STAFF BLOG
Mitigating Eco-Anxiety Through 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth-led Gardening and Biodiversity Projects
The Growing Resilience Program: Mitigating Eco-Anxiety Through 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth-led Gardening and Biodiversity Projects is for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth between the ages of 16-26 in the Greater Saint John region who are interested in gardening, local food, and identifying ways they can address climate change in their communities.
The Growing Resilience Program: Mitigating Eco-Anxiety Through 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth-led Gardening and Biodiversity Projects is for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth between the ages of 16-26 in the Greater Saint John region who are interested in gardening, local food, and identifying ways they can address climate change in their communities.
Over 8 months, youth will participate in 7 workshops to learn how to start, grow, harvest, and cook their own food produced locally in community garden plots. Participants will be able to take home and eat any of the food that they produce! Additionally, they will partake in a Photovoice project where they will identify the things in their communities that they see as issues and assets to address climate change. A final celebration event will take place in Saint John where we can share the story of the program by displaying the results of the Photovoice sessions completed by the youth for the public, friends, and family to view.
20 2SLGBTQIA+ youths from the Saint John region will be accepted for this program. If you are interested in participating, please email jordan.kilgour@nben.ca to fill out a short application form.
This program is occurring in partnership with Chroma NB, Wisdom2Action, and the New Brunswick Environmental Network (NBEN).
Eligibility:
Youth between the ages of 16-26
Identify as 2SLGBTQIA+
Live in the Greater Saint John Region
Available to meet in person several times between April-November 2024*
Access to wifi and a device with the capacity to connect to Zoom for 1-2 virtual Photovoice sessions
*Must be able to commit to attending all scheduled group workshops (listed below). A volunteer schedule for maintaining the gardens throughout the spring and summer will be created to accommodate your availability. Funds to aid with transportation to and from the community gardens and/or workshops will be provided.
Rough Schedule:
(exact dates still to be determined)
April: First Photovoice session
April / May: Soil Quality Testing and Seed-starting workshop
May: Planting in the ground
June: Urban Edible Foods
August: Cooking workshop
September: Seed collecting
October/November: Final Photovoice Session and Celebration
TBD: Gleaning Field trip
Ongoing throughout the program: Harvesting, Maintaining, Weeding, and Watering in the garden plots, as well as 1-2 virtual follow-up photovoice sessions
Have questions? Email jordan.kilgour@nben.ca.
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*Veuillez noter que ce programme ne sera disponible qu'en anglais
Cultiver la résilience : Mitigation de l'éco-anxiété grâce à des projets de jardinage et de biodiversité menés par des jeunes 2SLGBTQIA+ s'adresse aux jeunes 2SLGBTQIA+ âgés de 16 à 26 ans de la région du Grand Saint John qui s'intéressent au jardinage, à l'alimentation locale et à l'identification des moyens de lutter contre le changement climatique dans leurs communautés.
Pendant 8 mois, les jeunes participeront à 7 ateliers pour apprendre à démarrer, cultiver, récolter et cuisiner leurs propres aliments produits localement dans des parcelles de jardin communautaire. Les participant·es pourront ramener chez eux·elles et manger tous les aliments qu'ils·elles auront produits ! En outre, ils·elles participeront à un projet Photovoice dans le cadre duquel ils·elles identifieront les éléments de leur communauté qu'ils·elles considèrent comme des problèmes et des atouts pour lutter contre le changement climatique. Une célébration finale aura lieu à Saint John où nous pourrons partager l'histoire du programme en affichant les résultats des sessions Photovoice réalisées par les jeunes pour que le public, les ami·es et la famille puissent les voir.
20 jeunes 2SLGBTQIA+ de la région de Saint John seront acceptés pour ce programme. Si vous souhaitez participer, veuillez envoyer un courriel à jordan.kilgour@nben.ca pour remplir un court formulaire de candidature.
Ce programme est réalisé en partenariat avec Chroma NB, Wisdom2Action et le Réseau environnemental du Nouveau-Brunswick (RENB).
Admissibilité :
Jeunes âgés de 16 à 26 ans
S'identifier comme 2SLGBTQIA+
Habiter dans la région du Grand Saint John
Disponibles pour se rencontrer en personne plusieurs fois entre avril et novembre 2024*.
*Vous devez être en mesure de vous engager à participer à tous les ateliers de groupe prévus (énumérés ci-dessous). Un calendrier de bénévolat pour l'entretien des jardins au cours du printemps et de l'été sera établi en fonction de votre disponibilité. Des fonds seront fournis pour aider au transport vers et depuis les jardins communautaires et/ou les ateliers.
Calendrier approximatif :
(les dates exactes restent à déterminer)
Avril : Première session Photovoice
Avril / mai : Test de la qualité du sol et atelier de démarrage des semences
Mai : Plantation en pleine terre
Juin : Aliments comestibles en milieu urbain
Août : Atelier de cuisine Atelier de cuisine
septembre : atelier de cuisine Collecte de graines
Octobre/novembre : Session finale de Photovoice et célébration
TBD : Excursion sur le terrain pour le glanage
Tout au long du programme : Récolte, entretien, désherbage et arrosage des parcelles de jardin, ainsi que des séances de photovoice de suivi.
Vous avez des questions ? Envoyez un courriel à jordan.kilgour@nben.ca.
ACAP Saint John's 2023 Water Quality Report Card Summary
As we commemorate World Water Day 2024, it is a moment of reflection and celebration for us at ACAP Saint John. For over thirty years, our organization has been committed to monitoring and preserving the water quality in the Greater Saint John area. This year, we are proud to present our annual Water Quality Report Card, which encapsulates our findings and efforts in 2023.
Photo by Carla Rubi Valda Trujillo
Why is Water Quality Monitoring Important? Water is the lifeblood of our planet, supporting ecosystems, economies, and communities. The quality of our water is an indicator of our environmental well-being. In an era where environmental challenges are increasingly complex, monitoring water quality is more important than ever. It provides the data necessary to understand the health of our water bodies, identify potential threats, and inform effective management strategies.
Our methods include the assessment of biological, chemical, and physical properties of water, ensuring comprehensive insights into the impact of pollution and other human activities. Through diligent monitoring and research, we aim to offer solutions for current environmental challenges and foster a culture of sustainable water practices.
Highlights from the 2023 Water Quality Report Card: Our 2023 Water Quality Report Card reflects the dedication of our team and the support of our donors. This year, we expanded our monitoring efforts to over 30 freshwater sites across the Greater Saint John area. Our comprehensive analysis includes key indicators such as pH levels, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and the presence of contaminants.
Some of the notable findings from this year's report include:
· This year's WQI scores indicated that most sites in Saint John oscillated between occasional threats and frequent impairment, though no sites fell into poor health categories, and more locations had good water quality compared to the previous year, showing an encouraging trend of improvement.
· Despite overall progress, average measurements of phosphate and E. coli were above recommended guidelines at the majority of sites, signalling ongoing issues, particularly in Marsh Creek. High levels of these indicators suggest a continued influence of contaminants like sewage still affecting the watershed.
· Several sites showed significant improvement in water quality, thanks to targeted conservation efforts and community engagement.
As we move forward, the insights gained from our 2023 Water Quality Report Card will guide our actions and initiatives. We remain committed to working collaboratively with stakeholders, policymakers, and the community to safeguard our water resources. We are dedicated to advancing the health of our water bodies through science, education, and community partnerships. And today, we reaffirm our resolve to enhance the aquatic health of Saint John for the wildlife and people who depend on it.
On this World Water Day, we invite you to join us in this vital mission. Read our Water Quality Report Card, engage in local conservation efforts, and spread awareness about the importance of protecting our water bodies. Together, we can ensure a sustainable and healthy future for our waters and our community.
For more information on our water quality report card, visit our Water Quality Monitoring page.
Employment Opportunity - Field Assistant (Summer Student)
Field Assistant (summer student position)
ACAP Saint John is looking for a motivated team players to fill our Field Assistant role. The chosen candidates will work closely with our fulltime coordinators on several environmental activities including but not limited to water quality monitoring, fish community monitoring, seal observations, tree planting, installing green infrastructure, and maintenance tasks. This position will consist of both outside fieldwork and computer research, planning, reporting, and lab analysis of water samples to support our ongoing projects. Our ideal candidate will have a passion for the environment, is not afraid to get dirty, and loves spending time outside. Previous experience conducting fieldwork and valid first aid training would be considered assets but are not required.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Conduct hands-on field work including collecting water samples, tree planting, manual labour to install green infrastructure, stream assessments, and garden maintenance.
Analysis of water samples and maintaining lab/field equipment.
Project research and reporting.
Data entry and analysis.
Help to deliver community outreach and organize volunteer events.
Social media content creation.
QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS
Enrolled in a post-secondary program with a concentration in environmental science, natural resources, biology, fisheries/wildlife management.
Self motivated with the ability to work independently.
Ability to perform and multi-task in challenging work environments and weather conditions.
Ability to spend long days in the field doing physical work.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and efficient time management.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Flexible and adaptable to a changing work schedule (including weekend and evening work when required).
A drivers license and access to a vehicle is considered an asset but not required.
REQUIREMENTS
This job will be funded through a summer student subsidy program. The following are requirements to be approved for the subsidy:
Be eligible to work in Canada (must have a valid SIN number).
15 - 30 years of age.
Able to work 30-40 hour week.
Be a high school student entering grade 10, 11 or 12 in September 2024; be a full-time Grade 12, University or college student in the current academic year of 2023-2024 AND attending a full-time post-secondary institution in the fall of 2024; OR a recent graduate.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ACAP Saint John is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diversity in the workplace and encourage applications from all qualified candidates including women, members of visible minorities, persons of all physical abilities, and Indigenous peoples.
ABOUT ACAP SAINT JOHN
For over thirty years, ACAP Saint John has conducted successful in-school environmental education programs, habitat restorations, watercourse restorations, wetland enhancements, contaminated site remediation, green space planning, summer camps, ecological inventories, water quality monitoring programs, and engaged thousands of area residents in community cleanup initiatives.
ACAP Saint John has an excellent reputation in the community for acting as a third-party mediator of contentious environmental issues, and continues to expand their role as a public source of knowledge and information dissemination. We continue to affect long-term planning for greening and revitalization in Saint John by offering our expertise and our research outcomes to levels of government, corporations and institutions throughout the region.
How to Apply
Please submit your cover letter and resume by April 12, 2024 to employment at acapsj.org * with the subject line, "Field Assistantt".
*Note: The e-mail address above has been masked to help prevent spam. Please copy the address and replace “at” with @.
We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
Employment Opportunity - Restoration Assistant (Summer Student)
Restoration Assistant (Summer student position)
ACAP Saint John is looking for enthusiastic team players to fill our Restoration Assistant role. The chosen candidate will work closely with our Restoration Coordinator to complete multiple projects focusing on riparian, stream, wetland, and forest restoration. This position will consist of both outside fieldwork and computer research, planning, and reporting. Our ideal candidate will be a team player, love spending their days in urban streams and forest, and has a passion for restoring Saint John’s aquatic environment. Previous experience in habitat or stream assessments and valid first aid training would be considered assets but are not required.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Conduct hands-on field work including stream assessments, fish community monitoring, tree planting, installing erosion control structures, installing aquatic habitat structures, and collecting wetland monitoring activities.
Project research and reporting.
Data entry and analysis.
Help to deliver community outreach and organize volunteer events.
Social media content creation.
QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS
Enrolled in a post-secondary program with a concentration in environmental science, natural resources, biology, fisheries/wildlife management.
Self motivated with the ability to work independently.
Ability to perform and multi-task in challenging work environments and weather conditions.
Ability to spend long days in the field doing physical work.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and efficient time management.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Flexible and adaptable to a changing work schedule (including weekend and evening work when required).
Knowledge on tree and plant identification is considered an asset.
Drivers license and access to a vehicle is considered an asset but not required.
REQUIREMENTS
This job will be funded through a summer student subsidy program. The following are requirements to be approved for the subsidy:
Be eligible to work in Canada (must have a valid SIN number).
15 - 30 years of age.
Able to work 30-40 hour week.
Be a high school student entering grade 10, 11 or 12 in September 2024; be a full-time Grade 12, University or college student in the current academic year of 2023-2024 AND attending a full-time post-secondary institution in the fall of 2024; OR a recent graduate.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ACAP Saint John is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diversity in the workplace and encourage applications from all qualified candidates including women, members of visible minorities, persons of all physical abilities, and Indigenous peoples.
ABOUT ACAP SAINT JOHN
For over thirty years, ACAP Saint John has conducted successful in-school environmental education programs, habitat restorations, watercourse restorations, wetland enhancements, contaminated site remediation, green space planning, summer camps, ecological inventories, water quality monitoring programs, and engaged thousands of area residents in community cleanup initiatives.
ACAP Saint John has an excellent reputation in the community for acting as a third-party mediator of contentious environmental issues, and continues to expand their role as a public source of knowledge and information dissemination. We continue to affect long-term planning for greening and revitalization in Saint John by offering our expertise and our research outcomes to levels of government, corporations and institutions throughout the region.
How to Apply
Please submit your cover letter and resume by April 12, 2024 to employment at acapsj.org * with the subject line, "Restoration Assistant".
*Note: The e-mail address above has been masked to help prevent spam. Please copy the address and replace “at” with @.
We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
My Internship with ACAP Saint John
I heard about ACAP through a Co-op posting from my school; I study Chemical Technology at NBCC. However, at the time, I could have never imagined how my placement with them would shape out. ACAP creates an incredibly warm and welcoming environment; when you join their team, you also join their family. As a Co-op student, I knew I would be in for lots of learning, but learning is an understatement. When working with ACAP, you aren't just constantly learning; you're also experiencing everything.
Photo of Megan during field work
I heard about ACAP through a Co-op posting from my school; I study Chemical Technology at NBCC. However, at the time, I could have never imagined how my placement with them would shape out. ACAP creates an incredibly warm and welcoming environment; when you join their team, you also join their family. As a Co-op student, I knew I would be in for lots of learning, but learning is an understatement. When working with ACAP, you aren't just constantly learning; you're also experiencing everything. From water quality monitoring, port site sampling, stream assessments, cleanups, and fish rescues to algae logger launches, working with ACAP has felt like a new adventure each and every day.
Since starting my placement in May, I have been working on ACAP's ETF- Thinking Water Project. This project entails bi-weekly sampling and analyzing 32 bodies of water across Saint John and its surrounding areas. This project aims to assess and form a long-term database of the water quality within Saint John. We measure live parameters at each site, such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, salinity, and pH, using a YSI Pro Plus Multimeter. Additionally, we collected a sample to take back to the lab for ammonia, phosphate, total coliform, and E. coli testing. These tests and data collection allowed us to see what was happening within the water environments we monitored while adding to an extensive database. This work has shown me that although we’ve come a long way in bettering our waterways, we still have a long stride ahead of us to go.
Although my work pertains to my academic studies, it was also my first time putting my knowledge to the test by applying the theory I've learned outside of a classroom environment, and that has come with its own challenges. As Chemical Technology students, we learned many laboratory procedures and data reporting, but none of our experience prepared us for the challenge of the on-foot and physical work I was in for at ACAP. From overgrown trails and steep inclines to swampy sinking mud, each site adventure came with its own challenge. However, for me, it felt like a challenge easily overcome, as someone who enjoys uncharacteristic adventures. Additionally, by taking the trail less travelled, I got to see and appreciate the city's beauty from a different and less-seen perspective.
From early mornings inside Courtney Bay, or sunny visits at Mispec Beach, to blistering hot port sample days and foggy walks on Bayshore Beach, and every rainy sample day under a blanket of trees, all my adventures with ACAP have filled me with feelings of joy and overwhelming purpose. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to have worked with ACAP over the summer, and although I am excited to continue my studies, I am also saddened to see my time with the team end. However, I am sure this won't be my last ACAP experience, and I look forward to possible future adventures.
Summer 2023 - Coming Back to ACAP
It’s truly hard to believe that it has already been four years since I last joined ACAP’s summer staff. So much has changed in the world, yet this organization’s dynamic and welcoming environment has made it feel like I hardly left. Much like my experience in 2019, every day working for ACAP in 2023 brought surprises and adventures.
Photo of Brianna (Brie) at the Glenn Carpenter Garden
It’s truly hard to believe that it has already been four years since I last joined ACAP’s summer staff. So much has changed in the world, yet this organization’s dynamic and welcoming environment has made it feel like I hardly left. Much like my experience in 2019, every day working for ACAP in 2023 brought surprises and adventures. From fish rescues, to stream assessments, to beach cleanups, and beyond, the last eight weeks were quite the whirlwind, and I wouldn’t have it any other way! A few of my favourite moments were attending Third Shift and scoping out seals and seabirds at the Irving Nature Park. I also made some amazing memories through my main projects of the season, which involved many hours of engaging youth and getting my hands dirty in gardens.
Since I was once again filling the position of Education and Outreach Coordinator, my primary focus this summer was making connections and involving the community in environmental initiatives. It was so wonderful to reprise my role at the YMCA Glenn Carpenter Centre, including my camp name, “Acorn,” which some of the older campers actually remembered from my 2019 sessions! I brought back many of the activities that were most successful during my first stint of programming, which consisted of games, crafts, scavenger hunts, and hikes. The kids would often ask me to stay longer or to come back for even more sessions, so I would say that the Earth Education program was once again a success! I hope to be able to visit the Glenn Carpenter Centre again soon, especially to check on the rain garden I helped install in 2019 and maintained during my visits throughout this summer.
On the topic of gardens, this year I also got to partake in an exciting new partnership with the YMCA’s Community Action Network (YCAN), an inspirational group of youth committed to making a positive impact through local service projects. Their plan was initially to install a rain garden to help mitigate pollution from runoff, so they took the initiative to help me do maintenance on the pre-established one at the Glenn Carpenter Centre to learn from the experience and apply it to their own. After many weeks of researching, troubleshooting, and receiving much guidance and support from my coworkers and Cedarcrest staff (particularly Amy), it was determined that a pollinator garden would be a better fit for this particular site. The YCAN members worked exceptionally hard to design, dig, and plant the garden from scratch, and even ensured it would be registered under the David Suzuki Foundation Butterflyway Project. Their beautiful garden of flowering native species can now be visited at the regional YMCA in Saint John!
Beyond the YCAN project, I also spent lots of time this summer planting and maintaining gardens at Montgomery Crescent, Glen Falls School, and the Glenn Carpenter Centre. I really enjoyed having this opportunity not only to expand my gardening expertise but also to contribute to the success and sustainability of many green spaces in my community. I am so grateful to have had the chance to rejoin the ACAP Saint John team, and I’m sure this won’t be my last involvement with this incredible organization.
My Summer Experience as a Field Technician with ACAP
I began my position as a field technician with ACAP in early June of this year. I had followed their Instagram account and kept up with their work for several years, and I was excited to get out into nature and hopefully make a difference in my community. Though I had worked several biology-related jobs since graduating two years ago, I had yet to work directly in my hometown of Saint John.
Photo of Maria Mason
I began my position as a field technician with ACAP in early June of this year. I had followed their Instagram account and kept up with their work for several years, and I was excited to get out into nature and hopefully make a difference in my community. Though I had worked several biology-related jobs since graduating two years ago, I had yet to work directly in my hometown of Saint John.
My first day on the job was a whirlwind day out on the water in the pouring rain collecting water quality samples. Since then, I have participated in fish rescues and surveys, stream assessments, rain gardens and tree plantings, outreach events, and more. When not in the field I spent my time entering data, writing blog posts, and reading relevant papers. Though I believe I broke the record for most bug bites received in one summer, I have absolutely loved my summer at ACAP. I have been lucky to gain field experience in a variety of settings while engaging with the community and working alongside passionate and kind individuals. Everyone in the office is knowledgeable, patient, and enthusiastic.
Some of my favourite days included taking the boat out onto Loch Lomond, planting a rain garden at the Glenn Carpenter Centre, conducting assessments at the Irving Nature Park, and electrofishing for brook trout. It has been amazing to work hands-on in the city that I grew up in and love. I have been inspired to see how many individuals and groups in Saint John and surrounding areas are working together to help our environment in the face of climate change. Though my experiences this summer have highlighted the stark realities of our uncertain future, it is a comfort to know that so many people care.
Though I am headed back to school this fall, I hope to one day return to this organization. I have learned so much and thoroughly enjoyed working for ACAP. I will carry this knowledge with me as I proceed with my career and always remember this summer fondly.
Field Technician (Seasonal) - FILLED
ACAP Saint John is looking for enthusiastic team player to fill our Field Technician role. The Field Technician will help with ongoing projects including (but not limited to) in-field collection of various samples, monitoring fish communities, calibration of laboratory equipment including portable field meters, internet research, restoration activities, summary report writing, analysis and interpretation of the collected raw data and presentation of the final results. The successful candidate will also assist in organizing community events, including education programs, green space beautification and tree planting, as well as coordinating volunteers to assist in event operations.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Conduct hands-on field work with a wide variety of projects including water quality monitoring, fish communities, riparian restoration, installation of green infrastructure measures, etc.;
Help ACAP Saint John’s coordinators with project work and report writing;
Data entry and analysis;
Maintain and calibrate field equipment;
Help to deliver public presentations and community outreach;
Grant writing;
Social media content creation
QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS
Post-secondary education with a concentration in environmental science, biology, fisheries/wildlife management;
Self motivated with the ability to work independently;
Ability to perform and multi-task in challenging work environments and weather conditions;
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and efficient time management;
Strong oral and written communication skills;
Flexible and adaptable to a changing work schedule (including weekend and evening work).
Requirements
This position is funded through Eco Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Science Horizons program and as such the successful candidate must be eligible for this program.
“The Science Horizons Youth Internship Program is an employment readiness program which aims to help post-secondary graduates ages 15 to 30 navigate through the labour market and to successfully transition into sustained employment within environmental science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. This program is only open to those individuals with Canadian citizenship, Canadian permanent residency status, or those who have been granted refugee status within Canada.” For more information or to prequalify click here
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The advertised position is designed to be full-time [40 hours per week] starting in August 2023 compensated at a rate of $17-19/hour depending on skills and qualifications.
ACAP Saint John is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diversity in the workplace and encourage applications from all qualified candidates including women, members of visible minorities, persons of all physical abilities, and Indigenous peoples.
ABOUT ACAP SAINT JOHN
For over thirty years, ACAP has conducted successful in-school environmental education programs, summer camps, ecological inventories, water quality monitoring programs, habitat restorations, watercourse restorations, wetland enhancements, contaminated site remediation, green space planning, and engaged thousands of area residents in community cleanup initiatives.
ACAP Saint John has an excellent reputation in the community for acting as a third-party mediator of contentious environmental issues, and continues to expand their role as a public source of knowledge and information dissemination. We continue to affect long-term planning for greening and revitalization in Saint John by offering our expertise and our research outcomes to levels of government, corporations and institutions throughout the region.
Employment Opportunity - Forestry Technician (Filled)
ACAP Saint John is looking for a Forestry Technician to join the team! Forest management for the protection of water quality and planning for the impacts of climate change is paramount for the protection of drinking water sources. ACAP Saint John is working with Boreal Environment and Saint John Water to update existing source water watershed management plans to ensure quality drinking water for future residents. The Forestry Technician will work closely with the team, under the guidance of a Registered Professional Forester (RPF), to provide on-the-ground and desktop support as well as forestry experience and knowledge to the project.
The Forestry Technician will be responsible for gathering and analyzing forest composition data to help create management plans in support of healthy watersheds to improve overall water quality and ecosystem health in the Greater Saint John region. This role would also include block and stand layout both on the ground and through desktop activities, survey and inspection of contractors in harvest and silvicultural blocks, and mitigation of risks to water quality and adjacent stands in forest restoration areas. The Forestry Technician will work closely with project managers and team members as well as stakeholders and contractors. The ideal candidate will be able to work within a team, have excellent communication skills, and be highly organized. A flexible schedule will be an asset as some weekend or after hours work may be required, ie., attendance at volunteer events or community engagement sessions.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Manage silvicultural projects throughout the City of Saint John and surrounding areas;
Support existing partnerships through participation in meetings and workshops;
Conduct forest cruises to support ongoing projects;
Analyze and create block/stand management plans in support of healthy forests, which may include but is not limited to harvest regimes, silvicultural practices, block layout and delineation, growth/yield models;
Stand delineation through photo interpretation;
On the ground forest road planning and site prep;
Creation of operational plans for contractors in harvest and silvicultural blocks;
Spot checking and insuring contractors are following operational plans and guidelines as laid out by project managers and funders;
Assist with development and implementation of communication plans to provide information to the community regarding current projects and overall education/awareness.
QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS
An accredited post-secondary degree or diploma in Forestry, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, or a related field;
Understanding of current and predicted future climate change risks as it relates to forest health;
Strong knowledge of current forestry practices;
Experience in conducting forest cruises, tree identification, and stand health assessments;
Interest, and at least some formal training, in environmental programs and/or watershed management;
Experience with Geographic Information System [GIS] software;
Experience with Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and compass;
Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Google Drive, Virtual meeting softwares (Zoom, Teams, ect.);
Ability to safely work outdoors in all weather conditions;
Positive attitude and ability to work closely and collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and external stakeholders;
Motivated self-starter who is able to work independently;
Passion for environmental stewardship, conservation and restoration;
Communications skills for interaction with community volunteers of all demographic backgrounds;
Strong writing and reporting skills, including proposal writing, record-keeping, and budgeting.
Previous experience managing or coordinating projects would be considered an asset.
Requirements:
This position will be funded through Clean Foundation’s Green Jobs Program and as such applicants must meet the following requirements:
Between the ages of 15 and 30 (inclusive) at the start of the intervention;
Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents, or Protected Persons as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act;
Not currently in school;
Self identifies as Indigenous, youth living with a disability, Woman, Racialized youth and youth who are living in a Northern or Remote community;
Legally entitled to work in Canada; and
Legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations.
*Racialized youth are a group of people categorized according to ethnic/cultural characteristics and subjected to structural discrimination. The use of the term "racialized" acknowledges that race is a social construct that can negatively impact a person's social, political and economic life. The YESS recognizes that racialized youth are not solely defined by social barriers like systemic discrimination, and therefore has chosen to disaggregate the ‘racialized’ category by the unique ethnic/cultural backgrounds of youth.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ACAP Saint John is open and collaborative. The prospective Forestry Technician must work effectively and respectfully, continually enhancing the work of project partners, ACAP Saint John staff, and community stakeholders. The chosen candidate will bring their skills and expertise to bear on the project, developing innovative responses to the city’s most vexing challenges and pushing for creative thinking. Together with ACAP Saint John staff, project partners, and community stakeholders, we will work to create unique design solutions that generate systemic and meaningful change for Saint John’s environment. The work will also be dynamic, and could include elements of ACAP Saint John's on-going projects and the selected candidate will also support on-going organizational social media initiatives.
This position is designed to be full-time [40 hours per week] starting in June 2023 through to March 31, 2024 with an hourly rate of $17-19/hour (based on experience).
ACAP Saint John is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diversity in the workplace and encourage applications from all qualified candidates including women, members of visible minorities, persons of all physical abilities, and Indigenous peoples.
ABOUT ACAP SAINT JOHN
For over 30 years, ACAP has conducted successful in-school environmental education programs, summer camps, ecological inventories, water quality monitoring programs, habitat restorations, watercourse restorations, wetland enhancements, contaminated site remediation, green space planning, and engaged thousands of area residents in community cleanup initiatives.
ACAP Saint John has an excellent reputation in the community for acting as a third-party mediator of contentious environmental issues, and continues to expand their role as a public source of knowledge and information dissemination. We continue to affect long-term planning for greening and revitalization in Saint John by offering our expertise and our research outcomes to levels of government, corporations and institutions throughout the region.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your cover letter and resume to executivedirector at acapsj.org * with the subject line, "Forestry Technician ".
*Note: The e-mail address above has been masked to help prevent spam. Please copy the address and replace “at” with @.
We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
My Internship with ACAP Saint John: Giving Back to the Community
From August 2022 to March 2023, I held the climate change communications intern position at ACAP Saint John. This has been a professional and personal experience for me since my family has roots in Rothesay, although most of them now live in Quebec. Being back in Saint John and working at ACAP brings back many memories from my childhood of this area. During the internship, I have had the opportunity to take part in many different activities including native tree plantings and maintenance, gardening, community cleanups, Saint John Harbour monitoring (of water quality, fish, and seals.), and classroom education.
There are two specific projects I have participated in including the Glen Falls School green infrastructure (GI) project and a climate change education project with local high schools. These projects were heavily focused on community engagement and communication. The Glen Falls School GI project consisted of creating a rain garden with the help of over 100 elementary school students. We also dug two infiltration trenches to help the schoolyard soak up rainwater, allowing the ground to dry up faster so the students can play outside. The main reason why this project was completed is because the school is situated on a natural floodplain. During the project, I was involved in coordinating the NBCC (New Brunswick Community College) students who came and helped us dig the infiltration trenches. Other ACAP staff were working to oversee tree planting and helping the younger students plant the rain garden. I was happy to be involved in this project and learn more about GI in the community.
Presenting to Sam-De-Cham students.
The climate change education project in high schools was part of a bigger project to foster climate change leadership among youth in local high schools. During the project, I was able to meet student-led green or environmental teams from Simonds High School, Harbour View Highschool, and the Centre Scolaire Samuel-de-Champlain. The two main reasons I was meeting with these students were to provide feedback on the ongoing projects they are interested in, and to motivate them to implement more environmental and climate action projects in their schools. During my internship I also took part in other educational activities organized by different members of ACAP Saint John including outdoor education activities with elementary schools, and community presentations. This experience has allowed me to coordinate presentation dates with multiple schools and gain confidence when presenting and working with youth and the community in general.
The Saint John Harbour monitoring project that I have taken part in during my internship was not part of my projects but all staff were able to chip in and help out. What I really enjoyed about this experience was learning more about the marine life around Saint John. I also enjoyed getting the opportunity to see live fish from the Bay of Fundy up close and to observe seals around the coastline of the city. If I was asked what species I enjoyed the most, I think I would answer the sand shrimps and the flounders.
In December 2022, I began working on a report on the ways that climate change is framed in the news. I really enjoyed researching this topic and writing the report. Overall, it is possible to see that news stories are starting to discuss climate change and its impact on the environment more. This can especially be seen within the conservative news stories that are slowly starting to realize the importance of covering the issue.
Although there are still many conservative news agencies that do not realize how important conversations around climate change are. Another important issue uncovered during the development of this report was that a lot of media confuse the terms climate change and global warming. This mix-up is one of the main reasons why so many people still do not want to accept that humans are having a negative impact on the environment and that we need to change our way of life. The report can be accessed at the link below. It has been a good experience and a reminder to be careful when reading and interpreting climate change news.
One of the things that I have been the most grateful for during this internship (in addition to the work experience gained) would be the chance to rediscover the beautiful Saint John region. Many places I have visited during work hours reminded me of my summer trips with my family when I was younger. I am also grateful for having had the chance to work with such a fantastic group of people.
Employment Opportunity - Engagement and Communications Specialist (Filled)
The ACAP Saint John team is looking for an Engagement and Communications Specialist. For 30 years, ACAP Saint John has been providing education and volunteer opportunities to the community and is looking for a confident and outgoing individual to continue this work. The role will involve providing both in-person and online engagement regarding local environmental issues and ACAP Saint John projects.
The Engagement and Communications Specialist will provide support and direction on a number of engagement and outreach activities within our ongoing projects. The primary function of this position is to lead the development and implementation of communication strategies, education programming, and resources for both in-person and online engagement using ACAP Saint John’s social media channels and website. The Specialist will also be responsible for planning and overseeing volunteer events including large-scale community cleanups and tree planting with support from other project staff. The ideal candidate would be flexible in their working schedule, be able to work within a team, have excellent communication skills and be highly organized.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Create and implement strategic communication plans for both ongoing and new projects;
Plan, implement and monitor content for ACAP Saint John’s social media accounts;
Deliver presentations to students and special interest groups throughout the community, both virtually and in-person;
Participate in outreach events in the Greater Saint John Area;
Oversee all volunteer events, including community cleanups and tree plantings;
Maintain a detailed database of outreach activities, including numbers of people reached;
Create online and in-class resources with our subject matter experts to engage youth in environmental learning;
Initiate contact with schools and special interest groups to promote current environmental initiatives;
Update existing educational materials and develop new resources with our team of experts;
Assist with promotion of all educational resources; and
Seek funding/project opportunities, as well as develop funding and grant proposals to support engagement and outreach goals.
QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS
Ability to effectively communicate with excellent writing, presentation and listening skills;
Graphic design and digital marketing skills;
Excellent organization skills to balance a number of tasks and complete work in a timely manner;
Strong knowledge in effective use of social media platforms (i.e. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn) to increase public awareness for environmental programs;
Strong people skills and comfortable with public speaking;
Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and direct new programs;
Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Google Drive, virtual meeting softwares (Zoom, Teams, etc.);
Passionate about the environment;
Self-motivated and comfortable working independently;
Collaborative and a team player;
Always open to learning.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ACAP Saint John is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diversity in the workplace and encourage applications from all qualified candidates including women, members of visible minorities, persons of all physical abilities, and Indigenous peoples.
The advertised position is designed to be full-time [40 hours per week] starting April 17, 2023 [or whenever a successful applicant is selected].
Full-time employees become eligible for health benefits after the three month probationary period and performance review.
ABOUT ACAP SAINT JOHN
For over 30 years, ACAP has conducted successful in-school environmental education programs, summer camps, ecological inventories, water quality monitoring programs, habitat restorations, watercourse restorations, wetland enhancements, contaminated site remediation, green space planning, and engaged thousands of area residents in community cleanup initiatives.
ACAP Saint John has an excellent reputation in the community for acting as a third-party mediator of contentious environmental issues, and continues to expand their role as a public source of knowledge and information dissemination. We continue to affect long-term planning for greening and revitalization in Saint John by offering our expertise and our research outcomes to levels of government, corporations and institutions throughout the region.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your cover letter and resume by April 3, 2023 to executivedirector at acapsj.org * with the subject line, "Engagement and Communications Specialist".
*Note: The e-mail address above has been masked to help prevent spam. Please copy the address and replace “at” with @.
We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
Employment Opportunity - Climate Change Projects Lead (Filled)
ACAP Saint John is looking for a Climate Change Projects Lead to join the team! In recent years, ACAP Saint John has been at the forefront of climate change adaptation through research and planning, and the implementation of nature-based strategies to help reduce the impacts of climate change in our community. In 2020, the City of Saint John adopted the Climate Change Adaptation Plan prepared by ACAP Saint John, to address the challenges of increasing temperature, changes to precipitation patterns, sea level rise, and an influx in extreme weather events. ACAP Saint John is seeking an organized and self-motivated individual to continue this work and help create a more resilient community.
The Climate Change Projects Lead will be responsible for the organization and coordination of climate change related projects including on-the-ground adaptation work, as well as education and communication with community stakeholders including municipal staff, students and youth, and the general public. The position will involve meaningful engagement with community members in the planning and implementation of green infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate will be able to work within a team, have excellent communication skills, and be highly organized. A flexible schedule will be an asset as some weekend work may be required, ie., attendance at volunteer events or community markets.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Manage green infrastructure projects throughout the City of Saint John and surrounding areas;
Support existing partnerships through participation in virtual meetings and workshops;
Seek funding/project opportunities and develop funding and grant proposals as required to support the development and implementation of the Saint John Climate Change Adaptation Plan;
Collaborate with community and municipal stakeholders to implement climate change adaptation;
Build new partnerships to expand and promote climate change adaptation throughout the Greater Saint John Area;
Assist with development and implementation of communication plans to provide information to the community regarding current projects and overall education/awareness;
Keep current on climate change and energy related Provincial and Federal legislation, policies, and programs and the effect on regional and municipal adaptation and mitigation activities.
QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS
An accredited post-secondary degree or diploma in Environmental Science, Geography, Climate Science, or a related field;
Understanding of current and predicted future climate change risks;
Knowledge of climate change adaptation and resilience, issues, policies and approaches;
Interest, and at least some formal training, in environmental programs and/or watershed management;
Experience with Geographic Information System [GIS] software;
Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Google Drive, Virtual meeting softwares (Zoom, Teams, ect.);
General landscaping knowledge;
Ability to safely work outdoors in all weather conditions;
Positive attitude and ability to work closely and collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and external stakeholders;
Motivated self-starter who is able to work independently;
Passion for environmental stewardship, conservation and restoration;
Communications skills for interaction with community volunteers of all demographic backgrounds;
Strong writing and reporting skills, including proposal writing, record-keeping, and budgeting.
Previous experience managing or coordinating projects would be considered an asset.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ACAP Saint John is open and collaborative. The prospective Climate Change Projects Lead must work effectively and respectfully, continually enhancing the work of project partners, ACAP Saint John staff, and community stakeholders. The chosen candidate will bring their skills and expertise to bear on the project, developing innovative responses to the city’s most vexing challenges and pushing for creative thinking. Together with ACAP Saint John staff, project partners, and community stakeholders, we will work to create unique design solutions that generate systemic and meaningful change for Saint John’s environment. The work will also be dynamic, and could include elements of ACAP Saint John's on-going projects and the selected candidate will also support on-going organizational social media initiatives.
The advertised position is designed to be full-time [40 hours per week] starting April 17, 2023 [or whenever a successful applicant is selected].
ACAP Saint John is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diversity in the workplace and encourage applications from all qualified candidates including women, members of visible minorities, persons of all physical abilities, and Indigenous peoples.
Full-time employees become eligible for health benefits after the three month probationary period and performance review
ABOUT ACAP SAINT JOHN
For over 30 years, ACAP has conducted successful in-school environmental education programs, summer camps, ecological inventories, water quality monitoring programs, habitat restorations, watercourse restorations, wetland enhancements, contaminated site remediation, green space planning, and engaged thousands of area residents in community cleanup initiatives.
ACAP Saint John has an excellent reputation in the community for acting as a third-party mediator of contentious environmental issues, and continues to expand their role as a public source of knowledge and information dissemination. We continue to affect long-term planning for greening and revitalization in Saint John by offering our expertise and our research outcomes to levels of government, corporations and institutions throughout the region.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your cover letter and resume by March 31, 2023 to executivedirector at acapsj.org * with the subject line, "Climate Change Projects Lead".
*Note: The e-mail address above has been masked to help prevent spam. Please copy the address and replace “at” with @.
We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
Employment Opportunity - Field Assistant (Summer Position)
FIELD TECHNICIAN - SUMMER STUDENT
ACAP Saint John is looking for a enthusiastic team player to fill our Field Technician role. The Field Technician will help with ongoing projects including (but not limited to) in-field collection of various samples, calibration of laboratory equipment including portable field meters, internet research, summary report writing, analysis and interpretation of the collected raw data and presentation of the final results. The successful candidate will also assist in organizing community events, including education programs, green space beautification and tree planting, as well as coordinating volunteers to assist in event operations.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Conduct hands-on field work with a wide variety of projects;
Help to deliver public presentations and community outreach;
Manage AWN’s Water Monitoring Equipment Hub program in New Brunswick. This includes the coordination of loans, equipment pickup/drop-off throughout the field season, and performing equipment calibrations prior to loaning
QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS
Perusing post-secondary education with a concentration in environmental science, biology, fisheries/wildlife management;
Self motivated with the ability to work independently;
Ability to perform and multi-task in challenging work environments and weather conditions;
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and efficient time management;
Strong oral and written communication skills;
Flexible and adaptable to a changing work schedule (including weekend and evening work).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The advertised position is designed to be seasonal full-time funded by Canada Summer Jobs.
To be eligible, youth must:
Be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment;
Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment;
Have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.
ACAP Saint John is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diversity in the workplace and encourage applications from all qualified candidates including women, members of visible minorities, persons of all physical abilities, and Indigenous peoples.
ABOUT ACAP SAINT JOHN
For over 30 years, ACAP has conducted successful in-school environmental education programs, summer camps, ecological inventories, water quality monitoring programs, habitat restorations, watercourse restorations, wetland enhancements, contaminated site remediation, green space planning, and engaged thousands of area residents in community cleanup initiatives.
ACAP Saint John has an excellent reputation in the community for acting as a third-party mediator of contentious environmental issues, and continues to expand their role as a public source of knowledge and information dissemination. We continue to affect long-term planning for greening and revitalization in Saint John by offering our expertise and our research outcomes to levels of government, corporations and institutions throughout the region.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your cover letter and resume to executivedirector at acapsj.org * with the subject line, "Field Technician" - only those short-listed for an interview will be contacted.
*Note: The e-mail address above has been masked to help prevent spam. Please copy the address and replace “at” with @.
Employment Opportunity - Education and Outreach Coordinator (Summer Position)
Position Summary
Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Student Environmental Engagement and Outreach Coordinator will provide support on a number of engagement and outreach activities within our ongoing projects throughout the summer. The Coordinator will lead the development and implementation of programming and resources for classrooms and online education including presentations, lesson plans, interactive games and activities and others. The Coordinator will also provide hands-on support to other project staff. The ideal candidate would be flexible in their working schedule, be able to work within a team, have excellent communication skills and be highly organized.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Create online and in-class resources to engage youth in environmental learning;
Initiate contact with schools and special interest groups to promote current environmental initiatives;
Deliver presentations to students and special interest groups throughout the community, either virtually or in person;
Update existing educational materials and develop new resources as required;
Assist with promotion of all educational resources;
Participate in outreach events throughout the Greater Saint John Area;
Plan, implement and monitoring content for ACAP Saint John’s various Social Media platforms;
Maintain a detailed database of outreach activities, including numbers of people reached;
Perform a variety of administrative support duties.
QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS
Ability to effectively communicate with strong writing, presentation and listening skills.
Ability to coordinate design marketing materials and presentations.
Ability to use social media platforms to increase public awareness for environmental programs.
Excellent organization skills to balance a number of tasks and complete work in a timely manner.
Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and direct new programs.
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and internet applications.
Ability to work independently with good self-motivation.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The advertised position is designed to be seasonal full-time [40 hours per week] funded by Canada Summer Jobs.
To be eligible, youth must:
Be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment;
Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment;
Have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.
ACAP Saint John is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diversity in the workplace and encourage applications from all qualified candidates including women, members of visible minorities, persons of all physical abilities, and Indigenous peoples.
ABOUT ACAP SAINT JOHN
For over 30 years, ACAP has conducted successful in-school environmental education programs, summer camps, ecological inventories, water quality monitoring programs, habitat restorations, watercourse restorations, wetland enhancements, contaminated site remediation, green space planning, and engaged thousands of area residents in community cleanup initiatives.
ACAP Saint John has an excellent reputation in the community for acting as a third-party mediator of contentious environmental issues, and continues to expand their role as a public source of knowledge and information dissemination. We continue to affect long-term planning for greening and revitalization in Saint John by offering our expertise and our research outcomes to levels of government, corporations and institutions throughout the region.
How to Apply
Please submit your cover letter and resume by April 2nd, 2023 to executivedirector at acapsj.org * with the subject line, "Field Technician" - only those short-listed for an interview will be contacted.
*Note: The e-mail address above has been masked to help prevent spam. Please copy the address and replace “at” with @.
#30yearsACAP Memories - Graeme Stewart-Robertson
Graeme Stewart-Robertson began his career at ACAP Saint John in 2004 as a summer student and by 2015 he was the Executive Director.
(left) Graeme tying knots in 2013, (right) Graeme rowing out to a sample site in 2019.
When Tim Vickers stepped down and handed over the role of ED to Graeme, he had pretty big shoes to fill! Since Harbour Cleanup was complete, Graeme turned his attention to improving access to Marsh Creek, as well as other initiatives, such as tree planting, community cleanups and public education.
ACAP Saint John wouldn’t be where it is today without the leadership provided by Graeme. Take a minute to read about some of his fondest memories during his ED role!
The Revitalization of Tin Can Beach
Graeme getting ready to tackle a serious electrofishing gig.
Choosing one single memory from my time at ACAP Saint John is like choosing your favourite tree amongst a whole forest - as you separate the individual from the whole, of course it may have a splendour all its own, but it is so much more meaningful for what it contributes to a landscape and a history far greater than itself.
For nearly 16 years, the memories of my life in Saint John are intertwined with ACAP in every way. I came to see the city as a series of watersheds, of community cleanup sites, of missing trail links, of potential ecological restorations, and of trees.
Graeme showing a summer student how to maneuver smoothly through the mud in Red Head Marsh.
Many projects came and went over those years, and for every moment spent on a stunning salmon stream, or fishing at sunset in the incredible Bay of Fundy, or walking home feeling fulfilled after a community consultation event, there are my memories of mud. Mud caked on boots, sewerage-filled mud on fishing nets, dried mud on canoes and trucks, gritty mud on our equipment, mud smeared on my face, mud on everything. Wiping that mud away became one of my most enduring memories, it meant a job was well done, it meant I could sleep well that night, and it meant that I was that much closer to going back in and getting started on the next project.
Staff tuning in to watch Graeme’s presentation at the UN’s Climate Change Conference (COP24, Poland, 2018)
Despite the vivid memories of mud, the huge projects that took Saint John through Harbour Cleanup, that restored wetlands and shorelines, or established new policies for the province, or took me to the United Nations to talk about our region’s future, it was the small community projects that always stood out as my favourites.
Long before my time with ACAP Saint John, the organization had built a reputation as community-minded, working from the bottom-up to achieve results. There is nothing as satisfying to me as creating opportunities for people to better understand the relationship they have with the natural world, and that’s exactly what can make those projects so successful.
In the summer of 2014, when we began the restoration of Tin Can Beach, that project’s momentum was driven by a series of class presentations I gave on the shore, where students had their opportunity to see, feel, and smell the neglect and the potential of that beautiful area, and ask the questions that truly matter. I will never forget the faces of those young leaders as they asked why the ecology and native habitat of the shoreline had been forgotten by the city, or why it's so hard for them to find greenspace in their own neighbourhoods, or why they see more fences being put up than trees being planted.
That’s all it takes sometimes, a few pressing questions from inquiring minds to change the status quo and turn neglect into new horizons. Tin Can Beach - like countless spaces big and small across the region - is better now than before ACAP came to be, because when questions were asked, we listened and found an answer. In that case we found the volunteers, we found the funding, we found a plan that inspired people to look at an area differently, and that change continues today. Whether it is one alone or a hundred together, the sound of voices is a part of nature we might often drown out, but cannot ignore. By establishing itself as a voice for the environment, in many ways ACAP Saint John simultaneously became a platform for the under-represented and unheard voices in the community, giving life to lost spaces and restoring hope along the way.
ACAP accepting a donation from RBC (2015)
Students on Ice, Ocean Conservation Expedition: ACAP aboard the Polar Prince
Aiden and Shayelin were thrilled to have supported and joined the Students On Ice team on their Ocean Conservation Expedition! This journey brought together researchers, community leaders, artists, youth and more together in the name of collaboration and conservation.
TAKE A MINUTE TO READ ABOUT their week long experience!
Map with all the locations the Polar Prince visited during this leg of the expedition.
The Ocean Conservation Expedition aboard the Polar Prince, with Students On Ice (SOI), took us to the Passamaquoddy Bay, Whale Cove in Grand Manan, Southern Wolf Islands archipelago, Campobello Island, the Musquash Marine Protected Area including the Musquash river up to the old shipwrecks, and back to the Saint John Harbour.
Shayelin helping Bronte measure American lobster.
Throughout the expedition, we were able to assist in setting and retrieving lobster traps with Passamaquoddy Recognition Group; the lobsters collected will be analyzed for the presence of microplastics within their digestive tracts.
We also deployed various types of drifters that will be carried by ocean currents, tracking winds, currents, and other climate related data throughout the Bay.
Aiden and Shaylein throwing out drifters into the ocean!
Aiden learned from, and assisted with, Acadia University grad students and the Canadian Wildlife Service on their bird and marine mammal surveys. These surveys are used to create an inventory of the creatures encountered throughout the expedition.
Shayelin and Aiden getting the LADI trawl ready to collect surface water microplastics!
We also conducted a surface water trawl to analyze microplastic presence within the Musquash Marine Protected Area. Shayelin even had the opportunity participate in ECO Canada’s new BEAHR training module for indigenous youth that focused on marine ecology and conservation, adding her own knowledge and experiences to the training sessions.
We loved every moment spent on the Polar Prince, but our favourite memories were seeing how engaged the youth were in the research taking place onboard. It was inspiring to see how willing they were to try new things and put themselves out there; it encouraged us to do the same. This is exactly the kind of connection and relationship building we need in ocean conservation efforts. Onboard, we often discussed how this type of conservation is not something that can be done by one person alone, but by everyone working together, whether it be through science and research, connecting with people through art, or a love for the ocean.
The youth were not the only ones learning while on the expedition, we both learned just as much from them, the artists, zodiac drivers, and other researchers during our short stay aboard the Polar Prince. All of these varying perspectives and knowledge on different subjects really added to deep conversations about ocean conservation, what is being done, what can be done, and what needs to be done. This trip was a once in a lifetime opportunity that did not go underappreciated by either of us or the other people onboard.
The Polar Prince.
#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!
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.
What a Catch! Or is it?
Guest blog contributed by: Julia Macpherson
This year at THIRD SHIFT, a contemporary art festival, ACAP Saint John contributed an installation that displayed various pieces of pollution and debris found in and around Saint John entitled What a Catch!
ACAP Saint John’s installation of What a Catch! at the 2022 THIRD SHIFT festival.
Rhino filled with bottle caps in Wales (2017).
Jamylynn McDonald, the mind behind the concept of the sculpture, has been collecting bottle caps from the ground since her travels in Wales where she was inspired by a sculpture of a rhino filled with bottle caps. Wanting to raise awareness of the abundance of single-use plastics polluted daily, she and the rest of the ACAP team worked together to collect litter from the beaches and rivers around Saint John.
This is not ACAPs first effort to inform the public of the incredulous amounts of pollution found around Saint John waterways. Previously, they have held workshops on identifying single use plastics, promoted the use of filters that remove microfibers in washing machines, and are collaborating with Coastal Action (Mahone Bay, NS) to estimate types and quantities of microplastics in the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Wolastoq [St. John River] watershed.
As the name suggests, microplastics are pieces of plastic less than 5 mm long that are found in the environment¹. Microplastics can be introduced into an environment through the break-down of larger pieces of plastic, wastewater, product manufacturing, etc.². Although small, the introduction and accumulation of microplastics into aquatic environments can have big effects. In fact, while they have been identified since the late nineties, these pesky pieces of plastic have provoked a new area of research in the past 20 years. In this emerging field, much has been discovered about the potential impact of microplastics in marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments.
Yet, microplastics are not the only issue.
Fyke net displaying a majority of the trash collected along beaches around the Saint John harbour.
From the copious amounts of litter collected by ACAP in just two months, it’s no surprise that our very own Bay of Fundy and Wolastoq [St. John River] are no strangers to pollution and have been the subject of plastic pollution research.
Plastic pollution in waterways surrounding Saint John goes beyond the micro scale, another common type is abandoned, lost, and discarded (ALD) fishing gear³. This form of marine pollution is a serious threat to marine life as it can lead to ingestion, entanglement, and may eventually degrade into microplastics³.
Lobster traps filled with fishing rope and plastic bottles as part of ACAP’s THIRD SHIFT display.
A 2020 study found that 28% of the debris found on the ocean floor of the Bay of Fundy was ALD fishing gear including: rope, lobster traps, bait bags, gloves, etc. Meanwhile, other types of pollution such as plastic bags, cables, metal and tires make up the remaining 72%³.
The problem isn’t limited to aquatic environments either, the same study found marine debris on the groups surrounding the Bay of Fundy, particularly on the sand and gravel³. Narrowing back in on the micro-scale, a study done in the Kennebecasis and Tobique watersheds found that 92% of collected mussels were found to have microfibers in their tissues⁴. Mircrofibers, a type of microplastic, are shed from textiles and end up in the environment via laundry wastewater⁴. Like larger pieces of plastic pollution, in small organisms, microfibers can be ingested and carry toxic additives⁴. Whether present on the ocean-floor, sand, or river, the presence of plastic pollution is a danger to natural environments.
Much like the plastic debris around the Saint John Watershed, public awareness on this environmental issue should be everywhere. Jamylynn and the ACAP team demonstrates the ubiquity and challenges of plastic pollution and marine debris through What a Catch! Not only as an eye-catching display but also as a powerful message, What a Catch! successfully highlights the reality of the state of the environment in Saint John.
References
1. NOAA. What are microplastics? National Ocean Service Website, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/microplastics.html#:~:text=Plastic%20debris%20can%20come%20in,as%20some%20cleansers%20and%20toothpastes
2. IUCN. Primary Microplastics in the Oceans: a Global Evaluation of Sources. https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/2017-002-En.pdf
3. Goodman, A. J., Walker, T. R., Brown, C. J., Wilson, B. R., Gazzola, V., & Sameoto, J. A. (2020). Benthic marine debris in the Bay of Fundy, eastern Canada: Spatial distribution and categorization using seafloor video footage. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 150, 110722. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110722
4. Doucet, C. V., Labaj, A. L., & Kurek, J. (2021). Microfiber Content in Freshwater Mussels from Rural Tributaries of the Saint John River, Canada. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 232(1), 32. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-020-04958-4
About the author
Julia Macpherson
Julia (she/her) is a 2nd year master’s student at the University of New Brunswick (Saint John) and also holds a B.Sc. in marine and freshwater biology from the University of Guelph. While currently a full-time student, Julia is also interested in science communication and outreach and hopes to continue in this field. In her spare time she enjoys camping, nature photography and running.
#30yearsACAP Memories - Leah Fitzgerald
Leah registering for the 2019 annual Marsh Creek Cleanup!
Leah Fitzgerald currently sits on ACAP’s Board of Director’s as our Secretary
A photo of the STM's 1998 Environmental Club (1998). Leah can be found fourth from the left!
Leah has been an active volunteer for many years and currently sits on ACAP’s Board of Directors as our Secretary. Her love for protecting the environment goes all the way back her to high school days when she was involved in the St. Malachy’s Environmental Club (run by none other than Jean MacDonald, who was Leah’s chemistry teacher at the time).
Take a minute to read about some of leah’s favourite memories of ACAP!
The old ACAP-SJ office in Market Square.
When I was a student in high school, I attended a couple of meetings of the Environmental Club as a student representative (or maybe teen representative? It was the 90s and my memory is fuzzy) where the meetings were held in the old ACAP office at Market Square. I have a memory of being set loose Uptown with friends to spray paint fish next to storm drains, a small reminder that storm drains run to the ocean in our Port City.
The yellow fish are painted to remind us that storm drains on our roadways empty directly into local streams.
Leah and her family in 2013 participating in ACAP-SJ Annual Marsh Creek Cleanup.
I got the bug, though, and attended beach clean ups and watershed cleanups in multiple provinces. In 2013, I landed back at the Marsh Creek clean up, family in tow. That first year, we had the zone between the Michaels parking lot and the Irving on the corner of McAllister Drive and Rothesay Avenue. No one warned us - that field is not a field. It is peat moss. We had a squishy, wet adventure and almost lost a couple of rubber boots. We also found a cache of construction waste dumped behind the old Ritchies building and ended up winning top prize. We took home some movie tickets and a taste for doing it again.
So, to sum up, here’s why I love the Marsh Creek Clean Up:
It’s always an adventure. There’s nothing like discovering the garbage from a baby shower, empty gift bags and tissue and clothing tags and all, on the side of the road. Or finding out the hard way just how deep the water is in the ditch on Golden Grove Road (deep enough to need waders!).
Teamwork! My kids are always a little annoyed when we leave in the morning, but, inevitably, we meet cool people at the clean up and they get into finding trash. I still say hi to the Starbucks East Point crew who were part of our team in 2019.
The sense of accomplishment. There is nothing like seeing a big pile of full bags and random stuff on the side of the road, ready for pick up. There is also nothing like freeing a shopping cart from a stream. Hot tip: the wheels rust pretty quickly and you’ll have to carry it, no matter how hard you think you can push it.
Exploration! My favourite discovery, besides the peatbog, is the small waterfall hiding just off Golden Grove Road. The clean up is a chance to see a part of the city I don’t often walk around.
Leah and her family with the Starbucks East Point crew at the 2019 Marsh Creek Cleanup!
Volunteers receiving food after the 2022 March Creek Cleanup.
The Marsh Creek Cleanup is held every spring. This year was the first year we used the Irving Oil Field House as home base, and those clean bathrooms were very appreciated, especially to wash up before my other favourite part of the day - the barbeque.
#30yearsACAP Memories - Tim Vickers
Tim Vickers was the Executive Director of ACAP Saint John between 2003-2014.
Tim Vickers thanking volunteers at the 2009 Marsh Creek Cleanup!
Newspaper clippings of Marsh Creek contamination.
When Tim took on the role as ED, the City of Saint John was still discharging an estimated 200 swimming pools worth of sewage (raw and untreated) from residents and businesses directly into Marsh Creek.
Tim and his team spent the next 10 years monitoring the health of Marsh Creek through water quality testing, fish monitoring, community cleanups, and riparian enhancement before Harbour Cleanup was officially completed in 2014.
ACAP Saint John wouldn’t be where it was today without the leadership provided by Tim for all these years. Take a minute to read about one his fondest memories during his ED role!
Harbour Cleanup was the flagship mission of ACAP Saint John.
As a $100 million infrastructure project, it was subject to intense political wrangling over funding commitments from the municipal, provincial, and federal governments. At the time of my tenure as Executive Director, the municipal government had committed its third of the funding, with the federal government indicating they’d come to the table once the province stepped up….but the province was dodging the commitment.
Letter to the federal gov, early 2000s.
I gave a talk on the subject at Harbourview High School and the students were appalled that their generation had to live with a legacy sewage issue that could so be readily resolved. So, they took it upon themselves to write to the Premier of New Brunswick and voice their displeasure. I was encouraged by their action and followed up with a letter to the editor of the Telegraph Journal of my own.
I thought little else of the letters until the Premier rolled into my office with two ministers and requested that my staff leave so we could talk. Given the pending provincial election that year and the bad press the letters generated, I can assure you that we did not engage in a lighthearted discussion with joyful banter. Long story short, Harbour Cleanup became a pivotal plank in the election for the Saint John region, and the new Premier held true to his promise and signed off on the province's third of the funding as his first official act in office.
To this day, I reflect on the incredible influence that a group of teens had not only on the Premier of New Brunswick, but on my personal conviction to follow through on issues that mattered. With the example set by those students, and the knowledge that we had the backing of the greater Saint John community, ACAP Saint John achieved its foundational mission of nurturing the political environment needed to deliver the funding for Harbour Cleanup.
Artist Josh Beutel drew this poster for the 2nd Annual Marsh Creek Cleanup (formally known as the Marsh Creek Sweep) in 1998!