Nature NB and the Charlotte Street Arts Center invite families to become Nature Champions and participate in a Community Planting Day on May 26th (rain date May 27th) in Fredericton. The goal of Nature NB’s Nature Champions program is to offer youth (ages 6 to 12) the opportunity to participate in an action-based conservation initiative by working with the community in creating conservation spaces. These spaces will include a butterfly/bird garden, bird houses and bat houses. Youth will play an active role in the planning and implementation of each space and will work closely with knowledgeable naturalists to understand the importance of these spaces. Additionally, all spaces will include interpretative signs to educate the public on the importance of the spaces and Nature NB will create a green guide that will help engage youth in the long-term. In addition to providing learning and skill development opportunities to participating youth, creating these conservation spaces will helps increase available habitats for various flora and fauna in urban/suburban settings thus enhancing biodiversity at a local scale. Urban communities are often losing touch with their natural heritage. This disconnect leads to apathy when it comes to protecting our important natural areas. Engaging citizens, especially at a young age, can increase support and pro-active participation in conserving our natural biodiversity.
On May 26th, we will be creating a Wildlife Friendly Space at the Charlotte Street Arts Center in Fredericton. We hope to encourage families to participate!
Background of Nature NB: Nature NB (New Brunswick Federation of Naturalists Inc) is a charitable non-profit provincial organization linking naturalists across the province. It has a mandate to celebrate, conserve and protect New Brunswick’s natural heritage through education, networking and collaboration. Nature NB has over 30 years of nature education and conservation experience and represents a strong network of over a 1000 naturalists. In addition to encouraging a better understanding of the natural environment and awakening concern for our province’s natural heritage, Nature NB recognizes the importance of actions to preserve and maintain that natural heritage. Nature NB's Summer Youth Nature Camps (SYNC) offer kids aged 9 to 14 the opportunity to explore nature through interactive programs in a fun camp setting. Nature NB also supports Young Naturalists’ Clubs and leads nature based education in schools around the province. Among other areas of activity, Nature NB leads projects related to Important Bird Areas, biodiversity and protection of species at risk. (e.g.: Piping Plover and Chimney Swifts).
This event is funded through:
NB Wildlife Trust Fund, NB Environmental Trust Fund and TD Friends of the Environment
Contact information:
Vanessa Roy-McDougall
Executive Director, Nature NB
nbfn@nb.aibn.com
www.naturenb.ca
506-459-4209
