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 to conserve or 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. Large portions of the watershed are classified as active agricultural land in both the upper and lower sections of the river.

Which species at risk rely on agricultural landscapes?

Agricultural landscapes offer important habitat to many species of conservation concern and of cultural importance, including:

Barn Swallow
Bobolink
Wood Turtle
Monarch
Common Nighthawk
Little Brown Myotis
Butternut
Bald Eagle

Wood Turtle – Anthony Sulpizio

Bald Eagle – Ralph Eldridge

What we offer

Advice for farmers on sustainable beneficial management practices to protect species at risk on their farm

Connecting farmers to support and funding to implement beneficial management practices on their farms

Site visits and tailored management plans

What can you do?

Every farm is unique. That’s why the most effective sustainability practices are those matched to your property, your needs, and your priorities. We’ve outlined a variety of practices below that differ in their level of commitment and complexity. We’d be happy to discuss which approaches might work best for you.

Give nesting swallows or roosting bats in your barns/sheds space, or invite them to your farm with nesting boxes or bat houses