Becoming Stewardship Ambassadors

BECOMING STEWARDSHIP AMBASSADORS

WRITTEN BY NATALIA LANZA, COMMUNICATIONS INTERN

HEAR FROM SOME OF OUR CONSERVATION LEADERS ABOUT THEIR LOVE OF NEW BRUNSWICK'S NATURAL SPACES AND THEIR EXPERIENCE AS PART OF THE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM.

At the Nature Trust, our goal is not only to conserve ecologically significant land but to preserve and restore its environmental integrity so that wildlife can thrive and future generations can enjoy these protected natural spaces, forever. To take care of our growing network of nature preserves, we rely on incredible volunteers and stewards who devote their time and expertise. 

Launched in 2021, the Ambassador Program is a free, hands-on, and skill-based learning experience that prepares and encourages aspiring stewards to take action for the stewardship and restoration of the natural spaces in New Brunswick. Through a series of webinars, workshops and volunteer events, this program offers participants the necessary tools to become successful conservation leaders and earn certifications in three key stewardship areas: trail maintenance, species identification and habitat restoration.

Participants in the Ambassador Program not only gain tangible skills that equip them to become Nature Trust preserve stewards, but they can also apply the acquired knowledge to how they manage their own backyards for conservation. The program offers people of all ages and backgrounds an opportunity to get outside, visit unique and beautiful natural places, and have fun with new and old friends. 

PHOTO: Tony Henderson (right) at a tree planting event at the Noloqonokek Nature Preserve.

Tony Henderson, a 2021 graduate, considers the Program a rewarding and incredible learning experience. “I’ve enjoyed meeting new people and working beside them on various projects and have made a point to follow the program and fulfill certain sections,” says Tony. “I’m so thankful to the Nature Trust for providing a great way to learn about conservation.” 

PHOTO: Joshua Carew (right) at a trail building event at the Noremac Nature Preserve.

“The Program is nothing short of phenomenal,” states Joshua Carew, a volunteer who completed the Trail Blazing certification. “It allowed me to expand my skill set and knowledge base through hands-on training from experienced leaders within the conservation community. I’ve gained more confidence in my abilities, which in turn has expanded my personal conservation goals.”  

“I was looking for an opportunity to volunteer, especially something I could do outside in nature. I was hoping to exercise and to learn new things,” says Species Tracker Certificate graduate Carolyn Derrick. After attending a monarch butterfly survey and the Mission Monarch webinar, she got inspired to learn more about bird songs and began attending other webinars that caught her attention. She has since gained knowledge of unique native and invasive species through other Ambassador Program webinars. 

Carolyn says that her experience was invaluable and that “taking care of nature is one of the most important things we can do. I have long appreciated the Nature Trust’s work and helped out with the occasional cleanup. The Ambassador Program increased my engagement, and it felt good to be doing something useful!” 

PHOTO: Susan Belfry at a monitoring event at the Hidden Lakes Nature Preserve by Justin Dutcher.

Susan Belfry chose the Species Tracker certification because she was interested in learning more about the birds, plants and animals that live on Nature Trust nature preserves. “I attended two bird sessions and helped collect data for the Hawk Watch, which was the most rewarding!” She is also delighted to have participated in a frog survey at Hyla Park. 

These enriching experiences have inspired her to do more work in the future with plants, reptiles, amphibians and species at risk. “I recommend this program to students looking to expand their knowledge and experience in environmental studies,” Susan says. 

PHOTO: Garrett Jenkins (back right) at a Hawk Watch event at Greenlaw Mountain by J. Edward Hurley.

Garrett Jenkins also suggests the Ambassador Program to anyone interested in wildlife and nature who wants to build their résumé in this line of work. He got involved in the program right after university to complete the Species Tracker certificate. “I researched where I could do some nature work, which led me to the Nature Trust.” 

This was Garrett’s first in-person stewardship experience. “I got to learn information that I still use today. My favourite project was identifying the different frogs we have in New Brunswick and learning how to identify tree frogs. These kinds of projects will help me for many years down the line. I found this was a particularly good program for talking to people who have been working in stewardship for years and know what working in nature entails.” Jenkins says to those interested in the Ambassador Program, “I was expecting exactly what I got: work relating to wildlife and nature. It met all my expectations and then some.” 

PHOTO: Sylvie Race (left) at a trail maintenance event at the Clark Gregory Nature Preserve by J. Edward Hurley.

Sylvie Race says she didn’t know what to expect when she embarked on her journey in the program. “I just really wanted to be outdoors with people that have the same interests as myself. I believe strongly in nature conservancy and in doing my part to help the environment. This program is an entryway to seeing how the Nature Trust works. It was a great learning experience once I saw that what we were doing was making a difference.” She has had a wonderful experience completing the Restoration Corps, Species Tracker and Trail Blazer certifications and hopes to do so much more! 

PHOTO: Jane Hadley (right) at a invasive species removal event at the Butternut Island Nature Preserve.

Jane Hadley, a long-time Nature Trust volunteer, joined the Ambassador Program to get out to some of the nature preserves she had not yet seen and learn more about what was being done to protect them. She discovered a particular interest in learning about invasive species, how they threaten native species, and how to get rid of them. “That was one of the major things that was new for me. I had heard about invasive species before but had never taken part in getting rid of them.” 

A highlight of her experience was the Hyla Park gray tree frog surveys; she liked how different this event was from the others. “Normally, I wouldn’t go out late at night to explore a preserve and look for tree frogs. That was something I wouldn’t have done without the Ambassador Program.” She notes how diverse the program is; she has had the opportunity to clean up beaches, remove invasive species and plant native trees, all while exploring preserves where “the ferns are taller than you!” 

Jane enjoyed herself so much that she went on to earn Restoration Corps, Species Tracker and Trail Blazer certifications. “I got to spend time with people of a younger age group but always had the same principles of protecting forests and other areas; it was a nice experience. I felt that what we were doing was worthwhile. It’s important for people to learn more about our province and its protected areas; the Ambassador Program is a great way to do that,” she says. 

Thank you to all of our dedicated volunteers who show up, put in the work, have fun and always express their enthusiasm for nature conservation. Building a community of local stewards who help ensure conserved lands are cared for is essential to our organization. Check out our Ambassador Program page if you are interested in learning more and joining us at nature preserves across New Brunswick this summer!