Nature NB values the important role that many agricultural producers play in providing local food, supporting local economies, and serving as stewards for wildlife. Farms of all shapes and sizes provide habitat for species of conservation concern, such as the iconic Bobolink, the elusive Wood Turtle, and the acrobatic Barn Swallow.

With support from Environment and Climate Change Canada and the NB Environmental Trust Fund, Nature NB has led the creation of a collaborative conservation plan for agricultural areas in the Wolastoq – Saint John River watershed. This region is both a hotspot for agriculture and species of conservation concern. Our agroecosystems team works collaboratively with farmers to conserve and protect key ecosystems that provide habitat for over 10 species at-risk, including farm infrastructure, grasslands, riparian areas, wetlands, woodlands, and other farmland, like orchards and row crops.

Wolastoq Watershed

The Wolastoq (Saint John River) watershed begins in separate streams in Maine, USA and Québec coming together to form a 673 km river, flowing through a large part of New Brunswick before emptying into the Bay of Fundy. This watershed supports about 50 % of New Brunswick’s population and 6 % of the adjacent land is used for agriculture in both the upper and lower sections of the river.