Steve Reid

About Steve Reid

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

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July 16 2020

Witnessing wildlife wonders in our backyard

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’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

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.

June 4 2020

St. Andrews Sport Fishing Co. & Island Quest Marine- Whale and Wildlife Cruises

Steve Reid Ecotourism

Shark Tagging and Conservation in the Bay of Fundy

The early morning fog lifts as the sun begins to break through, revealing the coastline of Passamaquoddy Bay. Nicole Leavitt Kennedy has spent most of her life on these waters, her family has made a living off the ocean for as long as she can remember. Her father, Chris, was a 7^th generation fisherman who became interested in boat building. In 1999 he and his wife, Carolyn, started a new adventure opening Island Quest Marine- Whale & Wildlife Cruises based in St. Andrews, New Brunswick.

Those summers spent on her family’s whale watching boat helped ignite Nicole’s love of the ocean- she went on to complete both a bachelors and masters at the University of New Brunswick. As the head biologist her summers are spent coordinating summer students, cataloguing whales, running social media, and as liaison for their shark tagging research.

After running their whale watching business for 10 years Nicole’s father, Chris, decided to expand their business- returning to his fishing roots with St. Andrews Sport Fishing Co. While fishing for things like cod and mackerel, Chris began encountering sharks. He came to Nicole, wanting to know more about the sharks he was encountering. These questions led to a partnership with Dr. Steve Turnbull at the University of New Brunswick in Saint John and the Canadian Shark Conservation Society. This began their involvement with shark tagging research.

Porbeagles are the focus of their tagging research because very little is known about them, especially in the Bay of Fundy. The work examines where and how they are using the bay, why they’re here and where they are going after they leave. To date, approximately 100 sharks have been caught and tagged, six of which have the more expensive satellite tags. Almost all of the sharks that have been caught and tagged have been females and are significantly larger than the few males that have been tagged. After leaving the Bay of Fundy, the sharks with satellite tags have been tracked to Newfoundland and Massachusetts!

Over the 9 seasons of shark tagging, Nicole has seen a spike in interest from the public with more sightings being reported as well. “The passion people have for the conservation aspect of shark tagging is amazing to see. It’s great because we do get guys that want to come out and maybe not necessarily for the conservation side. But once you sit down and talk to them about how important sharks are for the ecosystem, and how their populations have just been decimated around the world I think they really start to understand that you don’t need to necessarily kill everything that you catch.”

She believes the importance of their work expands beyond the information they are learning about sharks. It also teaches the public about the importance of conservation through the experience and education they provide to their guests. “So, I think that’s important, letting the public experience something as amazing as being able to tag a shark is really probably the best part of it for us. Once they have that connection and get to do it, then they have the passion for conservation. We are basically ground zero for inspiring the love of the environment.”

Nicole says it’s difficult to pick out a specific favourite memory from their years conducting the research. “You have people that cry, you have people that scream for minutes on end especially once you get the tag on the shark. You do a good release and watch the shark, they are robust, especially porbeagles, they are football shape, large girls. You release, and the guys whoop and holler and you know it’s such a rush to know that you just put a tag on the shark and watch them swim away successfully. Every time is memorable it’s just the feeling and experience.”

When asked about the role of sharks and why people should care about protecting them Nicole had this to say: “Shark populations around the world are decreasing dramatically, because of things like overfishing, shark finning, and even climate change. So, they are incredibly vulnerable at this point in time. Sharks are such an important species in an ecosystem- they keep fish populations healthy, they transfer carbon, as an apex predator they keep the ecosystem in check. They are incredibly important for keeping our ocean ecosystems all around the world healthy.”

Nicole believes that the health of the oceans in Atlantic Canada need to be looked at more as a whole, as opposed to little pockets or industries and that protections for sharks in Canada could be greatly improved. She also thinks that the ocean ecotourism industry is one of the most crucial for educating the public about ocean health and conservation issues. Every summer this industry reaches thousands of people, inspiring love for the animals and love for the area. And when people feel attached or connected to an area, they are more likely to protect it. We agree Nicole, thank you for being a New Brunswick Ocean Champion!

At the time of release both Island Quest Marine- Whale and Wildlife Cruises and St. Andrews Sports Fishing are planning to start operations for the 2020 season on July 1st. Be sure to visit and like their Facebook pages https://www.facebook.com/QuestWhale and https://www.facebook.com/StAndrewsFishing to stay up to date on their plans for 2020!

May 14 2020

Certainty from nature in an uncertain world

Steve Reid Blog

I don’t know about you, but after a long winter with toddlers constantly getting sick – as toddlers do, spring is a welcomed season in my house! Just as spring marks a new beginning for wildlife, it’s also a new beginning for us. We start to get outside more, colds and flus take a backseat, and we can reasonably look forward to summer! But this year, things feels a little different.

You don’t need me to explain to you what it’s been like—we’re experiencing this together, an ironic sentiment since isolation can make us feel disconnected and uncertain. It’s especially hard for children who desperately need routines. My children are 2 and 4. They are used to going to daycare, seeing friends, and spending time with their grandparents. With the loss of this (and many other) routines, we are trying to find what our new normal looks like.

In times of stress and worry, I have always turned to nature to cope. Nature is constant. It is well known that spending time in nature reduces anxiety and stress^[1]. These past months, I seem to have forgotten my coping method. Maybe it was the uncertainty around where we could go to be with nature, or maybe the thought of leaving the safety of our yard was too much. As a family, we spent time exploring our yard and woods but after more than a month, even this wilderness became monotonous.

When it was announced that we could once again safely explore public parks and trails, my family immediately tugged on our boots to visit our favourite local spot: The Gateway Wetland Trails in Oromocto. We used to come here weekly, if not more often, and stepping onto the gravel trail felt comforting and energizing. I felt welcomed home by the splash of ducks and woodsy air, ready to once again walk the trails and bridges. The chickadees and red winged blackbirds were competing with their songs, red squirrels scurried about, and the vibrant marsh reminded me of the crucial role that nature plays in nurturing our souls.

My son and daughter spent the time looking for painted rocks (one of our favourite activities) and searching for beavers (still no luck there). Nothing can compete with their excitement for the outdoors— not even Paw Patrol! With muddy boots and windswept hair, their moods and spirits lifted during our walk and stayed high for days after.

It was exciting to be back with nature, and reassuring to see that the Town was encouraging our safe enjoyment with new signs letting the public know how to conduct themselves while using the trail amid this pandemic. All parks and trails will have their own rules and recommendations as more begin to open up, so take care to research and understand what they are before heading out.

I know how precious our natural spaces are here in New Brunswick. I have dedicated my academic and professional careers to help protect it, and I have been privileged enough to be able to access it my whole life. This pandemic has truly shown me how my mood and wellbeing suffer when disconnected from the natural world. Nature provides so much to us, but perhaps none greater than the certainty and comfort it gives during uncertain times.

Header photo by Nick Hawkins Photography

^[1] Spending time in nature can improve your mood and moderate stress, but if you are experiencing severe mental health challenges, please contact your doctor. It is not capable of treating serious mental illness.

Kelsey Wierdsma has 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.

April 6 2020

Dear Nature: Thanks for being there for us

Steve Reid Blog

Dear Nature,

Thank you for being a companion and calming presence in these uncertain times. Thank you for being a bright spot in our daily routines. Thank you for being there for us when we needed you most, as we navigate our new, and sometimes strange, lifestyles.

Photo by Peter Reimer

As we re-define community and re-discover the wonders of our home (hello, spring cleaning projects!), each day that I get to step out and feel the drizzle on my face or the sun kissing my skin, I am thankful that nature is literally just outside my front door. With some of our parks taking extra precautions to protect us as we practice social and physical distancing, it might seem harder than usual to really interact with nature¹. But, as someone who has been recently housebound with crutches and a leg cast, I’m here to tell you that nature is always nearby! All you have to do is step outside, look, and listen.

If you can, get out for stroll around your neighbourhood in search of the signs of spring (if you can’t, try opening up a sunny window). Listen for the melody of drips as the snow melts away, a chorus of chirps as songbirds build new homes, a subtle symphony as the wind breezes through the treetops. Look for the fresh red of new growth on shrubs and trees, seek out the bright green of new grass cropping up through the brown, send your gaze up to the bright blue sky of April (or maybe it’s a sleepy grey where you are). Taking a ten-minute nature break can make such a difference in the day— helping us to feel more motivated and energized, while giving us a sweet sense of calm and ease among the chaos.

Photo by Nick Hawkins Photography

Lately, it’s felt like a lot of our day-to-day normalcy has gone quiet. But when you look out to nature, it’s clear to me that our world and wilderness is still a happy song. The spring is a time to celebrate life as plants bloom, animals play, and the sun warms us back from the cold of winter. With our friend nature nearby, we can feel a bit less lonely and a lot more hopeful for things to come.

So, nature, thank you for being a daily reminder that our world is beautiful and soon we’ll get back to exploring you.

With love and admiration,

Julie

**************

Looking for ways to get kids involved in nature? Join us for the CPAWS-NB Watch Your Paws Challenge! More information here.

Try out a game of backyard eye spy from our Get Outside and Watch Your Paws programs. Find resources here.

Explore the Bay of Fundy with story maps! Check out the passages of the Bay of Fundy, the Fundy mud flats, or Machias Seal Island.

Header photo by Nick Hawkins Photography

¹At the time of this post, all national and provincial parks in New Brunswick were closed to the public. Most municipal parks remained open, provided that users complied with the 2-meter physical distancing requirement.

Julie Reimer, CPAWS NB

February 13 2020

10 Birds to spot this winter

Steve Reid Blog

When we think of winter, we see a crisp white landscape, fur boughs heavy with snow. We smell that fresh wintery smell and cozy wood fireplaces. We taste fresh snowflakes. But what do we hear? Maybe a deep and peaceful quiet—but maybe something more? From December to February, New Brunswick wilderness comes to life with the songs of chattering birds, the prying eyes of birds of prey, and the mysterious movements of owls. When you’re out in nature this winter, keep your eyes and ears peeled for a sighting of one of these ten birds that tough out the cold season with us.

Snowy owl photo by Justin Dutcher, Dutch Elms Studios

1. Snowy owl – A list of winter birds hardly seems complete without this special species. Perfectly camouflaged for the arctic tundra, the snowy owl is a winter visitor to New Brunswick that prefers wide-open spaces with few trees and high vantage points, like telephone poles. Snowy owls can sit in one place for hours, watching and waiting with their big yellow eyes to spot prey, like voles and other small rodents.

2. Black-capped chickadees – A well-known friend and the provincial bird of New Brunswick, the black-capped chickadee make our backyards a little brighter with their cheerful chickadee-dee-dee calls. Listen carefully, the more dee notes in their calls means they are feeling threatened! This tiny bird likes to collect food, hiding thousands of seeds and other foods in different places and remembering their locations later.

“Waxing Upside D 266” by Gillfoto is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

3. Bohemian waxwing – This regal-looking bird is a bit unpredictable, but if you have a winter-fruiting tree or shrub in your yard or on your favourite trail, you might spot a large flock of bohemian waxwings! These birds are expert fruit-finders, and sometimes travel long distances in big groups in search of berries. You might see this species flocking together with its familiar cousin, the cedar waxwing, so look for the distinct yellow patches in their tail feathers.

4. Snow bunting – Catch a bustling flock of these little black-and-white birds, who are more restless than us in winter, hopping place to place as fast as every ten minutes! Males have mostly white bellies, with rust-coloured patches on the head, and a dark and streaky back. Females have a rusty wash over their face, heads, and breasts and the same dark and streaky backs. You can spot snow buntings in open fields, croplands, shorelines, and roadsides.

5. King eider – If you’re near the ocean in New Brunswick, you might be lucky enough to see a flock of king eiders along the rocky coast. Sometimes king eiders flock among their cousins, the common eider, so look carefully for the male’s orange bill compared to the common eiders greyish-green bill in winter. King eiders are diving birds, so you might spot them ducking below the surface to grab a snack.

“Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)” by Peyman Zehtab Fard is licensed under CC BY 2.0

6. Ring-necked pheasant – A year-round resident of southern New Brunswick, the ring-necked pheasant, with its dark colours, will stand out as it scurries across the snowy white landscape. Like us in the depths of winter, this bird will remain dormant and inactive for days at a time when a cold snap hits! Ring-necked pheasants are common on agricultural lands and in grassy or brushy areas, so have a look for the bright greens, reds, and golds of the male and their unique long, pointed tail.

7. Rough-legged hawk – Another bird that summers in the arctic tundra, the winter is the best time to see the rough-legged hawk in New Brunswick. Usually this bird of prey can be sighted from a high vantage point, like poles, or hovering above wetlands or open spaces in search of small rodents. The rough-legged hawk comes in light-coloured and dark-coloured varieties, being highly mottled or a deep chocolate-brown. Look closely for their unique legs that are feathered all the way to their toes!

“Blue Jay Keeping Warm” by nancy_gb is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

8. Blue jay – Another bright spot of winter, the blue jay is a familiar bird in New Brunswick backyards. In winter, blue jays are more likely to be found in flocks than in summer, when they tend to live in breeding pairs, though these pairs stay together within larger flocks! These winter flocks have a “pecking order” in which higher ranking individuals get the first chance to eat, choosing nuts, seeds, and fruits in winter.

9. Northern shrike – About the size of an American robin, the northern shrike is a predatory songbird, hunting insects, small mammals like rodents, and other birds. The adult bird has a grey head and black mask over the eyes with a thick, hooked bill for capturing prey. In late winter, listen for the males singing complex songs of harsh notes, chatters, trills, and whistles and the aak-aak-beek call.

10. Pileated woodpecker – Another year-round New Brunswick resident, the pileated woodpecker shines in winter with its deep black body, bright white face, and eye-catching red crest. A pair of pileated woodpeckers stay together in one territory all year, defending the area in the summer, but being more welcome to newcomer birds in the winter. Look for dead and dying trees where this bird might frequent for food or nesting.

While many of our wildlife friends leave us for the winter, hibernating or migrating to avoid the snowy weather, there are many birds that stick with us through the season! Take some time to get out into nature before spring returns and remember to look and listen for the birds of winter. Visit one of our year-round parks, including Mactaquac Provincial Park, Mount Carleton Provincial Park, or Sugarloaf Provincial Park, to enjoy more of winter in New Brunswick!

Give the gift of nature! Support the work of CPAWS-NB in protecting New Brunswick’s wilderness.

Header photo of pileated woodpecker by Justin Dutcher, Dutch Elms Studios

Julie Reimer, CPAWS NB

January 30 2020

Meet the CPAWS-NB Team: Brittany and Kelsey

Steve Reid Blog

CPAWS-NB has big plans for conservation in our province this year, and we couldn’t get to those goals without the passionate efforts of our dedicated staff! Now that we’ve just about made it through the first month of 2020, we wanted to get back to introducing you to our amazing team who work so hard to see the mission of CPAWS-NB come to life.

We are lucky at CPAWS-NB to have found an incredible team of women who share a vision of a protected New Brunswick where our wildlife and our communities thrive. Brittany and Kelsey, two of our Coordinators, work hard to inspire a love of nature and a desire to protect it in New Brunswickers of all ages, and now they’re sharing their experience and insight on all things CPAWS-NB with you!

Meet Brittany Dixon! An avid hiker and nature enthusiast, Brittany helps our programs come to life by engaging folks like you as our Conservation Engagement Coordinator.

What role do you play in the CPAWS NB team?

My role involves engaging with our members and volunteers, which can take many forms. I help to coordinate our events throughout the year, including the Tuesday Talks speaker series, nature walks, photography exhibits, and more! I also enjoy helping with our ‘Watch Your Paws’ education program by travelling the province and giving presentations to young people.

Since last summer, I have been assisting to coordinate the Canadian Wilderness Stewardship Program, an exciting, new program at CPAWS-NB! I work with a group of 10 volunteers from around the province to take part in a wilderness expedition, community project, and Ottawa Summit conference. I have enjoyed getting to know the volunteers as we work towards the creation of various community projects aimed at engaging with the public and sharing knowledge on NB conservation and parks.

What led you to your work with CPAWS NB?

At CPAWS NB, I have the opportunity to work with a fun, brilliant team of conservation and nature enthusiasts. I was drawn to the diversity of the work involved in the role and the opportunity to apply my experience in event planning and outreach. I love that my position allows me to combine my passion for conservation work with my love for the outdoors and each week, month, and season brings new challenges and experiences!

What motivates you to work in the environmental movement?

I believe that we have a responsibility to keep our planet healthy, not only for ourselves, but for every living creature. The impact of humans around the world should be a priority to everyone, and it is our responsibility to do something, to lend a voice, and to be a part of the change. I think we are on the cusp of a worldwide movement towards real change and I am so excited to be a part of the fight for our planet and natural spaces.

Tell us something uniquely you…

I absolutely love to travel and discover new places and new experiences. This past summer I hiked the Grand Manan trail for the first time and over the course of three days, I walked solo along the beautiful coastline overlooking the Bay of Fundy’s impressive expanse. I find that multi-day hiking allows me to clear my head, get away from the stresses of life, and challenge myself in new ways. My goal is to tackle a long section of the Appalachian trail one day!

Kelsey Wierdsma first joined our team in 2015 and has been a leader in our conservation programs and advocacy efforts! She currently works as our Conservation Coordinator.

What role do you play in the CPAWS NB team?

I coordinate our terrestrial conservation campaigns, and I help to coordinate our marine campaigns as well as our education and outreach programs. I also write communications materials for our social media, newsletter and website.

What led you to your work with CPAWS NB?

I’ve known since high school that I wanted to work in the environmental field in some capacity. So, I focused my schooling on environmental policy and management—I hold a Master of Environmental Management, where both my project and practicum focused on New Brunswick’s provincial park system. I also spent two summers working for New Brunswick Parks. Our Executive Director, Roberta Clowater, was one of my professors and a supervisor on my master’s project, which is how I learned about the crucial work of CPAWS NB. When Roberta approached me about a possible internship at CPAWS NB, I knew it was where I wanted to be, and I’ve been here ever since!

What motivates you to work in the environmental movement?

Being born and raised in New Brunswick contributed heavily to my passion for the environment as I was growing up. I think many New Brunswickers would agree that nature makes up some of our provincial identity. Being outside most of my childhood transferred into a passion to protect it. As I learned more throughout my university career about all the issues we are facing, my motivation to work in the environmental movement only became stronger. Some days it can be hard to think about environmental problems but knowing that we are actively working on them helps me to be even more determined and focused.

Tell us something uniquely you…

I also majored in Religious Studies in my undergrad and I worked at the Saint John Jewish Museum for two summers!

With our 16^th year in action and advocacy ahead, we asked Brittany and Kelsey what they’re looking forward to most!

What are you most looking forward to for CPAWS in 2020?

Brittany: I am looking forward to working with our Canadian Wilderness Stewardship Program volunteers as they begin to organize and host a variety of community projects around New Brunswick. They have been working hard to create diverse events and projects that will showcase the beauty of New Brunswick and the importance of protecting our land and oceans. Our goal is to engage with the community through these events and create inclusive, educational experiences.

I am also excited for the future of protected lands in New Brunswick, especially with the Government of New Brunswick’s recent commitment to protecting 10% of the province in 2020. This is an exciting time to work in the environmental sector and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish in the coming months.

Kelsey: I am looking forward to working on our Pathway to 2020 target of conserving 17% of land in Canada. Here in New Brunswick, to contribute to this target, our government committed to protecting 10%. I look forward to working with everyone to achieve this protected area goal. In particular, I am excited to work on the development of the Restigouche Wilderness Waterway Park.

With January now under our belts, we are excited to see what the rest of 2020 will bring! With Brittany and Kelsey on board, and the rest of the CPAWS-NB team, we are ready to take on our conservation goals and work to protect more of New Brunswick’s wilderness by the year’s end.

Interested in supporting our work and our team as a volunteer? Find out more, here.

Join us for our next Tuesday Talk event in Fredericton on February 18! Check it out, here.

Give the gift of nature! Support the work of CPAWS-NB in protecting New Brunswick’s wilderness.

Header photo by Justin Dutcher, Dutch Elms Studios

January 29 2020

Atlantic Canadians think ocean protection can help grow the economy, says newly released polling

Steve Reid News

Atlantic Canadians think ocean protection can help grow the economy, says newly released polling

January 29, 2020 — Recently released polling reveals Atlantic Canadians recognize the ocean’s importance to Atlantic Canada’s economy while strongly supporting increased marine protection. The polling was conducted in August and September of 2019, with 1500 respondents split between Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.

Atlantic Canadians greatly value the ocean’s role in our collective prosperity: 99% of respondents stated that the ocean and the marine environment are important to the region’s economy. A majority (63%) also thought that policies and laws that protect the environment help to grow the economy.

“People sometimes set up a false choice between a sustainable economy and a healthy environment,” says Susanna Fuller, Oceans North’s Vice-President of Operations and Projects. “But most Atlantic Canadians understand that policies which protect our ocean are also fundamental to enhance and protect sustainable livelihoods.”

Beyond its dollar value, respondents valued the ocean for its other contributions to wellbeing, as well as its intrinsic worth: People cited the ocean’s natural beauty, its importance as a food source, and its ecosystem and wildlife. 72% of respondents also stated that they had access to fresh seafood, suggesting that the ocean is an important aspect of food security.

“Our experience working in coastal communities has taught us that people care deeply about the ocean and wish to see it protected from a wide variety of threats,” said Matthew Abbott, Marine Program Director at the Conservation Council of New Brunswick. ” This poll suggests that decision makers should value ocean health highly to address the concerns of Atlantic Canadians.”

While the establishment of marine protected areas has been contentious in some coastal communities, 86% of respondents supported a protected area where they live.

“Given the pressures of climate change, on top of our other uses of the oceans, the federal, Indigenous and provincial governments need to work with communities to create more strong protected areas, in the right places throughout our region, to safeguard the ocean nature that is so important to people in Atlantic Canada, “ says Roberta Clowater, Executive Director of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society’s New Brunswick chapter.

When asked about major threats to the marine environment, plastic and pollution were top of mind (83% and 82% respectively). These were followed by climate change (67%), overfishing (59%), oil tankers and offshore oil and gas (48%), and finally shipping and transport (21%). Participants supported stronger laws for pollution and plastic (86%), the oil and gas industry (74%), and fisheries (61%) to address these threats. In terms of specific measures to protect the ocean, 85% supported protecting endangered species and 73% supported creating protected areas.

With regards to specific species measures, 86% of those who were aware of the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale felt that protection efforts and conservation was highly important.

When asked who they trusted the most to manage and protect the ocean, 40% of respondents mentioned the federal and provincial governments. Others listed conservation organizations, the fishing industry, local communities and scientists. “It’s clear that we all need to work together through a collective effort to keep our ocean healthy, so that the benefits we have today can be here for future generations of Atlantic Canadians,” says Fuller.

Polling supported by The Ocean Foundation.

For more information, please contact:

Susanna D. Fuller, VP Operations and Projects, Oceans North

susannafuller@oceansnorth.ca | 902-483-5033

Matt Abbott, Director of Marine Programs, Conservation Council of New Brunswick / Conseil de Conservation Nouveau Brunswick

matt.abbott@conservationcouncil.ca | 506-321-0429

Roberta Clowater, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, New Brunswick Chapter / Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada – section Nouveau-Brunswick

rclowater@cpaws.org | 506-452-9902