Steve Reid

About Steve Reid

https://test-cpaws-new-brunswick.pantheonsite.io

Posts by Steve Reid:

September 9 2020

La veille des élections, les Néo-Brunswickois réclament la protection de plus de terres

Un nouveau sondage révèle que les électeurs voient d’un bon œil les partis disposés à conserver les forêts et les ressources en eau douce

FREDERICTON – La veille des élections provinciales, un sondage mené auprès de 500 Néo-Brunswickois entre le 1er et le 3 septembre montre qu’une très grande majorité d’entre eux ont à cœur de protéger les forêts et l’habitat essentiel pour les poissons et la faune, les électeurs envisageant les partis disposés à prendre des mesures concrètes à cet égard sous un éclairage favorable.

Le sondage mené pour la Fédération du saumon atlantique et le Conseil de la conservation du Nouveau-Brunswick a révélé qu’au Nouveau-Brunswick, 9 répondants sur 10 (87 %) veulent que le prochain gouvernement de la province respecte l’engagement pris par le parti progressiste-conservateur de protéger 10 % de la province d’ici la fin de l’année, tandis que 68 % des répondants aimeraient que 25 % de la province soit protégée d’ici l’an 2025.

« En protégeant plus de forêts de l’activité industrielle, nous pourrons mieux atténuer les effets du changement climatique », a déclaré le président de FSA, Bill Taylor. « Si nos précieux bassins hydrographiques comportent plus de couverts forestiers matures mixtes, les rivières et les lacs demeureront sains, et les poissons, la faune et la flore auront ainsi l’espace nécessaire à leur adaptation et à leur épanouissement. »

Lorsque la société Oraclepoll Research a demandé aux électeurs d’identifier les problèmes environnementaux les plus importants auxquels le Nouveau-Brunswick est confronté, ils ont répondu que le changement climatique et la protection des cours d’eau constituaient les enjeux les plus importants. Soixante-huit pour cent des répondants ont dit qu’il était très important ou important que les futures régions protégées voient à la protection de l’habitat critique pour les poissons et la faune tandis qu’un nombre encore plus important de répondants (70 %) ont indiqué que les nouvelles aires protégées devraient offrir de meilleures possibilités d’activités en plein air, comme la pêche, le canotage, la randonnée et la chasse.

« Ces résultats montrent bien que les Néo-Brunswickois aiment les forêts de leur province, dans lesquelles ils sont nombreux à pratiquer la pêche, la randonnée, la chasse et le canotage », a affirmé Lois Corbett, directrice exécutive du Conseil de conservation du Nouveau-Brunswick. « Mais, force est de constater également que les gens sont préoccupés : par les coupes à blanc à grande échelle, la vaporisation de glyphosate, la disparition des boisés naturels mixtes et les répercussions que cela a sur la faune, la flore et les eaux du Nouveau-Brunswick. »

« Les Néo-Brunswickois s’attendent à ce que les gouvernements fassent tout leur possible pour assurer la conservation des aires naturelles et craignent que les mesures prises ici ne soient pas suffisantes pour protéger les forêts, les rivières, les terres humides et les côtes de notre province. Lorsque les adeptes de la protection environnementale et ceux des loisirs de plein air unissent leurs voix, personne ne peux ignorer ce puissant appel à renforcer les mesures de conservation des aires protégées », a affirmé Roberta Clowater, directrice exécutive de La section néo-brunswickoise de la Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada.

Pour voir les résultats complets du sondage, cliquez sur le lien suivant.

Renseignements :

Charles Cusson, Atlantic Salmon Federation: (506) 926-1412, ccusson@asf.ca

September 2 2020

Top conservation groups challenge party leaders to take N.B. from laggard to leader on nature, water protection

Steve Reid News

FREDERICTON — New Brunswick’s leading conservation groups are asking party leaders what they will do to catch up to the rest of Canada on nature and water protection if they are elected Premier in the general election on Sept. 14.

Today, New Brunswick sits second-to-last in Canada on total protected land, at only 4.6 per cent.

Past governments have committed to bring protected areas to 10 per cent by 2020, but no new protected areas have been announced publicly. That target would still leave 90 per cent of the province’s land open to commercial and industrial use, including forestry and mining.

Nature NB, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society—NB Chapter, Conservation Council of New Brunswick and Nature Trust of New Brunswick are asking party leaders to define how they will meet the international and national land conservation targets of 25 per cent by 2025 and 30 per cent by 2030, respectively.

The groups’ questionnaire also asks leaders if they will enact long overdue laws to protect water as called for in the provincial water protection strategy, and how they will protect wetlands, coastal habitats and healthy forests in order to give our communities greater resilience from flooding and extreme weather caused by climate change.

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Who we are:

Nature NB is a provincial conservation organization comprised of a dozen naturalist clubs from across the province and hundreds of members. Our mission is to celebrate, conserve and protect New Brunswick’s natural heritage through education, networking and collaboration. Visit website.

The Nature Trust of New Brunswick is New Brunswick’s provincial land trust, dedicated to conserving land, stewarding the ensuing nature preserves, and engaging the people of our province in conservation and stewardship work. We are a dynamic charitable organization that has established broad support in the province from a wide range of stakeholders, volunteers and donors, while protecting some outstanding natural sites. To date, the Nature Trust has conserved over 9,000 acres on 66 nature preserves, from pristine forests and shorelines, to coastal islands and wetlands, brimming with biodiversity including species at risk. Visit website.

Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – NB Chapter is part of the nation-wide charity CPAWS, with a mission to work with governments, Indigenous peoples and communities to protect more of Canada’s publicly managed lands and water – for the benefit of both wildlife and people. We work cooperatively with all parts of society to find solutions to nature conservation challenges and to connect people to the nature that supports us all. CPAWS-NB has led public campaigns that have resulted in over 150,000 hectares of new protected areas in New Brunswick. Visit website.

Conservation Council of New Brunswick established in 1969 and remains the province’s leading public advocate for environmental protection. A member of the UN’s Global 500 Roll of Honour, we work to find practical solutions to help families and citizens, educators, governments and businesses protect the air we breathe, the water we drink, the precious marine ecosystem and the land, including the forest, that support us. Visit website.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Roberta Clowater, Executive Director, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – NB Chapter: rclowater@cpaws.org; 506-452-9902

Lois Corbett, Executive Director, Conservation Council of New Brunswick: lois.corbett@conservationcouncil.ca; 506-238-5292

Vanessa Roy-McDougall, Executive Director, Nature NB: executive.director@naturenb.ca; 506-459-4209

Renata Woodward, CEO, Nature Trust of New Brunswick: renata.woodward@ntnb.org; 506-261-1260

September 2 2020

De grands groupes de conservation lancent un défi aux chefs des partis : hisser le N.-B. au rang des chefs de file de la protection de la nature et de l’eau

Steve Reid News

FREDERICTON — De grands groupes de conservation du Nouveau-Brunswick demandent aux chefs des partis ce qu’ils ont l’intention de faire pour rattraper le reste du Canada dans le domaine de la protection de la nature et de l’eau s’ils sont élus lors de l’élection générale du 14 septembre.

Aujourd’hui, le Nouveau-Brunswick se situe à l’avant-dernier rang du classement de la superficie totale des terres protégées du Canada, avec une proportion de seulement 4,6 %.

Les anciens gouvernements se sont engagés à faire en sorte que le pourcentage des aires protégées atteigne 10 % en 2020, mais aucune nouvelle aire protégée n’a été annoncée publiquement à ce jour. Et même à un tel niveau, 90 % des terres de la province pourraient encore être exploitées à des fins industrielles et commerciales, et cela inclut l’exploitation forestière et minière.

Nature NB, La section néo-brunswickoise de la Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada, le Conseil de conservation du Nouveau-Brunswick et la Fondation pour la protection des sites naturels du Nouveau-Brunswick demandent aux chefs des partis d’exposer comment ils entendent atteindre les cibles internationales et nationales de conservation des terres, soit 25 % d’ici à 2025 et 30 % d’ici à 2030, respectivement.

Dans leur questionnaire, ces groupes demandent aussi aux chefs des partis s’ils promulgueront les lois qui s’imposent depuis si longtemps concernant la protection de l’eau, tel que le préconise la stratégie provinciale sur la protection de l’eau, et comment ils entendent protéger les terres humides, les habitats côtiers et la santé des forêts pour rendre nos communautés plus résilientes face aux inondations et aux phénomènes météorologiques extrêmes provoqués par le changement climatique.

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Qui sommes-nous?

Nature NB est un organisme de conservation provincial composé de centaines de membres et d’une douzaine de clubs de naturalistes de toute la province. Nous avons pour mission d’honorer, de conserver et de protéger le patrimoine naturel du Nouveau-Brunswick par l’éducation, le réseautage et la collaboration. Visitez notre site Web.

La Fondation pour la protection des sites naturels du Nouveau-Brunswick est la fiducie foncière provinciale du Nouveau-Brunswick qui s’est donné pour mission de conserver les terres, d’assurer l’intendance des réserves naturelles qui en découlent et d’inciter les gens de notre province à participer aux activités de conservation et d’intendance de la province. À titre d’organisation sans but lucratif dynamique, nous avons, d’une part, établi une vaste base de soutien provinciale qui englobe un large éventail d’intervenants, de bénévoles et de donateurs et, d’autre part, nous protégeons des sites naturels exceptionnels. À ce jour, la Fondation a assuré la conservation de 9 000 acres répartis entre 66 réserves naturelles, qui vont des forêts vierges à des îles côtières, en passant par des rives, des berges et des terres humides abritant une foule d’espèces en péril. Visitez notre site Web.

La section du N.-B. de la Société pour la protection des parcs et des sites naturels du Canada, qui fait partie des SNAP nationales sans but lucratif, a pour mission de collaborer avec des gouvernements, des populations et des communautés autochtones pour protéger une plus grande partie des terres et des eaux publiques du Canada dans l’intérêt des gens et des espèces sauvages. Nous coopérons avec toutes les couches de la société pour trouver des solutions aux défis liés à la conservation de la nature et tisser des liens entre les personnes et la nature, qui soutient la vie de tous les êtres vivants. La SNAP-NB a dirigé des campagnes publiques qui ont fait en sorte que 150 000 hectares de terres supplémentaires deviennent des aires protégées au Nouveau-Brunswick. Visitez notre site Web.

Fondé en 1969, le Conseil de conservation du Nouveau-Brunswick est, aujourd’hui encore, le principal défenseur public de la protection environnementale de la province. Membre du Club global 500 de l’ONU, il œuvre pour trouver des solutions pratiques afin d’aider les familles, les citoyens, les éducateurs, les gouvernements et les entreprises à protéger l’air que nous respirons et l’eau que nous buvons ainsi que l’écosystème marin, si précieux pour notre survie, et la terre, dont les forêts, sur laquelle repose notre existence même. Visitez notre site Web.

Pour plus d’information, ou pour obtenir une entrevue, veuillez communiquer avec :

Roberta Clowater, Directrice exécutive, Section du N.-B. de la Société pour la protection des parcs et des sites naturels du Canada : rclowater@cpaws.org; 506-452-9902

Lois Corbett, Directrice exécutive, Conseil de conservation du Nouveau-Brunswick| lois.corbett@conservationcouncil.ca | 506-238-5292

Vanessa Roy-McDougall, Directrice exécutive, Nature NB : executive.director@naturenb.ca; 506-459-4209

Renata Woodward, PDG, Fondation pour la protection des sites naturels du Nouveau-Brunswick renata.woodward@ntnb.org; 506-261-1260

August 13 2020

Exploring New Brunswick’s beachside habitats

Steve Reid Blog

What do you think of when you hear the word “habitat”? Do you think of the forest? Of the Ocean? Of the faraway deserts, grasslands, or frozen tundra? All these large areas are important habitats for many different kinds of plants and animals, but habitats don’t have to be classified so generally. The only requirement for an area to be considered as habitat is that it has enough space, food, shelter, and water to entirely support at least one plant, animal, or other organism throughout its life.

Habitats can be as big as a forest or as small as a single dead tree that is home to many insects who can find everything they need to live within its trunk. That same tree might be only a part of the habitat needed to support a bird that nests in the tree. The bird finds shelter in the tree, but ultimately depends on a much larger section of the forest to find food, water, and mates. Different species have their own unique habitat requirements. Some species are “habitat generalists” and can survive in a variety of places, while others are very specific in their needs.

Many types of coastal creatures are “habitat specialists”, who have strong preferences for temperatures, exposure to air, level of salt in the water, and more. When we protect habitats, it is so important to include these seaside spaces that are home to specialist species. Some of these habitats you might see every time you visit the beach, but have not reflected on their purpose or importance to many types of shoreline plants, animals, birds, and more. Let’s explore three types of shoreline habitats that can be found from the beaches of New Brunswick!

1. Intertidal Zone

The intertidal zone is a big habitat, made up of other smaller habitats, that you have probably walked over many times, especially if you have ever visited the Bay of Fundy. Our special Bay has the highest tides in the world and therefore the world’s largest intertidal zone! The intertidal zone is what you might think of as the seashore. At low tide, its rocky or sandy surface is exposed to the air and, in most cases, walkable by beach goers. It’s where you go to do some beachcombing, looking for shells and sea glass. At high tide, the intertidal zone is covered in water and becomes part of the ocean again! To humans who can only survive on land, or fish that can only survive underwater, living in the intertidal zone would be impossible. For many ocean species who are unable to travel to deeper water, but require access to the ocean to eat or breathe, the intertidal zone is the perfect habitat.

Photo by Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota / CC BY-SA 2.0

Shelled species like crabs, limpets, and snails are well suited to the upper areas of the intertidal zone, where the water is shallowest at high tide. While the water is covering their habitat, they can hunt and move freely without fear of large, deep water predators. Then, when the water has retreated, they can hide beneath rocks or seaweed and rely on their shells for protection from inland predators. Further down the tidal zone, immobile marine animals like barnacles and mussels, who need water to breath, can fill their shells with water while the tide is up and enjoy a few hours of relief from aquatic predators while the water is down. Similarly, many types of seaweeds and algae that grow in the intertidal zone have adapted ways of surviving while exposed to the air. Some of these plants can lose 60-90% of their moisture while the tide is low, becoming quite brittle in the hours before the ocean rises when they can reabsorb all the moisture they need to survive. When it comes to the intertidal zone, there is always more than meets the eye! Next time you visit the beach, keep your eyes alert for the many species that call the beach home while your stroll.

2. Mudflats

Mudflats are exactly what they sound like: muddy, flat areas near the edge of the ocean that are saturated with both salt and freshwater. They are a part of the intertidal zone, but species that rely on sand or rock cover cannot survive in their sticky depths. They form in inlets or bays that are sheltered from larger waterways or harsh storms that wash sediment away from beaches. Sediment and dirt accumulate over time in these areas, building up to create, sometimes quite deep, stretches of mud. Mudflats might look void of life, but they are actually teeming with coastal species!

Species that can survive where oxygen is limited, like clams, mud shrimps, worms, and insects, live beneath the surface in mudflats. Many types of shoreline birds feed on these species, with legs and feet specially adapted to walk on or through the dense surface and beaks able to penetrate the mud. Mudflats are also the perfect habitat for many different types of bacteria, all of which have different and important roles in the ecosystem. Some bacteria break down plant matter into a form that smaller coastal animals can easily eat, while others break down contaminants in runoff from land-based water, which would otherwise reach the ocean.

Despite their empty looking appearance, mudflats are an incredibly important habitat, and one that has often been neglected or threatened by development. Next time you see a stretch of mud at the beach, imagine the many species who depend on this habitat to survive!

Virtually explore New Brunswick’s mudflats here!

3. Kelp Forests

Kelp forests are not as easily seen while walking along the beach. This habitat exists underwater, in shallow areas along the coast where sunlight can still penetrate the water to allow for photosynthesis, the process in which kelp and other plants create the food they need to survive. Since kelp need cool temperatures to grow, many patches of kelp forest can be found in the cold ocean waters of New Brunswick. A variety of New Brunswick marine animals depend on these aquatic forests for their habitat.

Some small crustaceans, like crabs, and invertebrates, like sea stars, can spend their entire lives in kelp forests, feeding on algae or their fellow inhabitants, and using the kelp as shelter from predators. Kelp forests are frequented by species of worms, snails, plankton, small shrimps, anemones, and jellyfish, and many larger sea and land animals rely on kelp forests as a component of their habitat. Fish, like cod and haddock, seals, and many types of seabirds can be spotted searching for food, hiding from predators, and seeking shelter from storms in these patches of algae.

As climate breakdown progresses, kelp are threatened by warming waters. Kelp forests in our region are deteriorating, as threats from human activities and stressors accumulate. It is important to protect existing pockets of this important habitat now, while we work to preserve ocean conditions that will allow new forests to emerge and thrive!

For a little more information about life among the kelp, check this out.

For many of us, when we think of a day at the beach we picture sandy toes, salty hair, and the sounds of joy as we soak in a dose of Vitamin N (for Nature). What we might not think of is the diversity of habitats, and the species they contain, that call our beaches home. The next time you visit a favourite New Brunswick beach or picturesque coastal town, look to where the land meets the water and remember the important habitats and ecosystems living just below the surface. What might be out of sight, doesn’t have to be out of mind, and we at CPAWS-NB are working hard to ensure these habitats are protected now and into the future.

Support the work of CPAWS-NB with a donation today!

Sandpipers in Johnson’s Mills, Bay of Fundy, header photo by Nick Hawkins

Maddie Carr is a third-year student at the University of New Brunswick pursuing a major in Interdisciplinary Leadership Studies and a minor in Environmental Studies. She is currently a Conservation Outreach Assistant with CPAWS NB. The opportunities she has received here to expand her knowledge on the importance of protecting and appreciating natural areas is preparing her for her future goals of supporting conservation work in the environmental non-profit sector. Maddie firmly believes that those who experience nature want to protect it, which is why she spends a lot of time exploring wild areas like New Brunswick’s parks and encourages others to do the same!

July 30 2020

Energy and excitement from our summer team

Steve Reid Blog

It’s summer: the days are luxuriously long and the sun’s heat drives us to refreshing beaches, cool forests, and damp wetlands. This year, we’ve faced new challenges as we connect with nature, perhaps more deeply than ever before. Behind the scenes, a team of dedicated summer students breathes new life into CPAWS-NB as we bring conservation to you and to our communities.

Please join us in saying welcome to Maddie and Grace! We are so fortunate at CPAWS-NB to attract bright people with big talent and a passion for New Brunswick’s wilderness. We sat down (figuratively) with our summer students to learn what inspires their love of nature and what drives them to work as Conservation Outreach Assistants in our team.

What makes you passionate about conservation and wilderness in New Brunswick?

Maddie

Maddie: I grew up in a rural area and my favourite playground as a child was the forest that surrounded my house. Interacting so closely with New Brunswick wilderness from such a young age has made me incredibly passionate about protecting natural areas. I want future generations to be able to enjoy the same outdoor activities that I have always loved. I want them to be able to get outside in more places than even I, which is why I think that CPAWS-NB’s mission to expand the number of parks and protected areas in the province is so crucial!

Grace: I developed a strong connection with nature at a very young age. Since I was a kid, I have spent ample time outdoors, exploring our beautiful province with my family. Over the years, I have been privileged with various opportunities through my education and work that have allowed me to learn more about the need for conservation and protection of our natural areas and wildlife here in New Brunswick. Having this knowledge and love for nature has made me all the more passionate about working to protect our incredible wilderness for future generations.

What do you love about working with CPAWS NB?

Maddie: Working in the environmental non-profit sector has been a long-standing dream of mine. So, my favourite thing about working with CPAWS-NB is learning first-hand how an environmental non-profit works and helping CPAWS-NB work towards an important mission that aligns with my own personal values. There are many other parts of this position that I also look forward to daily! My amazing co-workers, interesting work assignments, and opportunities to explore New Brunswick parks and protected areas are all awesome components of this summer job.

Grace

Grace: CPAWS-NB is such a remarkable organization, and I have been fortunate to work with them for two consecutive summers! What I love most about CPAWS-NB, and our team, is their unwavering commitment and dedication to ensuring the best possible measures are taken to protect the wilderness that is our home and life force. CPAWS-NB works tirelessly to engage our community in the rewarding work that we do, so that everyone has the opportunity to join in this important dialogue and have their voices heard. My favourite part of my job, is sharing my love and passion for nature with our community. Even though that may look a bit different this year, as we are unable to host large public gatherings, we have been able to continue to reach people virtually. I love encouraging folks to cultivate their relationship with nature and enjoy the beautiful wild spaces that our province has to offer!

What are your plans for school/work after your work period with CPAWS NB?

Maddie: In the fall I will beginning my third year at the University of New Brunswick, where I am pursuing a degree in Interdisciplinary Leadership Studies with a minor in Environmental Studies. I plan to spend next summer on the small Greek island of Samos, where I will be completing a marine conservation internship and gaining hands on experience with protecting natural areas. After I graduate, my dream is to work with an environmental non-profit right here in New Brunswick!

Grace: After I finish my work with CPAWS-NB this Summer, I will be returning to St. Thomas University for my third year in the Bachelor of Arts Programme. I am currently working towards a double major in Environment and Society and Women’s and Gender Studies.

How do you like to get out and enjoy New Brunswick’s nature? (15 words)

Maddie: My favourite thing to do in New Brunswick nature is take my dog for hikes!

Grace: My favourite way to enjoy and experience New Brunswick’s nature is by going for nature walks, hikes and bike rides and spending mindful moments outdoors.

We are lucky here at CPAWS-NB to have the help of Maddie and Grace all summer long! With their focus on protecting nature for future generations to enjoy, their energy resonates through our team as they work to shares all things conservation, wilderness, and wildlife with you—our supporters and our community.

Check our Facebook page for regular updates on CPAWS-NB events.

Julie Reimer, CPAWS NB

Julie Reimer is a PhD student at the Memorial University of Newfoundland and a Board Member of CPAWS-NB. Having worked in the whale watching industry in New Brunswick and conducted her Master’s research on conservation planning for the North Atlantic right whale, Julie is an advocate for MPAs in New Brunswick. Julie’s current research attempts to see the “bigger picture” of conservation, reaching beyond protected areas to understand the synergies between conservation actions and ocean industries. To connect with Julie, visit http://juliereimer.wixsite.com/hello.

July 22 2020

Help Save the North Atlantic Right Whale!

Steve Reid Uncategorized

There are only around 400 North Atlantic Right Whales left, and if proper action isn’t taken soon, they may go extinct. The Canadian government has recently put out a draft action plan on how to help and is seeking public input until Aug. 9, 2020. We are concerned that the plan is not strong enough, and we are asking for YOUR help. Go to https://rightwhaletosave.org/en/ before August 9, learn more about the issue and submit your thoughts on the plan.

Please. They need our help.

July 16 2020

Witnessing wildlife wonders in our backyard

Steve Reid Blog

Every year at our home in rural New Brunswick, we are fortunate enough to have front row seats to watch all kinds of wildlife living and playing in our backyard. Our favourite sights to see, by far, are the birds. Our spot is frequented by loads of different birds, so we keep our eyes and ears on alert for the swooping flight of pileated woodpeckers, the vibrant colour of blue jays, the quick song and loud calls of finches and cardinals, and most frequently, the signature blue of new robin eggs!

Robins have been nesting near, and sometimes on, our house since we moved here six years ago. We always notice them, especially as a first sign of spring, but we don’t usually pay them much mind. But this year, things were different! Since we have been spending all of our time at home, this year we had the pleasure of watching baby birds go through each stage of early life when a pair of robins nested just outside. We watched as the female robin built her nest in one of the best spots, in my opinion: a tall cedar hedge against our house. We woke up to freshly laid eggs, and then we watched from a safe distance as the baby birds grew from nestlings to fledglings, eventually leaving their nest as summer started to settled in.

Baby birds are not only precious, but they make for a great teachable moment for adults and children alike about wildlife sharing our communities, whether rural or urban. The rule of thumb for baby animals you might encounter is to simply leave them alone^[1]. Sometimes, it looks like they have been abandoned—this is especially true for baby deer^[2], but really, the mother has left them briefly to eat and replenish. The babies are safe from predators while mom is away because they have no scent! Sometimes it can be hard to leave nature be, but through evolution and adaptation our wild species are well prepared. During an unexpected and unseasonably late snowstorm this May, I was worried about the baby robins out in their nest, but the next morning we discovered that all was well. Animal moms are tough like us, and they know just what to do for their young ones.

Another rule of thumb to follow for the wildlife in your backyard is to avoid feeding them^[3]. When we feed wild animals, they become dependent on us as a regular food source, which can lure more dangerous wildlife into your backyard! Not only does it bring this risk, but feeding wildlife can increase the risk of disease transmission, can bring wildlife closer to busy roads, and can result in malnourishment when we’re feeding inappropriate foods, like feeding bread to ducks^[4]. The exception when it comes to feeding wildlife are bird feeders with proper feed, which are generally considered to be safe^[5]. In my yard, we don’t have any bird feeders, but my children love to watch the birds gather worms from the ground on a rainy day!

Watching wildlife in our backyards is exciting! Witnessing these tiny miracles can teach us about nature and how to value and respect it. To our surprise, just a few days after watching these robins fledge the nest, we woke up to one new egg in the nest. Then, to our greater surprise, suddenly three more eggs joined it! Keep searching for signs of wildlife in your yards and nearby nature spaces—you never know what sights you might get to enjoy next!

All photos in this post were taken from a safe distance using a zoom lens.

As of July 10, 2020, the second clutch of eggs have fledged the nest— and then, another egg appeared!

Header photo: “Baby American Robins” by Brook-Ward is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

[1] chrome-extension://gphandlahdpffmccakmbngmbjnjiiahp/http://www.naturenb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/LeaveWildlifeAlone.pdf

[2] https://blog.nwf.org/2015/04/finding-a-fawn-what-to-do/

[3] chrome-extension://gphandlahdpffmccakmbngmbjnjiiahp/https://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/nr-rn/pdf/en/Wildlife/DoNotFeedWildlife.pdf

[4] https://cwf-fcf.org/en/about-cwf/faq/faqs/can-i-feed-ducks-bread.html

[5] https://www.audubon.org/news/to-feed-or-not-feed

Kelsey Wierdsma holds a Master of Environmental Management and is the Conservation Coordinator at CPAWS NB. She’s a homegrown New Brunswicker and is passionate about building community support for protected areas. Her work in the non-profit sector has given her an outlet to make real change and educate others about the important work that needs to be done in New Brunswick and beyond.

July 14 2020

Quoddy Link Marine

Steve Reid Ecotourism

Harbour porpoise play in the wake left behind the M/V Quoddy Link, the catamaran whale watching vessel out of St. Andrews, NB as it glides across the Passamaquoddy Bay. The deck of this vessel is where Danielle Dion, senior naturalist and marine biologist with Quoddy Link Marine has spent the summer months for almost 20 years.

Danielle Dion with right whale model

Danielle’s love of the ocean began at a young age with a keen interest in whales and dolphins. She studied marine biology at the University of Guelph in her home province of Ontario, where she became fascinated with the entire marine ecosystem. It was during her studies that she was introduced to St. Andrews and the Bay of Fundy while attending field courses through the Huntsman Marine Science Centre.

Danielle’s main role is education. It is her hope that guests leave the Quoddy Link with a better understanding of the dynamic waters of the Bay of Fundy and wildlife that call it home. She collects important data that is donated to research organizations to help study whale population structure and movements as well as the health of individual whales. She also documents any special sightings such as shark, dolphins, turtles, and birds.

Over the years Danielle has had the chance to help name North Atlantic right whales and humpbacks from the Gulf of Maine population. Danielle says, “When it comes to naming whales you have to get creative and make sure the names are easy to pronounce, they are culturally sensitive, and they can only be used once”. She has personally named three right whales- Cello, Cottontail and Sickle. Right whales are often named for the pattern of callosities- the rough patches of skin on their head, scarring, or even a location if the individual was sighted somewhere unusual.

When asked the importance of naming whales, she explains, “North Atlantic right whales are given names for ease of ID in the field and to show a more emotional side in the media. The public may hear a name such a Clipper and possibly gain a greater connection to her and her story as opposed to hearing only her number, #3450”. Sadly, Clipper was killed in the Gulf of St. Lawrence in 2019, a summer that saw 10 known right whale deaths within Canadian and American waters. Following an investigation, it was determined that her cause of death was most likely the result of a vessel strike. Danielle continues, “each right whale is given a number when they are officially added to the North Atlantic Right Whale Catalog. The numbers can provide a lot of information such as year of birth and a clue to the identity of the mother.” The catalog is open to the public; you can explore it here.

#3450 Clipper and her 2016 calf #4650 Sebastian

While reflecting on her experiences with right whales over the years, Danielle says a trip in 2009 was particularly memorable. “It was a foggy morning as we headed out on a special extended right whale trip that took us into the open Bay of Fundy, to the old shipping lanes, which were moved in 2002 to protect right whales. We found the right whales by listening for their exhales and moving very slowly. We found a few whales and then the fog lifted, and we could see we were surrounded. I had to encourage our passengers to put their cameras down and just look, look with their eyes and not through their cameras. You could see tails and blows in every direction. After speaking with researchers that day, who were also out on the water, there were close to 100 right whales in the area. It was a truly magical experience, to be surrounded with almost a quarter of the worldwide population. It’s something I will never forget.”

Right whales are a critically endangered species, meaning they are only a step away from extinction, with a worldwide population of around 400 individuals. The low numbers and the troubles they face are mainly human-caused, with entanglements and vessel strikes being the most common cause of death. Danielle believes we all need to do better when it comes to protecting right whales. “I understand that this all sounds like doom and gloom and there is no hope, but there is! These whales have adapted, and quickly. They found their shifting food and moved from Fundy to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Their population can increase like it did in the 2000’s but the entanglements and ship strikes need to stop as they cause immense stress and even death.”

#1306 Velcro, first sighted in 1983, green rope visible in mouth

Danielle knows people protect what they love and understand and encourages people to get out and explore New Brunswick. She says, “walk the beaches at low tide and gently turn rocks over to find sea stars and crabs or grab some binoculars and look for birds in the forest, at the beach or in your backyard. Join your local nature club and possibly meet some like-minded passionate people. And if you can, get on a boat. And, if you come face to face with a whale don’t forget to put that iPhone down and look with your eyes, listen to the exhale, smell the ocean air and maybe even whale breath! It’s an experience you will never forget!”

We agree Danielle, there is nothing better than fresh salty air and the sound of whale blows. We hope to see you on the water this summer!

Make sure to follow Quoddy Link Marine on Facebook to keep up to date on the 2020 season and their most recent COVID-19 updates.

Header photo by Nick Hawkins.

We need your help! Take ACTION for the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale. Let the Government of Canada know you support an improved Action Plan- one that truly protects these special animals. Learn more and write your letter here: https://rightwhaletosave.org/en/

June 25 2020

Answering the call of the wild on the Restigouche

Steve Reid Blog wilderness stewardship program

On a bright sunny day, with the cicadas calling and the gentle waves washing ashore, 10 young New Brunswickers set out on the Restigouche River as Canadian Wilderness Stewards. Last August, the first cohort of volunteers with the Canadian Wilderness Stewardship Program (CWSP) explored this special place in our province – a beautiful watershed that CPAWS NB is currently working with government to see become a protected natural area. The volunteers engaged with local experts and guides over two days, and took part in a canoe expedition on the pristine waters of the Restigouche, all while learning about the conservation challenges and needs of the area.

Kurt Stewart

Kurt Stewart and Lauren Verner shared their favourite things about the Restigouche trip with us, and we hope these will get you excited and ready to explore New Brunswick’s wilderness. This natural wonder of the province truly inspired them, and us, to rediscover what New Brunswick has to offer!

For Kurt, his time on the Restigouche was the perfect opportunity to relax and be in the moment, “I have wanted to visit the Restigouche for some time and this was by far the best way to experience it.” He enjoyed learning about the beautiful river and its history from André Arpin, ecotourism operator on the Restigouche and one of our program presenters. For Lauren, “experiencing the Restigouche River first-hand reminded me why conservation in New Brunswick is so important.”

Lauren Verner

CPAWS NB is excited to see the province working towards creating the Restigouche Wilderness Waterway Park, a sentiment shared by our volunteers. As Lauren says, establishing a waterway park ensures that “it will remain pristine, beautiful and breathtaking for generations to come.” Both Kurt and Lauren understand the importance of protecting the Restigouche wilderness for the many species that call the area home. “We have so many beautiful spaces in our province, like the Restigouche, that are not only valuable to us intrinsically, but are valuable habitats for wildlife” added Lauren.

Ecotourism is the industry we need to turn to in keeping business thriving in the Restigouche. For Kurt, hearing the ecotourism story of Arpin Canoe Restigouche was especially inspiring. “To understand how ecotourism is a viable career is great,” he noted, especially since he would like to own a similar business someday.

Getting outside and experiencing wilderness is an inspiring adventure, and getting out onto the Restigouche reminded Lauren about her passion for the outdoors and the natural areas of New Brunswick. “I think that passion will translate through into my community project” she said about her plan of creating educational material for schools. Beyond their experience on the Restigouche, each CWSP volunteer is supported by CPAWS in developing conservation and environmental action programs in their communities.

Volunteers of the Canadian Wilderness Stewardship Program at CPAWS-NB

Paddling through the winding and crisp waters of the Restigouche, a group of passionate and eager stewards were called to action. We can’t wait to see where their passions and community projects take them, and to share their progress with you! This summer, we have plans to do it all again!

Are you or do you know someone who is between 18-30 and excited about conservation? Someone who can’t wait for their next adventure into nature? Someone ready to take action to protect New Brunswick’s wild places? We’re recruiting for the 2020-2021 cohort of stewards! You can learn more about the CWSP Program and how to apply here.

Photos by Justin Dutcher, Dutch Elms Studios

Claire Vezina

Claire Vézina’s lifelong sense of gratitude for nature is what first motivated her to work in the environmental movement. This appreciation for nature led her to complete a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of New Brunswick. At CPAWS-NB, Claire coordinates the ‘Watch Your Paws’ Education Program in both official languages, translates CPAWS NB’s communications to serve our bilingual supporters, and oversees social media engagement.

June 11 2020

10 More Underrated Species of the Bay of Fundy

Steve Reid Blog

Happy Oceans Week! As we take time this week to celebrate the oceans, the species they contain, and all of the incredible things they do for our world and way of life, we look to the winding coasts and vast blue Bays of New Brunswick. With 5,500 km of shoreline in salt marshes, sand dunes, and steep, rocky cliffs, our province is home to diverse plants and animals that endure the salty ocean environment.

To the north in the Baie des Chaleurs, you’ll find the very rare maritime ringlet butterfly fluttering along the coast or groundfish, like the threatened American Plaice, living on the ocean floor. To the east in the Northumberland Strait, you’ll find your seafood favourites: scallops, lobster, and oysters. And to the south, the rich and vibrant Bay of Fundy is home to more species than we can count, some more endearing than others. These weird and wonderful wildlife (and one plant) are our picks for 10 More Underrated Species of the Bay of Fundy.

Atlantic wolffish in the West Isles, Bay of Fundy by Nick Hawkins

1. Atlantic wolffish – Certainly a weird and wonderful species, Atlantic wolffish have many teeth in their big mouths, including along the roof of their mouths! This helps them to easily eat tricky prey, like sea urchins and crabs, who have few other predators. By eating up these hardy species, wolffish help to keep their populations in check. Atlantic wolffish help to keep food webs and ecosystems healthy, which makes protecting them and their habitat so important.

2. Copepods – Copepods are a tiny crustacean, a relative of crabs and lobsters, about the size of a grain of rice. They, along with other tiny ocean animals and plants, form the bottom of the ocean food web and keep ocean ecosystems going– one of the reasons why the Bay of Fundy is home to so many species. Copepods are especially important because they are the preferred food of the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale!

3. Rockweed – Rockweed is the general name for a few types of seaweeds found sprawling along the shorelines of New Brunswick. With tiny pockets of air, called “air bladders”, rockweeds are able to float. At high tide, clumps of floating rockweed create a forest-like habitat that many birds and fish use. At low tide, these seaweeds provide protection from predators and the elements for animals like crabs, periwinkle snails, and barnacles.

Northen Gannet -“Basstölpel (Morus bassanus) klar zur Landung” by Thomas Haeusler is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

4. Northern Gannet – Northern gannets have amazing eyesight, both in air and water! This large seabird can spy its prey- schooling fish, while soaring high above the ocean. They then dive bomb the water from the sky, causing a splash that can be seen at a distance. The neck and shoulders of the gannet are protected by air cells that inflate prior to their dive- their own built in airbags!

5. Northern barnacle – Another unique crustacean, the Northern barnacle is a small animal that permanently attaches itself to any hard structures found in the ocean: rocks, wharves, and even other animals, like lobsters and whales! This species begins its life as a free-floating larva and later settles onto a surface, solidifying its existence using a cement-like substance that scientists have explored as an alternative to dental adhesive!

6. Moon jelly – A very common jelly that is certainly underrated! You can see moon jellies nearshore from harbours, wharfs, and beaches because this species, like many other jellies, thrive in places highly impacted by people. As our activities increase, competition between moon jellies and other species for food decreases, allowing these populations to boom! As climate change impacts unfold and human activities continue, the moon jelly may just become a most populous species in the Bay of Fundy.

Northern red anemone in the West Isles, Bay of Fundy by Nick Hawkins

7. Northern red anemone – Most of us conjure up bright images of coral reefs when we think of anemones (thanks, Finding Nemo), but we too have anemones right here at home! Northern red anemones can grow up to 15cm in diameter and use their tiny tentacles to catch, sting, and then eat prey like crabs and small fish. These beautiful creatures are animals, not plants, but they’re unique in their ability to reproduce by simply diving their body in half!

8. American eel – Technically a fish, American eel are the only “catadromous” fish in North America. This means that American eels spawn and are born in the ocean, but mature in freshwater lakes and rivers. Because they can live in so many places, some say that American eels have the widest diversity of habitats of any fish species in the world!

9. Porbeagle shark – Porbeagle sharks are just one of many types of sharks that make their way to the Bay of Fundy each year. Porbeagle sharks are close relative to the great white shark, so close that they are often confused when seen in the wild.This shark grows to be up to 2 metres and 300 pounds! Porbeagles are considered as Endangered by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), but are not yet legally protected by Canada’s Species at Risk Act.

Black-legged kittiwake pair in the West Isles, Bay of Fundy by Nick Hawkins

10. Black-legged kittiwake – So much more than “just a gull”, the black-legged kittiwake nests in tiny crevices in the cliff face, usually far offshore. This small gull, about the size of a crow, with it’s signature black legs dips and plunges into the sea surface to catch small fish. It’s easy to confuse a juvenile black-legged kittiwake with an adult Bonaparte’s gull because of their black bills– it isn’t until adulthood that this bird’s bill turns yellow.

Home to more than 2,000 species of plants and animals, the Bay of Fundy is one of New Brunswick’s most diverse and most exciting ecosystems. Today, our Bay goes without protection and is threatened by human activities and impacts from climate change, including the dangers of warming oceans and shifting food webs. CPAWS-NB is working hard to change this!

With your help, we have been advocating for a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) for the Bay of Fundy. A network of MPAs would protect the most important habitats and species in this ecosystem and, with other and larger MPAs in the Scotian Shelf and Northwest Atlantic, could help to ensure that oceans remain healthy and productive long into the future.

Add your voice to our campaign to protect the Bay of Fundy today!

Header photo by Nick Hawkins

Courtney Piercy

Courtney Piercy holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and a Bachelor of Education, and is currently the Marine Education Coordinator at CPAWS NB. Growing up, Courtney had many opportunities to experience our province’s nature- inspiring her to work in the environmental field. She has ample experience in environmental education on the Bay of Fundy, having worked in the whale watching industry since 2012. From this experience, she has seen first-hand how important it is to expand ocean conservation in New Brunswick!

Julie Reimer, CPAWS NB