In the Streams, Living the Dream

I have been admiring ACAP for years now; their work inspired me to pursue the Environmental Technology program at NBCC Miramichi. As a summer student at ACAP, I felt as though I was on an adventure rather than working. At the beginning of my placement, I spent most of my time conducting stream assessments within the main stems of Henderson Brook and Spruce Lake, as well as the entire Mill Creek watershed. Heavy bug and bushwhacking led us to seldom visited areas that were inexplicably beautiful. We found many treasures including multiple waterfalls, fascinating bedrock, a cave, a swing beside a beaver dam, and two Barred owls in the same tree!

The purpose of the assessments was to locate any blockages that may interfere with fish migration. We were able to breech one of the largest blockages that we came across; it was some of the hardest labour I have ever done but nothing was more enjoyable or satisfying than removing the jam and watching the water flow.

I was also able to assist with numerous shoreline assessments as part of a project that aims to monitor coastal erosion of vulnerable areas in Saint John. Through measuring and observing erosion, vegetation, soil type, as well as foreshore and backshore type, we were able to determine the stability of the area’s shoreline. This will allow ACAP to build awareness of this very real problem so that we can be more prepared as a community as we plan for prevention and adaptation. We learned a lot during our assessments of the shorelines in areas such as Red Head, Anthony’s Cove, and Bayshore Beach; some of the most valuable information was shared with us by residents experiencing erosion firsthand.

Maggie Brogan, Field Technician, determining slope of erosion at Bayshore Beach.

It was a privilege to be part of ACAP and to work with such a knowledgeable team who are so willing to share their experience and expertise. The more I have learned, the more aware I have become of the interconnectedness of everything around me. They say that if you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life; I have very much found this to be true. I am so grateful for this opportunity, and I look forward to seeing the projects and reports come to life, and the exciting work that is in store for the ACAP team.

Shayelin Braydon

Climate Change, Community, and a Coastal City

In May 2019, I began my role as the Climate Change Adaptation Intern at ACAP Saint John. This internship was the final milestone required to complete the Masters of Climate Change (MCC) program from University of Waterloo. What is the Masters of Climate Change? It’s a unique program that focuses on creating an interdisciplinary group of climate change specialists! Individuals with different backgrounds and interests were brought together to learn and discuss the challenges created by Earth’s changing climate. Throughout the MCC program, our discussions were focused on the success of adaptation and mitigation How do we adapt to these climate impacts? How can we prepare our society for predicted changes? After several months of course work (which felt like years!), the internship milestone is intended to apply the research and problem-solving skills in a real-world setting.

Good morning Saint John!

During the 2019 winter term, I began applying for an internship position where I could apply this new education. I was eager to apply out of Ontario and hopeful that this could be an opportunity for me to explore a new part of Canada. Sure enough, it has been! I moved to Saint John, New Brunswick at the start of May and have been amazed by the beauty of the coastline, the old growth Acadian forests and the contrast of the industrial sector. Yet the real reason I came to New Brunswick was not to hike and admire the sights but rather to help create a plan that will effectively prepare Saint John for climate change. The floods of 2018 and 2019 have began an on-going discussion (throughout all of Canada) that places emphasis on the severity of climate change. What is happening to our homes? What is happening to our ecosystem? With spring floods, localized rainfall flooding in low lying areas as well as increasing summer temperatures, the impacts of climate change are obvious. It has never been so important to provide solutions that can combat the impacts of extreme weather.

Saint John River Flood, 2019

In 2017, ACAP Saint John began working to develop a Climate Adaptation Plan for the city. Like many other Canadian cities, this plan is intended to protect and reduce the impacts of climate change on valued infrastructure and vulnerable groups. Working alongside the climate change coordinator, Bailey Brogan, I was appointed to aid in the completion of the adaptation plan and engage in public events. A portion of the summer has been developing a list of recommended actions for the city to take based on the identified vulnerabilities and risks in Saint John. As well, the adaptation work involved constructing a public rain garden in Queen Square West and engaging residents at the Area 506 festival. The community response was thankful for the climate action being taken by ACAP! In the future, it is important that these public conversations continue with a positive focus on the work being done in the city.

Rain Garden in Queen Square West, August 2019.

Beyond the climate change planning process, I am grateful to have participated with the ACAP team at public events and for various field work activities. This community-based organization has a positive environmental influence in Saint John, and I am hopeful that the adaptation actions will be taken to reduce the negative impacts of climate change. This plan is an opportunity for Saint John to step forward and transform towards a healthier, safer and climate resilient community!

Jamylynn McDonald