Blog

December 7 2021

Holiday Gift Guide to Get into Nature

As the holidays are quickly approaching, you might be looking for the perfect gift for your friends or family this season. This year, why not give the gift of nature? CPAWS NB’s 2021 Holiday Gift Guide is sure to have something for everyone, whether you are shopping for an adventurer who loves to spend time outdoors, a curious environmentalist who loves to enjoy nature on a calm and peaceful hike, or the nature lover wanting to learn more about NB’s wild spaces.

This year, we included even more experiences to get you and your loved ones out into some of New Brunswick’s most beautiful land and waters, giving back to organizations that are working to protect these areas, and supporting local businesses.

1. Whale Watching Tour with Quoddy Link

Gift an experience unlike any other! A Whale Watching Tour with Quoddy Link is an up-close and front row seat to see some of the most breathtaking animals in the Bay of Fundy, including whales, harbor seals, harbor porpoise and many seabirds –making this the perfect gift for curious minds of any age. A trip with Quoddy Link is the perfect way to see these animals in their natural habitat and learn about why it is so important to protect ocean areas in the Bay of Fundy.

As an environmentally conscious business, Quoddy Link is dedicated to protecting all the animals they see by upholding the highest level of environmental standards and ethics.

https://quoddylinkmarine.com/

2. Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tours & Events

Rediscover the beauty of New Brunswick’s with a Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tour, where you will be immersed in local flora and fauna, and learn about the history and traditional uses of these plants in medicines, food and ceremonies.

Wabanaki Tree Spirt offers medicine walks, dream catcher workshops and culinary experiences for groups of 4-8 people. These tours will instill a sense of wonder and curiosity about the healing properties of plants within the forest and will be an excellent gift for any nature lover in your life.

https://wabanakitreespirit.com/

3. Waterfalls of New Brunswick: A Guide, 2nd Edition by Nicholas Guitard

Nicholas Guitard’s second edition of Waterfalls of New Brunswick: A Guide is the ideal gift for the hiking and waterfall enthusiast on your list. With a variety of short and long hikes, as well as varying difficulty levels and trail conditions, there is a waterfall for everyone in this book. This edition features well-known favorites from across New Brunswick, as well as 60 new waterfalls for you to discover. The book also includes important trail information, and tips on how to be respectful of nature while you are out exploring.

Try looking for this and other books on our gift guide at a local or independent bookstore in your area!

https://gooselane.com/products/waterfalls-of-new-brunswick-a-guide-2nd-edition#:~:text=From%20well%2Dknown%20favourites%20like,maps%20and%20Guitard’s%20sumptuous%20photographs.

4. Wabanaki Maple (Local Indigenous Maple syrup company)

A delicious addition to any breakfast table, this year, give the gift of locally produced maple syrup. Maple syrup has been used by First Nations for centuries, and Wabanaki Maple is proud to harvest, boil and refine their syrup with techniques that have been passed down through generations. Wabanaki Maple is an Indigenous and woman-owned business located in Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation).

This is truly a gift that gives back, as Wabanaki Maple is committed to helping to preserve the environment and helping Indigenous communities thrive.

https://www.wabanakimaple.com/

5. Seascape kayak tours

This experience is for the adventure seeker on your list. Seascape Kayak Tours is a breathtaking way to experience the coastal waters of Quoddy region. Launching from Deer island, Bruce Smith and his team of experienced guides will not only show you some of the most beautiful spots along the island’s coast, they also have intricate knowledge of the local ecosystem, dangers to its biodiversity and vison for protecting the beautiful waters you’ll see.

You can give the adventurer in your life an unforgettable excursion of either a full-day tour (6-7 hours), half-day tour (3-4 hours) or a sunset paddle (2 hours).

http://www.seascapekayaktours.com/

6. Visit the Elsipogtog Mi’kmaq Cultural Center

The last experience on our list this year is a visit to the Elsipogtog Mi’kmaq Cultural Center. Visit the Cultural Center or sign up for one of their Mi’kmaq Heritage Path Tours or Traditional Mi’kmaq Basket Making Tours. Whether you live in the area, or want to make it a road trip, this is a great way to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural practices of Mi’kmaq Peoples and their connection to the land.

https://heritagepathtour.com/tours-1

7. Restigouche: The Long Run of the Wild River by Philip Lee

This book was featured on our list last year, but it remains one of our staff favorites to read and gift to the nature lover in your life. This book goes beyond the surface of the natural landscape and dives into the cultural significance and rich history of the Restigouche region. As a unique and irreplaceable area of our province, this book tells stories of the river and its people, making it a wonderful gift for anyone interested in learning more about the living history of these lands and waters.

https://www.philiplee.ca/

8. Mi’kmaq Alphabet Book by Shayla Augustine

If you are looking for a gift for the kids in your life, then look no further. Inspire the next generation of naturalists and spark their sense of curiosity for the natural world around them, with the Mi’kmaq Alphabet Book, written by Shyla Augustine and illustrated by Braelyn Cyr. This book is a great way to introduce new words, languages and local biodiversity to the little ones on your list.

https://monsterhousepublishing.com/products/mikmaq-alphabet-book

9. Buy Local NB

Didn’t find what you are looking for on our list? Check out the Buy Local NB directory, created by the Conservation Council of New Brunswick. Buying local gifts this year will support businesses right in your own community, as well as reduce environmental impacts associated with shipping products from other parts of the country or world.

Through the Buy Local NB directory, you can find all the food you need for a big holiday dinner from local farmers, maple syrup producers or all your favorite desserts from local bakers. The directory also contains all kinds of different crafts from their list of local artists, with a unique collection of local businesses, you are sure to find something for everyone on your list.

https://buylocalnb.ca/directory/

10. Make a donation to CPAWS NB

This year, you can give the gift of nature protection by making a donation in a friend or family member’s name to CPAWS NB. Your donations will support local conservation work, Environmntal education programs, and ensure the long term protection of the natural areas you love.

bit.ly/DonateCPAWSNB

June 18 2021

‘Stay’cationing in New Brunswick’s Nature

Steve Reid Blog, News

As we head into another summer where travel will be limited, as COVID-19 restrictions are still in place, why not consider a staycation*? Or better yet an ecotourism staycation! Ecotourism is responsible travel to natural destinations that conserves natural areas, sustains the well-being of local people, and involves interpretation and education. It ensures support for wildlife and habitat protection, helps to increase the environmental ethics of visitors, and provides opportunities for small businesses.

Ecotourism and protected areas also go hand-in-hand. Protected areas benefit ecotourism businesses as they protect the habitats and wildlife that ecotourism businesses rely on. Ecotourism businesses in turn help protect the natural area by doing business in an environmentally responsible manner.

New Brunswick has a large diversity of natural areas. Many of these areas are protected and accessible to the public, giving you the perfect opportunity to spend some time outdoors! Several ecotourism businesses are also located in or near protected areas such as outfitters and guiding companies. If you plan to go to a protected area this summer, be sure to research what services are offered in the region that could enhance your visit. When you support small businesses that are conscious of their impact on the environment, you help support people and their communities, as well as protect nature so it can be enjoyed by all.

One of New Brunswick’s most popular natural areas is the Bay of Fundy. Many natural wonders can be found there, from awe-inspiring high tides to an abundance of marine wildlife. Several ecotourism businesses operate along the Fundy coast, making it an excellent destination for an eco-friendly staycation. Check out some of the ecotourism businesses profiled on the CPAWS NB website by clicking here.

Whether hiking, biking, camping, wildlife viewing, kayaking, canoeing or simply enjoying nature while staycationing in New Brunswick, remember to follow Leave No Trace Principles.

*When planning your travel be sure to check for and follow all public health rules in the regions you will be travelling from and to*

Infographics by Canadian Wilderness Stewardship Program (CWSP) Volunteer Courtney Burk

Banner Photo: Baymount Outdoor Adventures, Tia Fennelly Photography

Anika Smithson is the Conservation Campaigner for CPAWS NB. She holds a Masters of Community Development and is passionate about getting people outside. As a newcomer to the province, she is excited about exploring New Brunswick’s natural places.

May 7 2021

Moving the classroom into nature – benefits and tips for outdoor learning

Steve Reid Blog, News

Written by Camille Ruest and Danielle Hak

With winter coming to an end and signs of spring all around us, New Brunswickers across the province are starting to spend more time outdoors. More people can be seen walking around their communities, and people are rediscovering their favorite parks. Now is the perfect time for teachers to be moving their classes outside! Whether it’s for a math, art, science or language lesson, there are many benefits to holding classes outside. Here are just three of the many benefits of outdoor learning:

Happiness and mental wellbeing: Consistent time spent in nature has been shown to improve happiness and reduce stress. When students are given more time to play and learn outside, it influences their overall mood, lowers anxiety, and reduces negative emotions¹. The dynamic experience of learning outside in nature has also been shown to support students’ development of key life skills, such as conflict management, problem solving, self-esteem and interpersonal relationships².
Nature can have many applications to lessons taught in the classroom. Science has a clear connection, as students learn about the natural world, and can see it first-hand. But all subjects, such as art, math, phys. Ed., and languages, can benefit from an interactive approach. Being outside can bring a subject to life, allowing students to better connect with and remember what is being taught.
Strong knowledge of and connection to nature: There is no better place to learn about the environment, then by going outside and exploring it for yourself. Education surrounding the environment, protecting nature, climate change and sustainability is becoming more important and common in our school systems. Creating a personal connection to nature is the best way to teach students to be environmental stewards, as it to show them the value of nature and that we can all be a part of helping the environment.

Now that you can see some of the ways that students benefit from learning while getting outside, here are five tips for enjoying the outdoors near your school while promoting your students’ learning.

Explore the potential of your schoolyard: You don’t need a big garden or forest nearby to get started. Try various places on the schoolyard to find one that works best. When you find a good location, you can use small carpets or plastic bags as seats, as these are very easy to move by students³.
Prioritize a quiet, shaded and wind-sheltered place: Choose a quiet place not far from the school where there is a little shade, especially for sunny days, and where there is not too much wind⁴.
Choose appropriate lessons: Some lessons are more easily done outdoors than others because of the necessary materials. It is important to have the right equipment to do the lesson outdoors. There are many opportunities to make links with the curriculum using elements that are already found on your schoolyard. Knowing your school yard and its environmental features can help you plan the best lessons to be taught outside^5,6.
Establish clear regulations and guidelines: To ensure that lessons run smoothly in the outdoors, it is important for students to know what is expected of them. To achieve this, work with students to establish rules and expectations before going outside for lessons⁷.
Create a routine: When you go outside often with your students, they will become more accustomed to it and this will avoid behavioral discrepancies. The routine will allow you and your students to become more comfortable and confident and allow for your students to explore their creativity while working in and exploring nature⁸.

Many schools have already begun to integrate outdoor learning into their lesson plans. After you have seen first-hand the improved confidence and academic growth in your students, you might consider making outdoor learning a regular activity with an outdoor classroom facility, that can be used by the whole school.

References

These photos are of Mr. Kevin Ouellette’s grade 6 class, who participated in this year’s Watch Your Paws program, learning in their forest classroom.

May 7 2021

Déplacer la salle de classe dans la nature – avantages et conseils pour l’apprentissage en plein air

Steve Reid Blog, News

Par Camille Ruest et Danielle Hak

Alors que l’hiver tire à sa fin et que le printemps s’installe tranquillement, les Néo-Brunswickois dans toute la province commencent à passer plus de temps à l’extérieur. On peut voir plus de gens se promener dans leurs communautés et redécouvrir leurs parcs préférés. Maintenant est le moment idéal pour les enseignantes et enseignants de déplacer leurs classes à l’extérieur ! Que ce soit pour une leçon de mathématiques, d’art, de sciences ou de langue, il y a beaucoup d’avantages à tenir des cours à l’extérieur. Voici seulement trois des nombreux avantages de l’apprentissage en plein air:

Bonheur et bien-être mental : Il a été démontré que le temps constant passé dans la nature améliore le bonheur et réduit le stress. Lorsque les élèves ont plus de temps pour jouer et apprendre à l’extérieur, cela influence leur humeur générale, diminue l’anxiété et réduit les émotions négatives¹. Il a également été démontré que l’expérience dynamique de l’apprentissage à l’extérieur dans la nature appuie le développement d’aptitudes clés à la vie quotidienne chez les élèves, comme la gestion des conflits, la résolution de problèmes, l’estime de soi et les relations interpersonnelles².
Connexion aux leçons en classe : La nature permet de faire de nombreux liens avec les leçons enseignées en classe. Les liens avec la science sont clairs, car les élèves apprennent le monde naturel et peuvent le voir de première main. Cependant, toutes les matières comme l’art, les mathématiques, l’éducation physique, et les langues peuvent bénéficier d’une approche interactive. Être à l’extérieur peut donner vie à un sujet, ce qui permet aux élèves de mieux intégrer ce qui est enseigné et de s’en souvenir.
Solide connaissance et lien avec la nature : Il n’y a pas de meilleure façon pour en apprendre davantage sur l’environnement, qu’en allant à l’extérieur et en l’explorant par vous-mêmes. L’éducation entourant l’environnement, la protection de la nature, les changements climatiques et la durabilité devient de plus en plus importante et commune dans nos systèmes scolaires. Créer une connexion personnelle avec la nature est la meilleure façon d’enseigner aux élèves à être des gardiens de l’environnement, car cela leur montre la valeur de la nature et que nous pouvons tous contribuer à l’environnement.

Maintenant que vous pouvez voir quelques-unes des façons dont les élèves bénéficient de l’apprentissage à l’extérieur, voici cinq conseils pour profiter du plein air près de votre école tout en faisant la promotion de l’apprentissage de vos élèves.

Explorez le potentiel de votre cour d’école : Vous n’avez pas besoin d’un grand jardin ou d’une forêt à proximité pour commencer. Essayez divers endroits sur la cour d’école pour en trouver un qui fonctionne le mieux. Lorsque vous trouvez un bon emplacement, vous pouvez utiliser de petits tapis ou des sacs en plastique comme sièges, car ceux-ci sont très faciles à déplacer par les élèves³.
Priorisez un endroit calme, ombragé et à l’abri du vent : Choisissez un endroit tranquille non loin de l’école où il y a un peu d’ombre, surtout pour les journées ensoleillées et où il n’y a pas trop de vent⁴.
Choisissez des leçons appropriées : Certaines leçons sont plus faciles à faire à l’extérieur que d’autres en raison du matériel nécessaire. Il est important d’avoir le bon équipement pour faire la leçon à l’extérieur. Il y a beaucoup d’occasions de faire des liens avec le programme d’études en utilisant des éléments qui se trouvent déjà sur votre cour d’école. Connaître votre cour d’école et ses caractéristiques environnementales peut vous aider à planifier des meilleures leçons à enseigner dehors ^5,6.
Établir des règlements et des lignes directrices clairs : Pour assurer le bon déroulement des leçons à l’extérieur, il est important que les élèves sachent ce qu’on s’attend d’eux. Pour ce faire, établissez avec les élèves des règles et des attentes avant d’aller à l’extérieur pour les leçons⁷.
Créez une routine : Lorsque vous sortez souvent avec vos élèves, ils s’y habitueront davantage, ce qui évitera les écarts de comportement. La routine vous permettra, à vous et à vos élèves, de devenir plus à l’aise et confiants. Cela permettra également à vos élèves d’explorer leur créativité tout en travaillant et en explorant la nature⁸.

De nombreuses écoles ont déjà commencé à intégrer l’apprentissage en plein air dans leurs plans de leçon. Après avoir vu de première main la confiance nouvelle et améliorée ainsi que la croissance scolaire chez vos élèves, vous pourriez envisager de faire de l’apprentissage en plein air une activité régulière avec une salle de classe extérieure, qui peut être utilisée par toute l’école.

References

Ces photos sont de la classe de 6e année de M. Kevin Ouellette, qui a participé au programme « Surveillez vos pattes » de cette année, apprenant dans leur classe de forêt.

April 7 2021

An Environmental Art Exhibit

Steve Reid Blog, News

For the second year in a row, CPAWS NB has the privilege of running the Canadian Wilderness Stewardship Program (CWSP) in the Atlantic Region. CWSP is an educational experience designed to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards in Canada by connecting youth to nature and their local communities. A major component of the program is the requirement that each participant lead a volunteer community service project focused on either conservation or education

This year’s program is winding down, and we are pleased to share one of the 2020-21 participant’s community service projects with you.

My name is Grace Hickey, and I am a third-year student at St. Thomas University studying in Environment and Society and Women’s and Gender Studies. For my Canadian Wilderness Stewardship Project, I have created an Environmental Art Installation which is being displayed in room 203 of Margaret McCain Hall on St. Thomas University Campus from April 6-10 with specific viewing times for the public to visit. The installation is titled “One Way In, One Way Out. A Labyrinth Walk through an Environmental Art Installation.” A labyrinth is an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness. Labyrinths have long been used as meditation and prayer tools and represent a journey to our own center and back out into the world. Artworks from a variety of mediums have been purposefully placed outside of the labyrinth to allow participants a contemplative moment with each piece. The installation features a number of local artists, whose work is reflective of their personal experiences surrounding our current ecological crisis. My hope is that participants will take a moment to reflect on their own personal stories and experiences and be able to take this forward as part of our collective solution. I am grateful to all of the artists who have helped me bring this vision of mine to life.

For full details on Grace Hickey’s art installation called One Way In, One Way Out: Labyrinth Walk Through Environmental Art Installation see here: https://www.facebook.com/events/456086588959347/

“Drowning” by Madeline Harquail

“Crown of Bones” by Lila Gorey-McSorley

Plastic bra by Andreanne Duplessis

January 2 2021

Ten Things to do in 2021 to Protect NB Wilderness

Steve Reid Blog, News

As we turn more and more to nature, we need to make sure it is protected now and into the future. Start your 2021 off right by joining CPAWS NB as we protect our wilderness and natural spaces. Here are 10 things you can do:

1. Help Us Keep The Momentum Going: Last year we called on you, our supporters, to take action and let the provincial government know that they needed to increase New Brunswick’s protected areas. At the time, NB had the worst record in Canada for protecting nature, with less than 5% of the province protected.

Photo by Steve Reid

Your voices were heard – the government committed to protecting 10% of NB’s nature! There’s still work to do! Your voice needs to be heard on how New Brunswick gets protected – write a letter now to hold the government to their promise.

2. Learn About Traditional Lands: Do you know what Indigenous lands you live on, or which Indigenous communities might be protecting your favorite natural areas? The Native Lands interactive map allows you to search the address of your home, or local park, and better understand the land we share. Learn more about local Indigenous groups and treaties in your area, and how you can be a part of their work to protect nature.

3. Volunteer: The COVID 19 Pandemic has meant that much of our volunteer work is being done online, so no matter where you are in the Province you can volunteer with CPAWS-NB. Interested in being a board member? What about helping with translation? Do you like to write? Why not write a blog article, submit or take photos, and help with our chapter newsletter? Email our Conservation Outreach Coordinator to sign up to volunteer this year!

Photo by Steve Reid

4. Explore Our Parks: This year get out and discover a National Park, a Provincial Park or a protected area you haven’t been to yet in NB. While there, remember that you are a visitor, and it’s someone else’s home, so please leave no trace. To learn more about how you can reduce your impact on nature while you are camping, skiing, snowshoeing or hiking, visit leavenotrace.ca.

5. Nominate an Area for Protection: At CPAWS NB we are very enthusiastic about the Province of New Brunswick’s project to protect substantially more of our cherished natural areas.

Learn more about the government’s approach to choosing new protected and conserved natural areas, and how they want to hear from you about your special spaces! Go to gnb.ca/naturelegacy and have your say on new protected and conserved natural areas in the province by submitting a nomination.

6. iNaturalist App: Have you heard about the iNaturalist App? A great companion for learning more about the nature around you…and it fits in your pocket, so you can always carry it with you! Use it to identify new-to-you species or upload your own observations. It can be downloaded for both Android and Apple

7. Tell the Federal Government You Want a Green Recovery: The federal government is about to give the Canadian economy a multi-billion-dollar kick-start in an effort to recover from the COVID-19 crisis. CPAWS has joined environmental groups across Canada for One Earth One Voice – a campaign to rally our supporters to urge the federal government to prioritize a Green Recovery.

Right now, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rebuild a society that is better for our health, the economy, and nature. Send a letter to the Cabinet of Canada and your Member of Parliament to demand a Green Recovery for Canada!

8. Pitch In: Trash isn’t just ugly to look at, it’s also harmful. Birds and other animals can trap their heads in plastic rings. Fish can get stuck in nets. Plus, trash pollutes everyone’s natural spaces and our living systems. Next time you are out in nature put trash in its place, or take a plastic bag along with you, to help do your part!

Photo by Tim Foster

9. Make the most of the Winter Season: Looking for new ways to explore and appreciate New Brunswick’s Wilderness? Why not try a new winter activity and make some fun memories with friends and family! Check out Fundy National Park and Kouchibouguac National Park for Fat Bike, Snowshoe and Cross-Country Ski rentals or take advantage of their winter camping opportunities. With cabin, yurt and tent options there is something for everyone!

10. Donate to CPAWS NB: Your financial support makes our work possible … and we make it go a long way! CPAWS spends 70% of each dollar on conservation and education. When you make a donation of $30 or more, you will receive a tax receipt, two issues per year of our information-packed national newsletter, two CPAWS – NB Chapter newsletters and CPAWS Annual Report. Click here and give back to nature!

Banner image by Justin Dutcher

December 15 2020

Ten Gifts You Can Give this year that Help New Brunswick’s Wild Nature

Steve Reid Blog, News

Check out CPAWS New Brunswick’s list of gifts that give in more ways than one – they help local businesses and organizations stay afloat, and they support the good works these individuals and companies do to encourage protection of wildlife and nature in New Brunswick.

1. Philip Lee’s book, “Restigouche – The Long Run of the Wild River”, comes highly recommended by our Executive Director, Roberta Clowater, who has said it’s the book she would have liked to have written about the Restigouche, if she were an author. It captures both Philip’s personal canoe journey inspired by the river he loves, and the stories of the many peoples who have called this place home. He doesn’t shy away from illuminating the changes we need to make if we want to conserve this river treasure and live more in harmony with nature. Perfect for your outdoor enthusiast, conservationists and those who want to learn more about the rarely-told stories of this part of New Brunswick. To buy a copy go to Goose Lane Editions, or ask for it at a local bookstore.

2. Gift certificates from Arpin Canoe: Arpin Canoe Restigouche has been a stalwart partner in the Keep Restigouche Wild campaign, and we can vouch for the high quality canoeing experiences they provide. They are a long-time ecotourism pioneer in New Brunswick, still doing it right. To contact Arpin Canoe, click here to learn more about Arpin canoe and contact them to buy a certificate .

Photo by Roberta Clowater

3. Gifts from our whale watching partners: We can happily recommend these whale-watching companies out of Saint Andrews on the Bay of Fundy, who all provide excellent tours. They are small, family-run businesses who are doing valuable work to educate the public about the special wildlife and nature of the Bay.

Quoddy Link Marine Whale and Wildlife Cruises – link to website
Jolly Breeze – link to website
Island Quest Marine Whale and Wildlife Cruises – link to website

4. National Park Passes: Looking for the perfect gift for the nature-lover in your life? Why not give the gift of a full year of campfires, stargazing, connecting with history and nature, and so much more by giving a ParksCanada 2021 DiscoveryPass. Your purchase contributes towards conservation efforts!

5. Or purchase a Gift Card from NB Provincial Parks here.

Photo by Erinn Sharpe

6. Buy a New Brunswick Wildlife calendar: If you act quickly, you might be able to snap up one of Arielle DeMerchant Nature Photography’s calendars, which showcase her close encounters with all kinds of New Brunswick wildlife. Here’s a link to her Facebook page.

7. Sea Kayaking excursions: CPAWS New Brunswick encourages you to look into a sea kayaking excursion with Seascape Kayak Tours, whose founder, Bruce Smith, is a leader in adventure tourism and takes great care to be respectful and ethical in our marine wilderness. Here’s a link to Seascape Kayak Tours website.

8. Looking for a gift for a kid in your life? “Henrietta’s Nightlight” is a lovely book about exploring the woods, by Fredericton-based author Alice Whitney. Sold by Chocolate River Publishing or a local bookstore near you!

Photo by Amanda Frank

9. Give the gift of time to the bird lover in your life, plan a trip to participate together in a Christmas bird count this year! Audubon’s 121st Christmas Bird Count takes place between Monday, December 14, 2020 through Tuesday, January 5, 2021, see here for more information and a full interactive map from Birds Canada to find a bird count near you.

10. Consider making a donation to CPAWS NB in someone’s name, donate here. Your donations allow us to do our work to ensure that Canada’s natural spaces are evergreen!

(Banner photo from Parks Canada.)

October 20 2020

Walking with nature on the Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tour

Steve Reid Blog, News

While walking through your local forest, have you ever paused to take a closer look at all of the living things around you? Have you ever wondered what plant medicines grow here, at home in New Brunswick? Have you pondered the healing properties that our native plants can offer? This August, I was swept away by the magic of nature while on a Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tour and Medicine Walk in Fredericton. Hosted by Cecilia Brooks and her son Anthony, together we explored the many sacred, native plants that grow in our region.

We began our tour with an offering of Tobacco. Cecilia explained that in their culture, tobacco is used as an offering and a way to give thanks. We placed the tobacco in our left hands, bringing the leaves closest to our hearts. After our offering, we began our medicine walk along the winding paths of Odell Park.

I grew up in Fredericton, and visit Odell Park regularly. This is a place I thought I knew, but after our walk, I now see this place with fresh eyes. Our local plants embody so much wisdom and history that most of us are unaware, yet these plants have been used for thousands of years by Indigenous Peoples. Like Jack-in-the-Pulpit, a local plant with the green berries that has a number of edible and medicinal uses. It’s corms, the bulb-like part that grows underground, have been used to treat coughs and tuberculosis! Other parts of the plant have traditionally been used as remedies for stomach gas, asthma, and rheumatism. This little plant, sometimes easily overlooked, is growing merely a few steps off of the main walking trail! [Always be cautious with medicinal plants – please don’t try to use these as remedies if you don’t know exactly how to prepare them, or which parts are safe!]

We also saw lots of fungi on our walk and, although some are toxic to humans, others like the Dye-Makers Polypore, can be used as a vibrant textile dye! Anthony, who studies mushrooms and is very knowledgeable about fungi, says that he often finds himself asking what purpose the mushrooms are serving, rather than how they can serve him. Many fungi are food for wildlife and are an important part of a healthy forest. Seeing our local plants as cogs in the ecosystem wheel, seeing their worth in nature beyond how we can use them, is a lesson we can all take to heart.

Following our walk, Cecilia served us homemade balsam fir tea. Balsam fir is our provincial tree in New Brunswick, an evergreen species that, on average, can contain three to five times more vitamin C than the best oranges! Cecilia explained that Indigenous Peoples have historically used evergreens that were readily available in New Brunswick to treat scurvy, which is caused by a vitamin C deficiency. This tea can be made by simply adding fir tips to a cup and pouring hot water over them, then waiting patiently as the tea steeps. This was a nice and refreshing treat, after our walk!

This special experience is one that I won’t soon forget. To see a familiar place through a new lens and to meet common plants again with a new purpose, is to visit nature in a way I had not done before. Not only was it fascinating to learn about the many edible and medicinal plants that grow in our province, but, as Cecilia says, the walking and connection with others sharing in this experience is the medicine itself. For anyone wanting to expand their knowledge of our local trees, plants, and fungi and their innate value and purpose, go walk with Cecilia and Anthony on a Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tour in Odell Park!.

Be sure to follow @WabanakiTreeSpirit on Facebook to keep up with their work!

Grace Hickey is a third-year student at St. Thomas University. She is pursuing a double major in Environment and Society and Women’s and Gender Studies, which encompasses her passions for social and environmental justice. She has worked as a Conservation Outreach Assistant for CPAWS NB for the last two summers and continues to volunteer as part of the Canadian Wilderness Stewardship Program. She loves spending time in nature and exploring all of the beautiful wilderness New Brunswick has to offer.

October 2 2020

Canada signs Leaders’ Pledge for Nature – What This Means

Steve Reid Blog, News

While the world still grapples with the coronavirus pandemic, it is heartening to note that the conservation of the natural world remains on the front burner for the international community. This week, in advance of the United Nations Summit on Biodiversity, the national leaders of 74 nations affirmed their commitment to working together to solve the issues of biodiversity loss, the degradation of forests, lands and waters, pollution and climate change. On Monday, Canada’s Prime Minister Trudeau signed the “Leader’s Pledge for Nature”, a framework of actions for nations to take during the United Nations’ Decade of Action.

What is the “Leaders’ Pledge for Nature“?

The aspirational goal is to “achieve the vision of Living in Harmony with Nature by 2050.” The pledge contains 10 different actions (or sets of actions, in some cases) to bring about change and conservation. They are, briefly:

Responding to current health and economic crises in ways that are green and fair to all,
Committing to the full implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity,
Ending “silo thinking” by recognizing that all of the issues we face are interconnected and must be dealt with collectively,
Transition to sustainable patterns of production, consumption and sustainable food systems,
Meeting the goals set by the Paris Agreement on climate change,
Ending crimes against the environment,
Mainstreaming biodiversity considerations into policies at all levels of governance,
Addressing health and environmental sustainability in an integrated fashion,
Strengthening financial and non-financial means of implementing reform, and
The design and implementation of policy that is science-based.

More detailed explanations of the actions can be seen in the full 4-page Pledge for Nature.

Who has signed the pledge?

At the time of writing, 74 nations had signed, including Norway, Germany, France and New Zealand, to name a few. You can check www.leaderspledgefornature.org for updates to the list, as (hopefully) more sign on. Regrettably, Prime Minister Trudeau noted at the time of signing that Canada is the only one of the world’s 10 largest countries to sign.

What does this mean for Canada, and for New Brunswick?

Canada has committed to protecting 25% of its land and 25% of its ocean by 2025, and plans to protect at least 30% by 2030. CPAWS is involved and keeping a close eye on in this initiative, both at the national and provincial levels.

Many of our CPAWS NB supporters have raised your voices in support of nature protection – by writing letter, signing petitions, and voting for nature. Your actions are making a difference, and these commitments from our national leaders show it. At CPAWS NB, we will continue to work hard to hold our governments accountable for taking strong action to protect nature, on land and sea. You can learn more on our website, www.cpawsnb.org.

September 10 2020

Walking with sparkling phytoplankton

Steve Reid Blog, News

It was a dark night. The sky was cloudy, obscuring the moon that we could usually depend on to light up the beach in front of us. Our eyes, still used to light from the campfire we had just put out, struggled to make sense of the familiar path. We stumbled some over the rocks in the sand. I offered my grandmother my arm as we continued up the beach, thinking of nothing except reaching the camp at the end of the sand and crawling into my warm bed. I barely glanced at the dark saltwater that stretched for miles without interruption to my right, though I could hear the waves lapping against the shoreline. It was my grandmother who called out softly for my younger sister and I to stop.

“It’s very dark,” she said slowly, “and just the right time of year. Maybe, just maybe, the water will glow tonight.” In a moment, my exhaustion disappeared, and I excitedly turned to meet my sister’s eyes. Neither of us had ever seen the water sparkle as it does only a few nights a year, though we had been coming to the camp on the small island just off the coast of St. George, New Brunswick since we were months old. We had heard many stories from older members of my family, and it was a dream of ours to experience it for ourselves.

“glow” by the-photon-trap is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Grandma warned us not to get our hopes up, but it was too late. Without hesitation, we changed paths and started moving towards the water, taking care over the slippery seaweed and jagged rocks. With her decades of familiarity with the beach, Grandma kept up, and it wasn’t long before we were standing at the water’s edge. In unison, my sister and I each picked a rock out of the sand and hurled them forward, breaking the surface. Water splashed my toes, but that wasn’t why I gasped. For an instant, it was as though we were looking at a different world. The water erupted into brilliant sparkles, revealing the outlines of shapes beneath the waves.

Sleep pushed far into the back of our minds, my sister and I spent an hour on the dark beach, throwing more rocks and eventually rolling our pants up and wading into the Atlantic Ocean. The water lit up as we moved and followed our legs in a dazzling stream that petered out behind us as we walked deeper into the gentle waves. Having seen the phenomenon many times before, Grandma eventually grew tired of admiring the starry water and continued up to the camp. My sister and I lingered on the beach after our legs had grown numb from the cold saltwater, watching the water flicker as it rocked against the shore while we chatted about what we had seen. We shared the opinion that phytoplankton are some of the coolest sea creatures on the planet!

Plankton are any type of free-standing organism that drift through the ocean currents, serving as a valuable food source for many animals. Plankton is broken into two categories: zooplankton, tiny floating animals, and phytoplankton, tiny floating plants. Many species of plankton can light up the water with their ‘bioluminescence’, but one group of phytoplankton, called dinoflagellates, are particularly well known for their bright night-time presence. Dinoflagellates glow when the water that surrounds them is disturbed as a defence mechanism. The flash of light they release is meant to scare away predators that might want to eat them, or to attract larger predators that might eat their attackers.

“Protoperidinium depressum (light micrograph)” by FWC Research is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

A small miracle by tiny organisms, phytoplankton like dinoflagellates can only spark at certain times of the year. Water, weather, and nutrient conditions must be just right, and the phytoplankton have to gather in groups of millions or billions! It takes over 100,000 tiny dinoflagellates per every one litre of water to create the starry effect I saw on that dark August night. The night must be a deep dark to see the beauty of the phytoplankton’s faint flash, and the days must be hot and long with lots of sunlight. Much like a solar lamp charging through the day and lighting up at night, these tiny drifting plants need energy from the sun to glow. This means they are most often seen in the late summer months, and only in the shallow shoreline where the sun can easily reach them during the day.

To experience the shocking beauty of bioluminescent phytoplankton for yourself, head to the beach on a dark night during the summer months and cross your fingers. It may take years but witnessing the glittering beauty of this natural miracle first-hand is more than worth the wait!

Header photo by “_DSC0511.jpg” by rlangone is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

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!