Join CPAWS New Brunswick at Johnsons Mills for a nature walk to explore the land and seascape of the Chignecto Isthmus located beside the beautiful Bay of Fundy!
Explore the Shorebird Reserve and learn more about the wildlife that depend on this important area!. CPAWS NB and Nature Conservancy of Canada staff will share insights into work that is being done to protect important habitats connecting from the headwaters to deep waters in the area. We will also discuss how you can get involved in helping the natural areas that matter most to you!
Family friendly event, ALL ages are welcome;
Nature walk will take place on a trail and along pebble/rocky beach;
This will be a slow-paced walk, perfect for all outdoor experience levels;
This is a FREE activity;
Please note, there is no potable water or washroom facilities on site. There is a compost toilet located near the interpretive center
Please bring along with you:
At least 2 liters of water (please bring one water bottle to carry with you, and one to leave in your car).
A hat and sunscreen,
Sturdy shoes for walking along the trail and on the beach,
Optional: Binoculars and camera (with a telephoto lens)
Every summer thousands of shorebirds migrate through the Bay of Fundy and a perfect place to see them is the mudflats and beaches of Johnsons Mills Shorebird Reserve! This internationally recognized shorebird preserve provides habitat for lots of wildlife, so come join us while we discuss the wonders of the Chignecto Isthmus and the Bay of Fundy!
Directions
From Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island: Trans-Canada Highway – Bridge St., Sackville, NB. Exit #506 Route 106 W for 16 km to Dorchester Route 935, 8 km to Centre.
From New Brunswick: Trans-Canada Highway – East Memramcook, NB. Exit #488 follow Route 106 E for 15 km to Dorchester Route 935, 8 km to Centre.
Survey conducted for ASF and CPAWS-NB shows consensus among all voters, young people and our older population, and both official Languages
TRADITIONAL TERRITORY OF WABANAKI PEOPLES/FREDERICTON, N.B. – A full two-thirds of New Brunswickers want the next provincial government to set new targets for protected areas to help Canada meets is 30×30 protected area targets. The results come from a bilingual survey conducted earlier this month of 400 New Brunswickers on behalf of the Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – New Brunswick Chapter (CPAWS-NB).
“Heading into the New Brunswick Day long weekend, and on the eve of a provincial election, it’s clear that people are united in their love for nature and want more of it protected,” said Roberta Clowater, executive director of CPAWS in N.B. “New Brunswickers expect provincial leaders to work with all levels of government and do even more to protect the rivers, forests, and coastal waters that support communities and wildlife.”
This is the third in series of surveys on nature conducted by ASF and CPAWS-NB since 2020. Results have remained consistent over time and the most recent survey illustrates how broad support for wildlife and protected areas is in New Brunswick.
“When you look at our polling results, you see that nature protection is consistently supported across all demographics for New Brunswickers. Whether they are young voters or older citizens, French or English speaking, as one voice, they come together, overwhelmingly, in favour or more protection,” added Clowater.
With more than 60,000 kilometres of rivers and streams and over 2,500 lakes, New Brunswick provides ample opportunities for canoeing, swimming, and angling. The survey shows that people are deeply connected to fish with 81% of respondents saying it is important to protect habitat for cold-water species like trout and salmon.
“New Brunswick’s waterways are under pressure from deforestation, climate change, and other threats. The best way to keep water cold, clean, and healthy for fish is by protecting the most important places in our watersheds,” said Kristen Noel, communications director for the Atlantic Salmon Federation. “Forests, rivers, and fish are interconnected.”
Canada’s 30×30 targets are a Canada-wide commitment to protect 30% of land and freshwater, and 30% of the country’s territorial seas by 2030. There are processes underway to add significant new coastal protections in the Bay of Fundy, something the survey shows New Brunswickers want.
Eighty nine percent of respondents believe the health of coastal nature is important, especially to protect us from storms and tidal surges, and help wildlife.
Un sondage mené pour la FSA et la SNAP-N-B révèle un consensus chez les électeurs jeunes et moins jeunes, anglophones et francophones
TERRITOIRE TRADITIONNEL DES WABANAKI/FREDERICTON, N.-B. – Les deux tiers des Néo-Brunswickois veulent que le prochain gouvernement provincial établisse de nouvelles cibles en matière d’aires protégées pour aider le Canada à réaliser sa cible de 30 x 30. Ce résultat a été révélé par un sondage bilingue mené plus tôt ce mois-ci auprès de 400 Néo-Brunswickois pour le compte de la Fédération du saumon atlantique (FSA) et la Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada – Section du Nouveau-Brunswick (SNAP-N-B).
« À l’approche de la longue fin de semaine de la Fête du Nouveau-Brunswick, et à la veille d’élections provinciales, il est clair que les Néo-Brunswickois sont unis par leur amour pour la nature et veulent qu’elle bénéficie d’une protection accrue, affirme Roberta Clowater, directrice générale de la SNAP-N=B. Les Néo-Brunswickois s’attendent à ce que les chefs provinciaux collaborent avec tous les ordres de gouvernement et fassent davantage pour protéger les rivières, les forêts et les eaux côtières qui soutiennent les communautés et la faune. »
Il s’agit du troisième d’une série de sondages sur la nature menés par la FSA et la SNPC-NB depuis 2020. Les résultats sont demeurés stables dans le temps, et le plus récent sondage révèle que la faune et les aires protégées bénéficient d’un soutien généralisé au Nouveau-Brunswick.
« Lorsque vous examinez les résultats du sondage, vous constatez que les Néo-Brunswickois de tous les groupes démographiques sont en faveur de la protection de la nature. Que ce soient les électeurs jeunes ou plus âgés, les francophones ou les anglophones, ils s’expriment d’une seule voix pour réclamer à l’unanimité une protection accrue de la nature », ajoute-t-elle.
Avec plus de 60 000 km de cours d’eau et plus de 2 500 lacs, le Nouveau-Brunswick offre d’innombrables possibilités pour la pratique d’activités de plein air comme le canot, la natation et la pêche. Le sondage révèle que les gens ressentent un lien d’attachement profond envers les poissons, 81 % des répondants ayant indiqué qu’il est important de protéger l’habitat des espèces d’eau froide comme le saumon de l’Atlantique et l’omble de fontaine.
« Les cours d’eau du Nouveau-Brunswick sont soumis à de fortes pressions, telles que le déboisement, le changement climatique et d’autres menaces. La meilleure façon de garder l’eau froide, fraîche et saine pour les poissons est d’assurer la protection des endroits les plus importants dans nos bassins versants, ajoute Kristen Noel, directrice des communications à la Fédération du saumon atlantique. Les forêts, les rivières et les poissons sont étroitement liés. »
La cible 30 x 30 est l’objectif que s’est donné le Canada pour protéger 30 % de ses terres et de ses eaux douces ainsi que 30 % de ses eaux territoriales d’ici 2030. Des démarches sont en cours pour ajouter d’importantes nouvelles mesures de protection côtière dans la baie de Fundy, chose que veulent les Néo-Brunswickois selon le sondage.
Quatre-vingt-neuf pour cent des répondants croient que la santé des milieux côtiers est importante, non seulement pour nous protéger contre les ondes de tempête et la montée des marées, mais pour protéger la faune.
Pour voir les résultats détaillés du sondage, cliquer ici.
Pour les entrevues en français ou en anglais, communiquer avec Kristen Noel
Summer is in full swing, and we are excited to welcome two new summer students to the CPAWS NB team! These students will be working to bring our Get Outside! NB events to a park near you! Introducing Lakshita and Jesse!
What first sparked your interest in the environment?
Jesse: It’s hard to pinpoint where my interest first began in the environment, but growing up around the nature in Canada, it is hard not to get enticed by what it has to offer. I have fond memories from nature hikes with my family, filled with moments where I learned about the need for conservation in our province. I hope to share my interest in conservation by teaching others about our need for nature and how to respect the wildlife around us.
Lakshita: My passion for the environment grew from my love for animals and wildlife. When I was younger, I volunteered most summers in Sariska, Rajasthan, and bugged my parents to travel only to places that offered wildlife safaris. Watching National Geographic documentaries about animals was one of my favorite pastimes.
Ever since then, I have always wanted to work closely with wildlife. As I became more aware of environmental issues and their effects on habitats, I developed a strong desire to contribute meaningfully to conservation: advocating for policy changes, creating awareness, and promoting habitat protection and restoration to create a better world for animals. This drive led me to study environmental management at university and eventually brought me to work with CPAWS.
What are your favorite ways to enjoy the nature NB has to offer?
Jesse: The number of places to see and things to do to enjoy the nature in New Brunswick is truly endless, but some activities for me personally are very special. Waking up at the crack of dawn and wading out into the water on the gorgeous Miramichi river to fish for coveted Atlantic Salmon is so serene I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in the world! Another way I like to enjoy the nature around me is with my trusty kayak. Paddling on still lakes or swift rivers helps me see how beautiful our province is.
Lakshita: Outdoor activities in New Brunswick have been a refreshing change from what I experienced in India. There are so many things that I got to try for the first time, such as skiing in the snowy winters and canoeing during the summers. Hiking along the beautiful trails has become one of my favorite activities these days. The camping experiences I’ve already had through this job have also been very memorable. Every moment spent in nature here makes me feel so happy and calm, and I look forward to more of these moments while I am here.
What part of working for CPAWS NB are you most looking forward to?
Jesse: One of the many things I am excited for during my time at CPAWS NB is to be able to help build people’s connections to nature through various Get Outside! NB activities across the province. Through these activities, like our Seashore Explore events at different parks, I hope to show people how to be stewards of the natural areas around them and demonstrate why conservation is so important to all of us on the CPAWS NB team.
Lakshita: I am looking forward to participating in the CPAWS Get Outside program. I’ve noticed that in the environmental field, it’s fairly common to feel discouraged when facing all the challenges, but the Get Outside program takes a refreshingly positive approach. It builds a strong community of stewardship, by emphasizing the importance of nature and fostering a deep connection to it. Being surrounded by like-minded people and rekindling my own love for nature while helping others, is very fulfilling for me.
What makes the conservation of NB nature important to you?
Jesse: Growing up influenced by our vast natural spaces, makes me want to protect and fight to conserve nature for future generations. The need for conservation is vital to continue doing the things we love, and it is so very important to educate the public on what they can do to help conserve our natural spaces.
Lakshita: Growing up in a busy city in India to experiencing the beautiful nature New Brunswick has to offer, I feel the difference it has made in my life. I want everyone to be able to experience the peace and serenity from being around nature, and not be disconnected from it while living in urban surroundings. I would never want to return to living in a concrete jungle, nor do I want places to become like that in the future. I want there to be places where people can coexist with nature, and that is what makes conservation important to me.
Jesse and Lakshita, along with the rest of our CPAWS NB Team, hope to see you out in nature this summer at one of our many events. Be sure to check out our Get Outside! NB summer programming for details on all of our activities.
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:
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!
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.
Jesse: One of the many things I am excited for during my time at CPAWS NB is to be able to help build people’s connections to nature through various Get Outside! NB activities across the province. Through these activities, like our Seashore Explore events at different parks, I hope to show people how to be stewards of the natural areas around them and demonstrate why conservation is so important to all of us on the CPAWS NB team.
See 
Touch 
Taste