#30yearsACAP Memories - Brian Comeau

Brian started out as an ACAP board member in 2011.

Brian at a tree planting event in 2021.

Since then, he has served many different roles including vice president and president!

TAKE A MINUTE TO READ ABOUT WHY BRIAN HAS SUCH A PASSION FOR HELPING OUT ACAP SAINT JOHN!

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American beaver photographed by Brian at the Little River Reservoir Park.

As a nature photographer I’ve been quite often frustrated by trash left behind on beaches, in the woods and near waterfalls. It is so discouraging to see so many beautiful places abused by people who don’t seem to have the same appreciation for nature.

After several conversations with a friend of mine, Brenda McCallum, who works for the Fundy Regional Service Commission, she introduced me to ACAP. 

Brian and his coworkers planting tree along Marsh Creek in 2013.

After a brief introduction to the work ACAP was doing I immediately wanted to get involved with community cleanups and their tree planting. I’m not sure when it was but around 2008 or 2009 I participated in my first Marsh Creek Cleanup and I was shocked by the amount of garbage and other items collected around the east side. I couldn’t get over that 100 or so people could collect 2 dumpsters full of trash in just a morning of work.

Year after year ACAP and the Marsh Creek Cleanup introduced me to what I would refer to as hidden gems around the city. I’ve lived in the area my whole life but wasn’t aware of the incredible beauty next to the industrial and commercial areas of Saint John. I learned about Little River, Hazen Creek, Spar Cove, Glen Falls, Silver Falls and developed a new appreciation for the Bay of Fundy, Kennebecasis River and Rockwood Park thanks to ACAP.

Alexandra Cousteau when she visited Saint John in 2011.

A major highlight of my time with ACAP was in 2010 when I connected my friend David Rolfe with ACAP because he had a business connection with Alexandra Cousteau and her Blue Water Expedition. Tim Vickers and Graeme Stewart-Robertson were keen to get involved and the two of them were able to convince Alexandra and her team to come to Saint John and tour around Marsh Creek and share the ACAP story with a global audience. Alexandra even took a canoe on Marsh Creek with her mother Jan and our group to get a better understanding of the importance of the watershed and connection to the Bay of Fundy.

Brian amongst the rest of the ACAP team during the 2022 Partridge Island Cleanup!

In 2011, I was nominated to the board of ACAP and I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned from the amazing staff over the years. During my time on the board, I’ve been provided the opportunity with my friends at ACAP to participate in beach cleanups in Red Head, Courtney Bay, Lorneville, around the Digby Ferry Terminal and just this past summer on Partridge Island. I’ve planted trees around the Rez, Rockwood Park, west Saint John, Tin Can Beach, the old North End and in KV.

As the Past President now, I look back at all the staff and board members and what they have accomplished and feel a tremendous sense of honour to have been part of this organization. Meeting after meeting I’m in awe of the staff, and the knowledge and talents they demonstrate on a daily basis. Hearing about microplastic monitoring, Harbour Seal monitoring, Cyanobacteria testing, and all the other work the staff is doing in and around Saint John gives me a great sense of hope for the future of the area.

Great Blue Heron flying over the Hampton Marsh captured by Brian.