Green Resilience: Implementing restoration and green infrastructure in the Greater Saint John Area

Over the 2021 field season, ACAP Saint John worked with the community to incorporate four unique green infrastructure (GI) solutions into the urban environment of Saint John. Throughout the tenure of this project, ACAP Saint John and community volunteers installed a 200m2 rain garden containing over 400 plants, removed 100m2 of asphalt from a community park, naturalized a stormwater retention pond, and planted almost 1,300 trees. This project will help to reduce the impacts of increased rainfall, extreme weather and sea level rise predicted to impact the City of Saint John due to climate change. Through this work, ACAP has had the opportunity to demonstrate that GI is an effective method for climate change adaptation and has generated more discussions with community members, City councillors and institutions to move this work forward in Saint John.

Educate for Change (2021-2022)

For almost 30 years, ACAP Saint John has been a leader in environmental stewardship throughout the Greater Saint John area, conducting successful community-based environmental initiatives that have engaged thousands of citizens and organizations over the years. Through funding from the New Brunswick Environmental Trust Fund, ACAP Saint John’s Educate for Change project has been able to organize countless cleanup events removing litter, debris and illegally dumped materials from green spaces, critical habitats and waterways; planted thousands of native trees throughout the region and delivered multiple educational outreach activities on various ongoing ACAP projects and, citizen science opportunities.

ACAP Saint John expanded environmental awareness and education initiatives to residents of all ages and demographics including decision makers, city staff, developers, community members, and students. These ambitious initiatives have advanced environmental awareness and action in the region and will continue to protect our environment by improving our watercourses, wildlife habitat and urban green spaces.

10,000 Hands - 2017-2018

ACAP Saint John and its community outreach initiatives have become an established vehicle by which community stakeholders can participate in hands-on improvements to their local environment. The efficiency of this program lies in its ability to maintain a strong partnership with the City of Saint John for logistic support, the New Brunswick Environmental Trust Fund for financial support, and in ACAP Saint John’s ability to maintain an established, growing and dedicated network of volunteers and experts. Through direct engagement, in-field and in-class education programs, tree planting and outdoor activities, citizens develop a sense of understanding and ownership of their environment and are more likely to support other initiatives that promote good stewardship and sustainable development.

10,000 Hands - 2016

ACAP Saint John and its community outreach initiatives have become an established vehicle by which community stakeholders can participate in hands-on improvements to their local environment. The efficiency of this program lies in its ability to maintain a strong partnership with the City of Saint John for logistic support, the New Brunswick Environmental Trust Fund for financial support, and in ACAP Saint John’s ability to maintain an established, growing and dedicated network of volunteers and experts. Through direct engagement, in-field and in-class education programs, tree planting and outdoor activities, citizens develop a sense of understanding and ownership of their environment and are more likely to support other initiatives that promote good stewardship and sustainable development.