Annual Charlotte Isles Clean-up

August 8, 2009 - The Nature Trust of New Brunswick held its Annual Charlotte Isles Clean-up on August 8, 2009, on Barnes, Mowat and Simpson Islands. 

The fabulous sunny weather provided a perfect setting for this day filled with smiles, teamwork, and effort of 25 volunteers from the Maritimes.  A large barge from Cooke Aquaculture Inc. provided transportation for volunteers and organizers from the wharf to all three islands to scour the beaches and collect refuse. In addition to helping organizing the event, the Nature Conservancy of Canada provided materials needed to make the day a success.

A large barge from Cooke Aquaculture Inc. provided transportation for volunteers and organizers from the wharf to all three islands to scour the beaches and collect refuse. In addition to helping organizing the event, the Nature Conservancy of Canada provided materials needed to make the day a success.

Barnes and Mowat Islands are part of the Robert K. Stewart Nature Preserve and are protected under a conservation easement set up between the Nature Trust and Mr. Stewart in 1990. Simpson Island is owned by the Nature Conservancy Canada and was acquired for conservation in 2001. All these islands consist of plants typical to Bay of Fundy islands while the sea around abounds in interesting marine species. These Islands lie on an important bird migration route and naturally provide conditions suitable for the nesting of bald eagles.

Previous island clean-ups have cumulatively yielded tones of garbage, and this year was no exception.  Volunteers gathered incredible amount of refuse that was shipped to port and trucked away by Fundy Shore Transport Ltd. The Charlotte Isles Clean-up was a very enjoyable event complimented by celebratory barbeque hosted by Peter Wilson and Susan Lapides.  Everybody left the barbeque with positive remarks and a feeling that this special piece of the Charlotte Isles was left looking better than ever. Alan Howes, member of the Nature Trust of New Brunswick commented: “I am looking forward to all Nature Trust’s events and I certainly enjoyed this day. With the few sunny days this season gave us, it was a great opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Charlotte Isles and feel that another satisfying and productive day was completed.”

The Nature Trust greatly acknowledges the aid of many volunteers from all over the Maritimes, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Maine Island Trail Association, Cooke Aquaculture Inc., Fundy Shore Transport Ltd., Safe Easy, and Superstore in helping make the event a success.