Fundy Biosphere Reserve Releases Climate Change Video
April 19, 2013
The Fundy Biosphere Reserve has released a short documentary video exploring citizen-sourced data on climate change in southern New Brunswick. The documentary explores 35 years of weather journals recorded by the Whitneys in Kierstead Mountain, New Brunswick. Specifically, the documentary examines how some bio-indicators, such as spring peepers, robins, lilacs and trees, have been responding to climate change. These examples are illustrated and animated to offer an engaging perspective on locally-sourced citizen science. Watch the documentary to find out how climate change might be affecting the region of the Fundy Biosphere Reserve and why it is important for local people to monitor their local environment. For more information, please visit the webpage for the project.
Directed by Ben Phillips & Craig Norris
Animated by Blake Stilwell
Funded by the New Brunswick Environmental Trust Fund
Special Thanks to Lee and Alice Whitney
Special Thanks to Dr. Ian Mauro, Mount Allison University
A VIDEOBAND Production
UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve Receives Significant Mountain Equipment Co-op Funding
Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) has just announced funding for the Fundy Biosphere Reserve and their project Trail Amazing Places 2.0. Fundy Biosphere Reserve’s Trail Amazing Places 2.0 project received $35,000, which was the full amount requested and the highest amount available in MEC’s Capacity Building category. Out of 88 applications submitted to MEC in the Capacity Building category in late 2012, only 10 organizations were funded for a total of $208,379.
“This is great news for us, and for residents and visitors to the Fundy Biosphere Reserve,” said Megan de Graaf, Executive Director of the Fundy Biosphere Reserve. “We began the first Amazing Places project as way to identify and promote places of environmental significance such as biodiversity, topography, landscapes or views that depict the unique environment of the region. With this funding from MEC, we will be adding incredible web content including innovative nature video interpretation explaining the importance of these places. This project therefore encourages conservation, nature education, and healthy living all in one.”
“We saw enormous merit in supporting the next stage of the Amazing Places project,” said Andrew Stegemann, Community Program Manager at MEC. “We value innovative projects that emphasize the conservation of ecologically and recreationally important places where we adventure and that sustain us. It was clear to us that the FBR is dedicated to promotingboth sustainable outdoor activity and conservation, which is very compatible with MEC’s goals.”
“Many of the Amazing Places featuredinthis projectwill be familiar to people, such as the Sea Caves in St. Martin’s and the Hopewell Rocks”, continued de Graaf. “But others are equally spectacular but less well-known, and we want to showcase them all to the people and communities in the Fundy Biosphere Reserve”.
The Amazing Places project allows people to use their smartphones to access web-based interpretive content via signs placed at each Amazing Place, as well as explore all of the trails and Amazing Places in the FBR through a Google Earth application. As the new project is unrolled, people will have access to more Amazing Places, more interpretive information, and extensive videos of the experience that each Amazing Place can offer.
UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve is Making the Most of the World’s Attention
The UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve and Vision Alma are working together to make the most of the world’s attention on the Bay of Fundy, by having co-hosted a workshop for local businesses, tourism operators, interested individuals, and municipalities on November 21 in Hopewell Cape, NB. The objective of the workshop was to network and collaborate together on projects and packages, ultimately making the most of the UNESCO designation for the benefit of local communities and visitors.
“We know that the world is looking at the Bay of Fundy as a unique natural feature, and a beautiful place to visit,” says Megan de Graaf, Executive Director of the Fundy Biosphere Reserve. “We have so many experiences to offer visitors, and we think it’s important that we all work together to make sure that the international, national, and local tourism markets know what incredible experiences can be had here.”
“The designation of the region in 2007 by UNESCO as the Fundy Biosphere Reserve is a terrific benefit to the tourism sector of this province,” de Graaf continues. “It distinguishes this region as ecologically and culturally unique in the world, which appeals to travellers who are looking for authentic and enriching experiences.”
The UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve is an area of over 430,000 hectares of the Upper Bay of Fundy coast, stretching from St. Martins to the Tantramar Marsh, near Sackville, and inland to Moncton. It is a community-based initiative comprised of individuals and representatives of various stakeholder groups, organizations and local communities working to promote the sustainable development of the region by enhancing the research and innovation capacity and by creating a forum for various groups to share information, knowledge and best practices.
“Since designation, the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve has been helping tourism operators and businesses become more sustainable through our Charter Membership Program, and working with partners to promote their sustainable tourism practices. We think it’s now time to take the next step and collaborate on experiences and packages that show the world how special this region is.”, said Dr. Yves Gagnon, Chair of the Fundy Biosphere Reserve.
“In 2010 Vision Alma was created to reinvigorate the tourism industry in Alma”, explains Andrew Casey, Co-Chair of Vision Alma. “One of the key elements is to develop opportunities with partners to strengthen our collective tourism offer. We think that this workshop, which focused on networking with and within the Fundy Biosphere Reserve, allowed us all to brainstorm together about how we can make the most of the UNESCO designation.”
UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve Wants You to Get Out and Hike
St. Martins, NB – The UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve and Minister Trevor Holder were pleased to promote the hiking trails and tourism opportunities of the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve by hiking Fuller Falls, near St. Martins, at 2pm on Friday, October 5.
“The autumn is a great time to experience the beautiful views and excellent hiking trails of the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve,” says Trevor Holder, Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Healthy Living. “We are keen to encourage New Brunswickers, and visitors to the province alike, to explore beautiful places like Fuller Falls, and what better time to do it than now, when the weather is cool and the scenery so beautiful. So get out and experience these lovely sites and enjoy some outdoor exercise at the same time.”
“The UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve continues to promote sustainable development, in particular the tourism industry and the excellent hiking trails of this area,” says Dr. Yves Gagnon, Chair of the Fundy Biosphere Reserve. “Since designation in 2007, the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve has been helping tourism operators and businesses become more sustainable through our Charter Membership Program, and working with partners to advertise hiking trails like Fuller Falls to the public.”
Fuller Falls is a 15m high, veiled-type, two-tiered waterfall on Fuller Brook. It is located about halfway between the western entrance gate and the interpretation centre at Big Salmon River on the Fundy Trail Parkway, east of the village of St Martins. The UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve has identified Fuller Falls as an Amazing Place in the region, through the Trail Amazing Places project. 
From left to right: Brian Clark (General Manager of the Fundy Trail Parkway), Megan de Graaf (Executive Director for the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve), and Trevor Holder (Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Healthy Living). In the back we see the sign for the Amazing Place Fuller Falls.
“Many of the Amazing Places featured in this project will be familiar to people, such as the Sackville Waterfowl Park and Cape Enrage”, said Megan de Graaf, Executive Director of the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve. “But others are equally spectacular but less well-known, and we wanted to showcase them all to the people and communities in the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve”.
Designed as an engagement and education tool, Trail Amazing Places is based on Google Earth and other web resources. “We’re using smartphone technology on the signs at each of these Amazing Places to make the experience truly interactive for those who get active and explore in the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve,” says de Graaf. “We’re really looking for people and communities to get involved and to explore our unique region.”
Brian Clark, General Manager of the Fundy Trail Parkway, points out that Amazing Places like Fuller Falls are excellent places for people to visit to gain an appreciation for the region’s natural beauty: “Fuller Falls is a real gem, and like other scenic points along the Fundy Trail Parkway, it’s easily accessible for everyone. The Thanksgiving long weekend is the perfect opportunity for people to explore the Fundy Trail Parkway and the whole UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve”.
Trail Amazing Places was funded by Trans Canada Trail, Loblaw, Environment Canada, Business New Brunswick, and New Brunswick Department of Culture, Tourism, and Healthy Living.
Annual General Meeting
Posted May 29th, 2012
You are invited to the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve's 2012 Annual General Meeting. It will be held from 7-9pm on Tuesday, June 12, 2012 in the Conference Room at Riverview High School. Riverview High School is our newest Charter Member, so please join us for our AGM business and a short presentation by students of RHS on their initiatives to promote the FBR.
Riverview High School Signs onto the Charter of the
UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve
Posted April 30th, 2012
Riverview, NB – Students and staff of Riverview High School were joined at this morning’s school assembly by staff of the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve to sign the Fundy Biosphere Reserve Charter. This event showed Riverview High’s public commitment to operating in a manner that is compatible with the Charter of the Fundy Biosphere Reserve, and to promoting the positive relationship between their school community and the region in which they live.
“We are delighted that Riverview High School has joined the roster of Charter Members,” says Megan de Graaf, Executive Director of the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve. “The Charter Membership program is meant to be a vehicle for displaying good business and community practices in the Fundy Biosphere Reserve, and Riverview High School is certainly a shining star in this program with its very active Environmental Science program.”
Read more: Riverview High School Signs onto the Charter of the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve
UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve Announces
Explorer Grand Prize Winner
Posted March 2nd, 2012
Sackville, NB – The UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve is excited to announce that Zoe Hunter (age 10) is the 2011 Explorer Program Grand Prize winner. Zoe was presented with the Grand Prize, a 2012 season family pass to Fundy National Park, at an awards assembly at her school on Friday, March 2.
“Zoe’s beautiful drawing of the Sackville Waterfowl Park depicts perfectly one of the many amazing places in the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve,” says Megan de Graaf, Executive Director for the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve. “We are so pleased that our Explorer Program has encouraged Zoe and many other children to get out and explore the natural gems of this region, like the Waterfowl Park.”
Read more: UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve Announces Explorer Grand Prize Winner
UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve Announces Funding and Amazing Places Initiative
Posted October 14th, 2011
The UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve is excited to acknowledge that the federal government will contribute $57,000 per year for 2009-2013 to their community support programs.
Moncton, NB – The UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve is excited to acknowledge that the federal government will contribute $57,000 per year for 2009-2013 to their community support programs.
“The federal government contribution of $285,000 is a major source of funding to the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve,” says Robert Goguen, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Member of Parliament (Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe). “The federal government recognizes that this funding commitment allows the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve to develop and operate programs that reach significantly into the regional economy in the areas of sustainable development and tourism, food production supply and demand, and natural and cultural heritage education and experience programs.”
“The federal contribution also provides an excellent platform from which to develop other funding sources – especially as leverage in project grant applications,” says Dr. Yves Gagnon, Chair of the Fundy Biosphere Reserve. “Since 2009, the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve has been able to leverage 2 to 3 times as much funding each year to develop, fund and manage community support programs.”
Read more: UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve Announces Funding and Amazing Places Initiative
New Executive Director
Posted September 22nd, 2011
The Fundy Biosphere Reserve is pleased to announce the appointment of their new Executive Director, Megan de Graaf.
The Chair of the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve, Dr. Yves Gagnon, is pleased to announce the appointment of Megan de Graaf as Executive Director of the organisation. A native of Sussex (NB), Megan de Graaf has worked for many years in New Brunswick’s environmental and natural resource sectors. Megan replaces the previous Executive Director who has moved to Central Canada for family reasons.
“We are delighted to have Megan join the staff of the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve as its new Executive Director and we look forward to the influence that she will provide,” said Dr. Gagnon. “As a non-advocacy group promoting sustainable development and conservation, we’ve been very successful at garnering interest in and partners to our initiatives, and we fully expect that to continue under Megan’s direction”.
IMBA Canada presents Trail Care Crew - Aug 6, 2011
Posted August 2nd, 2011
The IMBA Canada Trail Care Crew is coming to the area to help improve your trail opportunities.
Join Chad and Deanne Lazaruk to learn how to design, build and maintain trails in a sustainable way!
New online tool celebrates the natural gems of the region
Posted June 30th, 2011
The UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve is encouraging people to get out and explore the Amazing Places in our region through a new and innovative initiative called Trail Amazing Places.
As part of a collaborative trail mapping initiative, Trail Amazing Places uses GPS technology to create an inventory of hiking trails throughout the region, where Amazing Places are identified as places of environmental significance such as biodiversity, topography, landscapes or views that depict the unique environment of the region.
Read more: New online tool celebrates the natural gems of the region
Bioblitz Open House, July 5, 2011
Posted June 29th, 2011
Biodiversity experts will descend on the Caledonia Gorge Protected Natural Area for the third annual New Brunswick Museum-organized Bioblitz from June 24 to July 7.
On Tuesday, July 5 from 4-8pm an Open House will be held at the Recreation Hall at the Mary’s Point Country Cottage (206 Mary’s Point Road, Harvey, Albert County, N.B.) where you are invited to come and meet some of the experts participating in the Bioblitz, and learn about their discoveries.
Fundy Biosphere Reserve Annual General Meeting, June 22 2011
Posted June 7th, 2011
Join us for a celebration of our achievements and the announcement of key initiatives!
The Fundy Biosphere Reserve Annual General Meeting will be taking place on Wednesday June 22, 2011 at the Shediac Room of the Delta Beauséjour from 7:00 to 8:00 PM.
After the AGM will be the meeting of the Fundy Biosphere Reserve Planning Advisory Group. All are welcome to attend and contribute to the future direction of the organization.
Please see attached document for more information
Celebrate International Trail Day in the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve
Posted May 30th, 2011
Come celebrate International Trail Day in the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve and be one of the firsts to try out the new Trans Canada Trail BioKits!
In celebration of International Trails Day, the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve is introducing the new Trans Canada Trail BioKit! The UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve has been contributing to the development of the Trans Canada Trail BioKits for several months. Initially developed by Environment Canada Biosphere in Montreal, these BioKits have been adapted for use on trails anywhere in Canada. BioKits are essentially activity books used to engage families to go out and experience nature all along the Trans Canada Trail. We will be piloting the BioKits on International Trail Day (Saturday, June 4th) at different locations throughout the Fundy Biosphere Reserve.
Read more: Celebrate International Trail Day in the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve
Event in Fundy National Park - May 21, 2011
Posted May 19th, 2011
Join us for the unveiling of a plaque recognizing Fundy National Park as the core area within the Fundy Biosphere Reserve
The event will take place outdoors at the Butland Lookout in Fundy National Park of Canada, Alma, New Brunswick on May 21, 2011 at 10 a.m.
Please see the attached document for more information
Local Food Forum April 10, 2011
Posted April 4th, 2011
Coming Together to Strengthen our Local Food System.
Become a Charter Member of the Fundy Biosphere Reserve
Posted February 24th, 2011
Charter Members are organizations, businesses and municipalities that sign the Fundy Biosphere Reserve Charter, signifying their commitment to the principles of the FBR, specifically sustainable development and conservation.
The Fundy Biosphere Reserve Charter contains six key principles:
- Protect the natural resources of the region
- Develop the economy in a sustainable way
- Support and preserve cultural heritage
- Minimize impacts on the environment
- Be a part of the community
- Educate and raise awareness about the Fundy Biosphere Reserve
Read more: Become a Charter Member of the Fundy Biosphere Reserve
UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve introduces Charter Membership program
Posted February 23rd, 2011
February 23, 2011 Moncton, NB - The region of the New Brunswick side of the Upper Bay of Fundy recently received one of the most significant designations in the world when it was recognized as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. This UNESCO designation acknowledges our unique environment and cultural heritage and recognizes this region as a truly special place on this planet. As UNESCO is one of the most credible and respected brands in the world, there are many ways this region can benefit, from an increase in tourism to promoting best practices in sustainability and acting as a living laboratory to showcase how humans and nature can live in harmony.
Read more: UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve introduces Charter Membership program
FBR holding a press event at Moncton City Hall on Wednesday Febraury 23
Posted February 22nd, 2011
You are cordially invited to attend the launch of the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve Charter Membership Program
Wednesday February 23, 2011 12:00 - 1PM Council Chambers, Moncton City Hall Moncton NB
Read more: FBR holding a press event at Moncton City Hall on Wednesday Febraury 23
