammals.
Murray Beach Provincial Park by Kristen Hopkins
The next time you find yourself wandering in the forest, soaking up the beauty of a wetland, or pondering on the beach while admiring the ocean, remember that nature is actively working, always behind the scenes, to protect the planet, a shared habitat in the face of change. Beneath the ocean’s waves and in the veins of the leaves growing on trees, nature is emitting forces of energy to fight the battle against the changing climate. Sometimes the most effective solutions are the ones that have been there all along, just waiting for their turn in the spotlight.
Although summer has ended, there is no better time than the present to go hiking. New Brunswick boasts some of the most spectacular Fall views and many of the trails are perfect for those who are new to hiking. We have selected 5 beginner friendly trails, as well as some tips for getting outside.
Williams Falls
Before jumping in, one of the most important parts of hiking is to be prepared. Planning your time in nature is what keeps you safe in the wilderness. Safety concerns can arise when folks are ill prepared for a hike. That is why we highly recommend you check out our previous blog on how to “Watch Your Paws” while in nature. This article dives into preparation for time spent in nature, as well as keeping yourself, others, and wildlife around you safe.
Aside from “watching your paws”, here is a list of some items we highly recommend you bring along with you for your time in nature:
Water – at least ½ a liter for every hour you will be outside
Sunglasses
Sunscreen and a hat for sun protection
Sturdy shoes
First aid kit
Beaver Pond trail
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Emergency rain gear
If you plan on going to a beach, think about adding the following to that list:
Bathing suit
Towel
Water shoes or sandals
Keeping all of that in mind, here are 5 of our favourite beginner friendly hikes in New Brunswick.
1. Williams Falls – Mount Carleton Provincial Park
Kouchibouguac Bog Trail
Williams Falls is located in Mount Carleton Provincial Park. The park is home to the highest peak in the Maritimes and attracts many hikers. Mount Carleton is part of the Canadian Appalachian Mountains and is habitat for many New Brunswick animals. Williams Falls is a short 0.5km hike that leads to a beautiful view of the falls over a bridge and an additional platform for added views. This trail is noted to be accessible for some and takes around 20 minutes to complete out and back. Dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash and the park entry fee for one vehicle is $13.04. This trail is a perfect opportunity to check out the natural beauty in Mount Carleton Provincial Park without embarking on a hike up the mountain!
2. Beaver Pond trail – Mactaquac Provincial Park
The Mactaquac Beaver Pond trail is a 1km loop around a beautiful beaver pond, and home to amphibians like bull frogs and green frogs, as well as breathtaking views of beaver lodges. Enjoy looking out onto Fall colours while walking the boardwalk along this trail. The walk takes roughly a half hour, and no park entry fees are required. Stop for a picnic at the shelter and be sure to take some time to listen to the ample bird calls around the pond. Dogs are welcome on a leash and this trail is noted to be accessible for some.
3. Bog trail – Kouchibouguac
Dickson Falls, by Kristen Hopkins
Kouchibouguac National Park is known for magnificent sand dunes off the shore of vibrant ocean waters, but the hike that we suggest highlights another neat feature: a peat bog. Peat bogs are often home to carnivorous plants like pitcher plants, as well as sphagnum moss. They also prevent flooding and store carbon dioxide, making them climate superheroes. The peat bog trail is roughly 2km out and back and takes between 45 minutes – 1 hour. Please note that dogs are welcome on a leash and there is a section of the trail that contains stairs leading to a lookout point. The daily park entrance fee for a family/group is $8.50 in the Fall season.
4. Dickson Falls – Fundy National Park
Dickson Falls is the most popular hiking trail at Fundy National Park. The trail is a 1.5km loop estimated to take 30 minutes. Fundy National Park is home to beautiful cliffside views of coastal forests and the renowned Bay of Fundy. The rich forests in the park are essential habitats for creatures like chipmunks, deer, and black bears. This particular hike follows the Dickson Brook and leads to a breathtaking lookout of the 9-meter-high falls over a stunning mossy background. Dogs are welcome on a leash, and please note this hike contains stairs. The fee for daily admission to Fundy National Park is $16.75 for a group.
5. Chitticks Beach Trail – New River Beach
Chitticks Beach, by Kristen Hopkins
The Chitticks Beach trail is a 2km loop and is part of the longer Barnaby Head trail where lookout points of the extraordinary Bay of Fundy are plentiful. Remarkable cliffside lookout points offer views of the bay, coastal forests and sea creatures like harbour seals and porpoises. This trail also features a stunning bog with a boardwalk. Chitticks Beach trail is a short drive from the main beach at New River Beach Provincial Park, the entrance fee for one vehicle is $13.04, and dogs are welcome on a leash.
Looking for a challenge? Perhaps you are feeling confident in your hiking and are looking for a longer trip. Consider hiking past Chitticks Beach to complete the entire Barnaby Head trail as a day trip! This 5km hike can take upwards of 2 hours and is perfect for ambitious novice hikers.
Fall is a perfect season to get outside and explore the beautiful scenery in New Brunswick. We hope that these suggestions inspire you to organize a hike this Fall season. Remember to select hikes that are at an appropriate level of challenge for you and to bring everything you will need along with you. We also recommend hiking with a buddy or group, and to stay tuned to our events page in the future for more nature walks led by CPAWS NB staff. Happy hiking!
Walker Road Forest is a 50-acre forest full of beautiful hardwood trees and is part of a system of Sackville’s beloved cross-country and hiking trails. With the assistance of the Tantramar Outdoor Club, Community Forests International purchased this property in early 2021 for long-term community and climate benefits.
Come to learn about protecting and managing forests for biodiversity and enjoy the Fall colours!
The hike will last approx. 2 hours and will involve stepping off the beaten trail and walking on uneven terrain. ***Come prepared with study hiking or walking shoes. And a walking stick is often helpful on uneven ground!
This event is free and open to all ages.
How to get there:
Walker Road Forest is located in Sackville, NB on Walker Road. Type in ‘Tantramar Outdoor Club Trailhead’ into google maps. From the Trailhead parking lot, keep travelling on Walker Road for about a 1 km and you’ll arrive at the parking for Walker Road Forest.
What to bring:
Bring at least two bottles of water: bring one along the walk, and leave one in your vehicle.
Snacks are a great way to keep your energy up along the trail.
How can we help?
If you have any questions or require any additional accommodations to participate, please email mjellett@cpaws.org
This hike is being held to promote work being done by the The Chignecto/Sikniktewaq Partnership. CPAWS NB, along with our project partners, including Community Forests International, is working to find solutions that will help create resilient habitats for wildlife and people on the Chignecto Isthmus. To learn more: https://cpawsnb.org/campaigns/chignecto/
Summer weather is here in New Brunswick, which brings many opportunities to get out and explore nature! There are so many different ways that we can connect to nature, but one of our favorite ways at CPAWS NB is to go on a ‘Five Senses nature walk’ and use all our senses to explore natural areas around us.
You might think you know all there is to know about in your favorite park, but when you take the time to slow down, you will be amazed at how many incredible details are hiding, that require just a little closer look. Whether you live along the coast, near a bog or wetland, or in the middle of the Wabanaki/Acadian forest, next time you’re out for a walk try these tips!
See
Sight is one of the most used senses, but we rarely take the time to take a closer look at the natural world around us. Next time you are out in nature, focus on the beautiful and intricate details of the plants, insects, and water around you.
While many trees might look similar at first glance, each tree species has its own unique characteristics to tell it apart from the others. You don’t need to be an expert to notice what makes the many trees in New Brunswick unique!
Can you see the different shades of green on the trees? On many coniferous trees (trees with needles) the new growth each spring is a lighter or more vibrant shade of green, which will darken over the summer and rest of the year before it begins the new growth process over again.
Taking a closer look at the bark will also reveal unique patterns that can tell you more about the tree’s health, growth and if there are any insects or animals living on or in the tree.
Looking at the plants around you, are you able to see the growth pattern of the flowers or leaves? Some plants will have leaves on each side, while others will grow in a spiral around the stem.
Consider bringing an identification book or use the iNaturalist app to ID the plants you have observed.
Touch
Our sense of touch is used less often when we are outside. However, there are many ways that you can use touch to explore and learn more about the nature around you!
If it is safe to do so, explore how the water feels on your hands or feet. What is the water temperature – is it the same temperature at the shore and when you are in deeper water?
Touch is also a great way to explore the trees around you:
How do the leaves on deciduous trees feel?
How do the needles on coniferous trees feel? Some needles can be soft while others are more pointy. Is there a difference feeling between older growth and the new growth on the tree?
Can you feel the differences between the bark on the trees?
Do any trees have sap or a sticky residue on their needles or bark?
When touching any plants or trees, be careful not to hurt the plant, remove and leaves or break of any branches or other parts of the plant. And it is important that you DO NOT touch any animals and give them lots of space!
Photo by Eric Prouzet
Smell
Our sense of smell can often be strong when we are out in nature, but with so many fragrant flowers, the smell of salt water near the ocean, or fresh buds of new growth on trees and plants, it can sometimes be hard to identify what we are smelling. Animals use their sense of smell to find food, to know if there is a predator or danger in the area, and to communicate with each other. And we can too!
Next time you are out in nature, take the time to get up close to smell different trees and plants.
Can you smell the difference between different species of trees. Do deciduous and coniferous trees smell the same or different? Does the scent remind you of a favorite food, or holiday, or place you love to visit?
Animals can also leave behind a scent that can tell us they are near!
Finally, can you use your sense of smell to know how close you are to the ocean? Scent can bring back a lot of memories, and can remind us of past experiences outside, or help us to build new memories made in nature.
Taste
Exploring nature through your sense of taste can be a little trickier than the other senses. While there are many edible plants, others can make you sick, or are toxic for humans to eat.
Many different types of tree needles can be made into a tea and berries make a tasty snack along the trail.
Before you taste anything while you are out in nature, it is very important that you are 100% sure you know what it is, and if the plant is edible! If you want to explore your sense of taste, pick up an edible plants or foraging guide from your local library or bookstore.
Photo by Kristen Hopkins
Hear
Finally, next time you are out in nature take the time to focus on the sounds around you! Our days are often filled with human-made sounds, like cars, construction, or music, and it can sometimes be hard to hear the sounds of nature around us. Pick a spot to be still and just listen to what is around you.
You might hear different animal calls. Depending on the type of habitat you are in, you might hear insects, birds, frogs, or larger animals like moose or coyotes. Each species has its own distinct call to be able to communicate with others, find a mate, and warn about danger in the area.
Can you identify what type of birds or frogs you might be listening too, based on their calls? Helpful apps like the Merlin app that can help you identify what birds are around!
What other sounds can you hear that you might not pick up at first?
What does the wind sound like amongst the trees?
Can you hear any water flowing or crashing into the shore?
Are there any animals moving around you? Can you hear how they move through the forest?
There are so many sounds we naturally tune out, and you might even experience the sounds of nature becoming louder the longer you listen.
Conclusion
This summer, take some time to explore the natural areas around you in a new way! If you go on a Five Senses walk, share your discoveries by tagging @CPAWS NB.
Follow CPAWS NB on social media for more ideas on how you can explore the nature around you, learn more about NB wildlife, and learn about ways that you can take action to help natural areas in New Brunswick.
As the seasons transition from spring to summer, people across New Brunswick flock to parks to experience beautiful beaches, lakes and rivers, and tranquil forests. Here at CPAWS NB, we are preparing for a summer full of Get Outside! events and we have welcomed two eager and passionate students to our team, to help bring these activities to a park near you!
Without further ado, let us introduce Maddie and Kristen! With these two around, you will be able to feel their enthusiasm and love for nature. They are excited to share how they feel connected to nature, and why they feel so passionate about the environment.
About Maddie:
My name is Madeline Yerxa, and I am thrilled to be working with CPAWS NB this summer. I am from Fredericton, New Brunswick and entering my third year of Environment and Natural Resources with a major in wildlife conservation at the University of New Brunswick (UNB). My favourite things to learn about are wildlife ecology and environmental sociology. I am passionate about outdoor education and have spent the past five summers instructing youth in camping skills and earth education. I love to spend time in nature, whether that is on a canoe trip, going for a hike or sitting outside for a while – nothing compares to how I feel when I am outside. I am grateful that I can spend this summer working outdoors with the GetOutside! NB program. I believe that the outdoors is for everyone, and I am looking forward to creating a safe space for all to connect with nature this summer.
About Kristen:
My name is Kristen Hopkins. I am originally from the small town of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Having grown up with the outdoors as the backdrop for my childhood and am a lover of hiking, camping, nature photography and strolls along beautiful beaches with my dog(s). I am a passionate student working towards my BSc. Environmental Management (EM) with a major in People, Policy and Planning, as well as my BSc. Forestry at UNB. I am particularly interested in the social aspects of environmental issues and solutions. For my capstone project of my EM undergraduate degree, I worked with the Native Women’s Association of Canada to design an agroforest for the Wabanaki Resiliency Lodge in the Village of Gagetown, New Brunswick. I am a firm believer that we all have a connection to nature, but sometimes that connection is more of a challenge to experience when individuals lack access to, or awareness of local nature. I am so excited to be working with the CPAWS NB team to learn how to facilitate connections to nature for others.
What experiences have led to your passion for this field of work?
Maddie – I feel fortunate to have grown up surrounded by the beautiful wilderness of New Brunswick. I also feel fortunate to have learned through my studies how unique the Wabanaki forest is. My passion for protecting New Brunswick’s natural spaces has grown from learning and spending time in nature. Through working as an earth educator in the past, I have also developed a passion for outdoor education. Watching individuals flourish in these programs has made me aware of how crucial nature education is in conservation work – after all, our lived experiences in nature are what drives our passion to protect it!
Kristen – My passion for nature was initially sparked by the connections I felt with animals – my pets first, and then wildlife. This passion grew as I spent more time experiencing nature and wildlife. When I was 16 years old, I was lucky enough to go on a trip to Alberta and see the Rocky Mountains for the first time. On this trip, I also met someone who told me they had never gotten to see or touch the ocean for themselves. Growing up by the ocean, I had never realized how much I took it for granted. To this day, I feel that this was a pivotal point in the development of my passion for conservation, and when I returned home, I began to see the world very differently. I also became very attached to a specific conservation campaign – Jumbo Wild, which advanced my passion for nature and helped me decide that I wanted to learn more about conservation in university. It has also solidified my understanding of the importance of collaborating with Indigenous nations and has opened my eyes to the need for reconciliation in Canada and the opportunity offered to work towards this as part of the work I will do in conservation.
All of this has led me to who and where I am now. I believe that each time in nature is a different experience and a new reconnection, which is why it is so important to help people learn to care about protecting nature. I am incredibly thankful to have had these experiences. I cannot express enough how important it is for all of us to learn how we connect to nature in our own ways, for our own health and for the health of the natural world.
What is your favourite part about working for CPAWS NB? / What are you most looking forward to as a CPAWS NB summer student?
Maddie – I am thrilled to be representing such an incredible organization that gives New Brunswickers the tools to take action and protect the wilderness they love and need. As a young person, I often feel overwhelmed when it comes to speaking up for nature. In the past, I have felt that my voice was insignificant in the grand scheme of things, and that it was pointless to stand up for what I believed in. In my short time working with CPAWS NB, I already feel like that idea has been proven wrong, and now, more than ever, I feel empowered to act and protect the spaces I care about. I also think that it is very special to be in a position that can inspire people to connect with nature. I am a firm believer that nature can be enjoyed by anyone. I am looking forward to a summer filled with GetOutside! NB activities and encouraging participants of all ages and backgrounds to connect with nature!
Kristen – CPAWS NB is a wonderful organization for many reasons and is an ENGO that I have admired since I entered the conservation world as a student. I like to think of my position with CPAWS as having the responsibility to spread love and passion for nature, and to provide the necessary education and awareness to hold this passion safely and responsibly. Everyone deserves to feel connected to nature, and nature deserves to have a voice. Through the Get Outside! NB program, CPAWS NB helps people understand that they can be part of this voice, and that wildlife and nature in New Brunswick needs them to speak up. There are so many opportunities planned in the Get Outside! NB schedule where Maddie and I will get to share this important message and learn more about conservation in New Brunswick from the rest of the team. I am so excited to be a part of this work and to have this experience!
What is your favourite way to enjoy nature in New Brunswick?
Maddie – I enjoy nature in New Brunswick in many ways! I absolutely love camping – overnight hiking and canoe trips are always my favourite camping trips! On beautiful sunny days, my friends and I also like to hunt for waterfalls. I love to practice identifying plants and sharing that knowledge with friends and family. I find this helps me connect with nature and is a way for me to share my appreciation of this province with people I care about. Above all, I love relaxing, breathing, and exploring all of my senses in nature.
As someone who has lived here her whole life, it is sometimes easy to take this province for granted. That is why I love to discover new places in New Brunswick, whether that is sightseeing, camping, or hiking. This province never ceases to amaze me, and I am always finding something new to love about New Brunswick.
Kristen – I love going on hikes with an awesome view at the end or meditative strolls along quiet trails in nature, always with my border collie, Rory! Every province in Canada has its own unique nature which I think is beautiful. I also think it is very important to experience this nature for myself, so I can maintain and develop new connections, which will in turn fuel my love and desire to protect nature. My dog and I are both lovers of the beach and other coastal adventures. I am looking forward to experiencing some of New Brunswick’s provincial and national parks for the first time as well this summer!
Watch for our CPAWS NB team at provincial parks across the province this summer! If you haven’t already, check out the Get Outside! NB summer programming schedule. We can’t wait to see you out in nature this summer!
See 
Touch 
Taste
What is your favourite way to enjoy nature in New Brunswick?