Jane and Eric Hadley Recognized with 2025 Lieutenant Governor’s Award
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2026
TRADITIONAL TERRITORY OF WABANAKI PEOPLES/FREDERICTON, N.B. — The Nature Trust of New Brunswick and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor are proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Land Conservation: Jane and Eric Hadley, a couple who built lives and careers rooted in a deep respect for the natural world and a commitment to sharing that passion with others.
Presented annually at a ceremony at Government House, the award honours extraordinary individuals and organizations whose work has made a lasting impact on New Brunswick’s natural landscapes and biodiversity.
“It is my great honour to recognize Jane and Eric Hadley, who show us that protecting nature is an act of love,” said the Hon. Louise Imbeault, Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick. “Their legacy is not only found in the landscapes they have helped protect, but in the countless moments of discovery and learning they have inspired in others. Their lifelong commitment to conservation and education has left an enduring mark on communities across New Brunswick.”
Both in their mid-seventies, Eric, a forester, and Jane, a biologist, have inspired generations of New Brunswickers to better understand, appreciate, and protect the province’s landscapes. Together, they have shown their excellence through professional work, volunteerism, and personal stewardship.
While working with the Department of Natural Resources in the 1990s and early 2000s, Eric played a pivotal role in developing New Brunswick’s trail infrastructure, leading major upgrades to the Sentier New Brunswick Trail network and helping establish iconic routes along the Fundy coast, including sections of the Fundy Trail Parkway multi-use trails and Fundy Footpath. After retiring in 2006, he continued this work as a board member and volunteer with the Nature Trust and Wostawea Cross Country Ski Club, designing and building trails at numerous nature preserves and parks.
A biologist and lifelong educator, Jane has shaped conservation in New Brunswick through decades of volunteering and mentorship. She began her career volunteering with botanist Dr. Katherine M. Connell, helping document rare plant species now preserved at UNB’s Connell Memorial Herbarium. During her 15 years with the Canadian Forestry Association of New Brunswick, Jane led the award‑winning Project Learning Tree program, engaging more than 1,800 teachers in bilingual environmental education initiatives and earning the organization’s Award of Merit in 1990. Alongside Eric, she designed and maintained nature trails, led countless youth programs, and mentored generations of young conservationists and volunteers through field training and stewardship.
“Across New Brunswick, there are trails people walk every day without realizing the role Jane and Eric Hadley played in bringing them to life,” said Carli le Roux, Acting CEO of the Nature Trust of New Brunswick. “They embody the kind of quiet leadership that defines conservation at its best—giving their time, knowledge, and energy with dedication and passion, and inspiring others to care for the land in ways that will last for generations.”
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Recommended links
Read more about the life and contributions of this year’s recipients here.
Discover past recipients of the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Land Conservation here.
About the award
The Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Land Conservation was established in 2012 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Nature Trust of New Brunswick. It is presented annually by the Honourary Patron of the Nature Trust, the Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick. This year’s recipients join a distinguished list of people and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to protecting New Brunswick’s natural heritage.
About the Nature Trust of New Brunswick
The Nature Trust of New Brunswick is a charitable land conservation organization dedicated to protecting New Brunswick’s natural spaces forever. Since 1987, the Nature Trust has worked in partnership with landholders, communities, and volunteers to conserve more than 14,000 acres across more than 95 nature preserves, safeguarding vital forests, rivers and coastlines. With a mission grounded in connection, care, and community, the Nature Trust helps ensure that the wild places that feel like home today will be there for future generations to explore, love, and protect. Learn more at www.naturetrust.nb.ca.
For more information or to arrange interviews with this year’s award recipients, please contact:
Jon MacNeill
Communications and Engagement Manager
Nature Trust of New Brunswick
jon.macneill@ntnb.org | (506) 457-2398 (office) | (506) 238-3539 (mobile)