Nature Trust aims to preserve record number of N.B. locations this year
CBC
New Brunswickers can look forward to more opportunities to enjoy nature this year.
The Nature Trust of New Brunswick, which finds land across the province, either by donation or purchase, to turn into nature preserves, is planning its most ambitious campaign to date.
Normally they add three or four a year, but this year they're aiming for 15 to 20.
"We were able to secure a good amount of funding to purchase these lands, and now what we need to do is rally to get the money that we need to ensure that we can care for them forever, which is part of our mandate," Jon MacNeil, the trust's communications manager, said in an interview with CBC Radio's Shift.
MacNeil said the higher goal this year comes from more people interested in donating land.
The trust has a team that works to find strong ecological habitats around the province and look into conservation possibilities, he said.
"So we worked hard and we kind of secured these funds, and now we're working hard to secure the remaining little bit we need to make as many of these nature preserves come to fruition."
The threat of climate change and industry have also spurred some people to want to help protect more land in the province, MacNeil said.
"I know a lot of New Brunswicker are concerned about the rate that we clear-cut and the amount that we spray."
The properties the trust will be adding this year are all over the province, and they range in size from five to 115 hectares. MacNeil said one that stands out is going to be called the Ancient Hardwoods of Marsh Creek, in Carleton County.
Describing the property as breathtaking, he said it includes eastern hemlock that are estimated to be 300 to 500 years old.
"I had the chance to go up there a couple of months ago and it took three of us, you know, full-grown adults, arms reaching around at our fingertips, just barely touching to encircle this tree," MacNeil said.
"It's something that you don't really get a chance to see in New Brunswick very often."
MacNeil said there are also several wetlands properties along the Bay of Fundy being added this year, which are "recognized as a really critical habitat to protect because they support so much different life from amphibians to birds to mammals."
Run 3 Space | Play Space Running Game
Traffic Jam 3D | Online Racing Game
Duck Hunt | Play Old Classic Game
The N.W.T.'s environment minister says communication with the Alberta government has improved since a pair of oil spills several years ago.
The latest data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shows an uptick in the amount of fentanyl seized near the American northern border with Canada — but the quantities intercepted remain a tiny fraction of what's coming from Mexico.
The purple toasted cob of corn shines under the afternoon sun as 25-year-old Allison Zhou lifts it up to show her friends on the opening day of the Calgary Stampede. It's ube-flavoured and covered in white and black sesame seeds. The cost? $15.
If you've ever wondered how to navigate the stock market, build a budget or plan for retirement, your first stop might've once been a parent, a trusted friend or an advisor at the bank.
For prospective young pilots intending to join the Allied effort during the Second World War, the Harvard was the ultimate training plane — but it also posed a key test.
There's no doubt that the Churchill Park Music Festival lineup is glittering with star power, with Gwen Stefani added as the latest headliner announced for the St. John's event.
Three people have died in motorcycle crashes on Nova Scotia roads this week.
In the lead-up to Hope Wellness Eco-Resort's first Topless Tuesday of this year, Katie Carson was surprised by a phone call she got from a man concerned about the event.
Gareth West, the alleged leader of a network of grandparent scammers accused of defrauding $30 million from American seniors, has been arrested.
Premier Wab Kinew said Manitoba's accessibility minister will remain in her position after she apologized for swearing into a hot mic about sharing a stage with a sign-language interpreter.
Edmonton city council reluctantly voted to continue a public hearing next week — their vacation period — after Friday evening's debate led to swears being thrown.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency lab tests have confirmed the presence of the highly damaging mollusc disease dermo in oysters from P.E.I.'s Egmont Bay.
Toronto has officially named a laneway in the city's east end after a Black woman who made a big impact on her community in the early 1900s.