Celebrate Earth Day 2024 with a Community Cleanup!

Date: Sunday, April 21st, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Market Place Volleyball Court Parking Lot

Join us at the Market Place Volleyball Court parking lot for a community cleanup event in honour of Earth Day 2024! It's a fantastic opportunity to make a positive impact on our environment and connect with fellow community members.

What to Expect:

• Cleanup Activity: We'll spend the day picking up litter and beautifying our community space. All cleanup materials will be provided.

• Meet-Up Point: Please gather by the volleyball court at 11:00 AM. Look out for our tent!

• Refreshments: Snacks and beverages will be available to keep our volunteers energized.

This is a great chance to meet new people, enjoy some outdoor time, and contribute to a worthwhile cause.

Let's come together to show our love for the planet and our community. Your participation will make a big difference.

We can't wait to see you there and make a positive impact together!

BE IN THE CYAN-KNOW: COMMUNITY MEETING ON CYANOBACTERIA

Join us for a deep dive into the world of cyanobacteria.

What is it all about?

Cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae, is a topic of environmental concern. As part of our commitment to keeping our community informed and engaged, we invite you to an open and transparent discussion about:

Understanding Cyanobacteria: What it is and its causes.

Identification Techniques: Learn how to spot it.

Mitigation and Monitoring: What we are currently doing to help, including showcasing our test results and the equipment we use.

Engaging with Experts: A panel discussion featuring experienced professionals ready to answer all your questions.

Future Involvement: Discover how you can contribute and be a part of the solution in 2024!

Collaborators:

This event is a proud collaboration between Belleisle Watershed Coalition, Hammond River Angling Association, and ACAP Saint John.

Get Involved:

Knowledge is power. Let's come together to understand, mitigate, and work towards a safer environment.

Did you know that the Loch Lomond Watershed provides the source water for the majority of the City of Saint John’s drinking water?  Watersheds are the lifeblood of our community,  they aren’t just geographical features that serve as critical sources of water but also act as habitats for diverse species, playing roles in climate regulation, and ensuring a balanced ecosystem. Managing these areas appropriately not only serves to protect our source of water but also helps to ensure a healthy environment for wildlife.

We’re inviting you to join us for an evening of awareness, appreciation and action.

Event Highlights

An Evening of Music & Socializing
Join fellow environmental enthusiasts for a night that promises delightful live performances, complimentary food, and enriching conversations.

Date & Time
21st October | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Venue
HOPE Centre - 4347 Loch Lomond Rd, Saint John, NB E2N 1C8

Live Performances By:
• Brent Mason
• Abigail Joan
• Chris Daigle
• Ian Macdonald

No Sign-Up Required!
Just mark your calendars and bring your eco-passion. We're eagerly looking forward to an evening filled with shared insights, laughter, music, and our collective love for the environment.

Why Attend?

·         Engage: Dive deep into the significance of this watershed and share known issues, concerns, and areas of significance.

·         Connect: Bond with like-minded community members passionate about the environment.

·         Learn: Talk with our staff and others about environmental practices to protect water quality, managing forests, and create healthy ecosystems to guide your environmental journey forward.

Spread the Word!
Feel free to share this invite with friends, family, and anyone who holds our community dear to their heart. Let's come together, enjoy, and be part of a change that matters. The watershed's significance is a cause worth championing.

Join us in reforesting an old farm field to help reduce runoff and improve water quality.

Kindly fill the form to sign up - www.tinyurl.com/acaptt2

Date: 1st October, 2023

Time: 1:00pm

Location: 291 Third Lake Road, Saint John

PS: Tools and refreshments will be provided

What to bring:

- long pants

- closed-toe shoes

- water bottle

ACAP Saint John, in collaboration with KWRC, is pleased to invite you to our Cyanobacteria Information Session. This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable insights into the impact of blue-green algae on water quality and health.

Don’t miss the chance to learn more from experts and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Join us in planting 50 trees in honour of National Tree Day.

Kindly fill the form to sign up - www.tinyurl.com/acapcv1

Date: 23rd September, 2023

Time: 9:00am

Location: Greenspace on Howard Court Crescent Valley, Saint John

PS: Tools and refreshments will be provided

What to bring:

- long pants

- closed-toe shoes

- water bottle

Join us in planting trees to help absorb water and reduce flooding impacts in the area.

No registration is required.

Date: 20th September, 2023

Time: 3:00 pm

Location: Off Rayland Street, Saint John

PS: Tools and refreshments will be provided

What to bring:

- long pants

- closed-toe shoes

- water bottle

Join ACAP for a clean-up of Bayshore Beach! This event is part of the Great Fundy Coastal Cleanup (GFCC). Drop in, no registration is required!

ACAP Saint John will be exhibiting “Nature Rising” - a sculptural installation in King Square to drive environmental awareness.

We look forward to having you!

That's right! Your favourite cleanup event is BACK!

Join us for ACAP Saint John's annual Marsh Creek Cleanup!!

WHEN: Saturday, May 13, 2023

REGRISTRATION: 8:30am

CLEANUP: 9am - 1pm

WHERE: The Irving Oil Field House

Be a part of the fun as hundreds of eager Saint John residents come out to help clean our beautiful streams and wetlands for the health and well-being of humans and wildlife alike. This year, the headquarters for this event will be held at The Irving Oil Field House.

Prizes will be awarded to the cleanup including the most "unique" item of the day!

Registration is required, but as for other requirements, just wear your rubber boots and we will supply the gloves and everything else you need.

Oh and for all you ACAP Saint John followers on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, be sure to take lots of photos or video and share them online, we'd love to see them! Hope to see you there!

#BashTheTrash

We’ve teamed up with the Dominion Park Community Association to organize a cleanup around Randolph Island!

WHEN: Sunday, October 16, 2022 

REGISTRATION: 8:30AM

CLEANUP: 9AM - 1PM

WHERE: Dominion Park Beach

The park, trails and forested area of Randolph island are well loved by the locals but are in need of some TLC. We are inviting you to join us as we pick up trash and “legacy” garbage from the area!

Registration is required, but as for other requirements, just wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and we will supply the gloves and everything else you need.

ACAP Saint John has teamed up with Port Saint John to plant trees along Hazen Creek!

Planting native trees and shrubs along Hazen Creek will help vegetate the riparian area. By restoring the riparian area, we will be improving the quality of runoff by filtering stormwater and creating a buffer between the City of Saint John’s snow dumping site and the creek. These improvements will create a better habitat for wildlife, as well as increase community awareness to the riparian habitat.

This event will happen in off of Bayside Drive.

Parking will be available directly on site.

What to wear and bring:

• Sturdy, closed-toe shoes

• Long pants and dress appropriately for the weather.

• Water

We will provide you with the necessary tools to plant the trees (i.e., shovels and gloves).

This rain or shine event will still happen if there are a few showers in the forecast.

See you there!

ACAP Saint John will be set up at the Queen Square Farmers Market on Sunday September 25th, 2022! Come out between 9am-2pm to chat with us about the environmental projects we are working on. See you there!

ACAP Saint John has teamed up with Tree Canada to celebrate National Tree Day, presented by BMO!

Come out and celebrate with us by planting trees!

Join us on #NationalTreeDay to celebrate the many benefits that trees provide - clean air, cooler cities, wildlife habitat and connection with nature. This year, National Tree Day is on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, and we are celebrating from coast to coast in cities across Canada.

Learn how to plant and care for urban trees so they provide benefits for years to come. Tree Canada experts and ACAP staff will be there to provide support and answer your tree questions.

This event will happen in the Glen Falls neighbourhood to plant trees and celebrate the benefits that they provide us.

Street parking is available on Todd St. and Rayland St.

What to wear and bring:

• Sturdy, closed-toe shoes

• Long pants and dress appropriately for the weather.

• Water

We will provide you with the necessary tools to plant the trees (i.e., shovels and gloves), and, as a token of our appreciation, each volunteer will get to keep their planting gloves! Finally, light refreshments will be provided.

This rain or shine event will still happen if there are a few showers in the forecast.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

ACAP Saint John has partnered with TD Insurance to give away 50 rain barrels to Saint John Area residents. Signup for a barrel here: https://www.acapsj.org/rainbarrelgiveway

ACAP Saint John will be set up at the Queen Square Farmers Market on Sunday June 12th, 2022! Come out between 9am-2pm to chat with us about the environmental projects we are working on. See you there!

Let’s transform pavement into green space!

Last year we removed over 100m2 of unused asphalt from Seaside Park and on Saturday June 11th starting at 9am, we will transform it into green space. We have taken the community input and created a design that will include a pathway, berms to reduce runoff, and native pollinator plants that will increase biodiversity and create habitat.

Be a part of this revitalization!

Register at:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/336623368557

This pollinator planting will be marked on the national scale as part of the Butterflyway Project! The Butterflyway Project is a citizen led program that encourages pollinator plantings in urban areas to support bees and butterflies. Follow the link below to see a map of The Butterflyway Projects around Canada. https://davidsuzuki.org/take-action/act-locally/butterflyway/

ACAP Saint John will be set up at the Lupine Market on Friday June 10th, 2022! Come out between 5:30-8:30pm to chat with us about the environmental projects we are working on. See you there!

ACAP Saint John will be set up at the Quispamsis Farmers Market on Sunday May 29th 2022! Come out between 12-5pm to chat with us about the environmental projects we are working on. See you there!

That's right! Your favourite cleanup event is BACK!

Join us for ACAP Saint John's annual Marsh Creek Cleanup!!

WHEN: Saturday, May 7, 2022

REGRISTRATION: 8:30am

CLEANUP: 9am - 1pm

WHERE: The Irving Oil Field House

Be a part of the fun as hundreds of eager Saint John residents come out to help clean our beautiful streams and wetlands for the health and well-being of humans and wildlife alike. This year, the headquarters for this event will be held at The Irving Oil Field House.

Prizes will be awarded to the cleanup team who collects the most debris and the team who collects the most "unique" item of the day!

Remember, we want to see a record number of people participate for our 30th anniversary, so share this event and get the word out to friends and family.

Registration is required, but as for other requirements, just wear your rubber boots and we will supply the gloves and everything else you need.

Oh and for all you ACAP Saint John followers on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, be sure to take lots of photos or video and share them online, we'd love to see them! Hope to see you there!

#BashTheTrash

We want your ideas to help create green space at Seaside Park!

In 2021 we partnered with Green Communities Canada and the Depave Paradise program to depave over 100 meters squared of unused pavement! This spring we will turn the empty area into green space. Join us at Seaside Park Elementary School to share your ideas for the space and your vision for the future of Seaside Park.

WHEN: Thursday April 28th, 2022

WHERE: Seaside Park Elementary School Gym

FROM: 4:30pm-7:30pm

No registration required.

Cyanobacteria in New Brunswick: Exploring Current and Future Monitoring Efforts in the Province.

Cyanobacteria is a growing concern for many New Brunswickers, municipalities, and NGOs across the province. As such, ACAP Saint John and a collaborative of other watershed groups and researchers have been monitoring for cyanotoxins in the Wolastoq.

Please join us for a workshop that will highlight these existing monitoring programs and research along the river and beyond.

Registration is required to attend.

Plastics are a hot topic in the news these days.

How much plastic is in the ocean? How does single-use-plastic impact our environment? What happens to plastic as it breaks down? What research is currently being done in the Maritimes?

Due to the current NB public health restrictions, this workshop will be held virtually. This presentation will include information on what microplastics are, current microplastics research that is being conducted right here in Saint John, and an opportunity for you to get involved in citizen science.

Participants of this workshop will receive a Lint LUV-R Septic SAV-R! This device is designed to hook up to your washing machine and capture microfibers from your clothes.

Lint LUV-R limited to 1 unit per household

There will be two opportunities to attend this presentation:

Thursday, January 27, 6pm - 7:30pm

Saturday January 29, 10am - 11:30am

Space is limited! Registration is required to attend.

Join us on Saturday, November 6th between 10am - 3pm while we depave an area of Seaside Park! Come out to learn about stormwater management, get physical and create thriving green spaces! This event is the first of a 2-part project where first we depave, and then in spring 2022 we will host a planting event to fill the space with native flowers and plants.

What is Depaving?

Depaving is the removal of paved areas with intention to restore it to a more natural state. Hard surfaces, such as parking lots prevent rain from soaking into the ground, increasing flood risk and polluting water in rivers and lakes. By removing unused pavement and replacing it with native plants, trees and shrubs we are replenishing groundwater, cooling and beautifying our neighbourhoods.

What should I expect?

Volunteers will be working together to remove asphalt from the identified site. Tools and wheelbarrows will be used to move the material to a waste pile. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

What do I need to bring?

• Long pants (mandatory)

• Steel toed boots (if you have them)

• Clothes that can get dirty

• Work gloves and safety googles (will be provided if you do not have them)

Where to meet?

DUE TO PUBLIC HEALTH REQUIREMENTS, REGRISTRATION IS REQUIRED, SO ATTENDANCE NUMBERS CAN BE CAREFULLY MONITORED.

Tucker Park Tree Planting

Join us on Saturday, October 30th between 11am-1pm as we plant native trees throughout Tucker Park!

Planting native trees and shrubs at Tucker Park will help vegetate the riparian area. By restoring the riparian area, we will be improving the quality of runoff by filtering stormwater and creating a buffer between the parking lot and the river. These improvements will create a better habitat for wildlife as well as increase community awareness to the riparian habitat.

WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING:

We will be providing you with the necessary tools to plant the trees (i.e., shovels and gloves), however please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with long pants. Also, please dress appropriately for the weather. The event will still happen if there are a few showers in the forecast.

WHERE TO MEET:

Please meet us at the Tucker Park parking lot at 11am. Just look for our big blue tent!

DUE TO PUBLIC HEALTH REQUIREMENTS, REGRISTRATION IS REQUIRED, SO ATTENDANCE NUMBERS CAN BE CAREFULLY MONITORED.

Join us on Tuesday, October 26th between 4:30pm-6pm as we plant native trees at the stormwater detention pond at the RiverCross Church property!

Stormwater detention ponds play an important role in reducing the impact of heavy rain events. This includes aiding in managing runoff, flood prevention, controlling erosion and protecting municipal infrastructure. Planting a variety of native trees and shrubs to re-naturalize the flood area will help improve the riparian and aquatic habitats that exist.

WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING:

We will be providing you with the necessary tools to plant the trees (i.e., shovels and gloves), however please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with long pants. Also, please dress appropriately for the weather. The event will still happen if there are a few showers in the forecast.

WHERE TO MEET:

Please meet us in the RiverCross Church parking lot at 4:30pm. Just look for our big blue tent!

DUE TO PUBLIC HEALTH REQUIREMENTS, REGRISTRATION IS REQUIRED, SO ATTENDANCE NUMBERS CAN BE CAREFULLY MONITORED.

Majors Brook Tree Planting

Join us on Sunday, October 24th between 10am-1pm as we plant native trees along Majors Brook!

Planting native trees and shrubs along Majors Brook (a tributary to Marsh Creek) will help vegetate the riparian area. By restoring the riparian area, we will be improving the quality of runoff by filtering stormwater and creating a buffer between the parking lot and the brook. These improvements will create a better habitat for waterfowl who can often be seen swimming along Majors Brook, as well as increase community awareness to the riparian habitat.

WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING:

We will be providing you with the necessary tools to plant the trees (i.e., shovels and gloves), however please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with long pants. Also, please dress appropriately for the weather. The event will still happen if there are a few showers in the forecast.

WHERE TO MEET:

Please meet us in the Parkway Mall parking lot (towards the back of the lot) at 10am. (Between Value Village and Walmart.) Just look for our big blue tent!

DUE TO PUBLIC HEALTH REQUIREMENTS, REGRISTRATION IS REQUIRED, SO ATTENDANCE NUMBERS CAN BE CAREFULLY MONITORED.

Montgomery Crescent Rain Garden

We’ve partnered with the City of Saint John to provide the neighbourhood with it’s very own rain garden!

But we need your help

Join us on Saturday, October 23 from 10am - 2pm, as we construct a new rain garden for Montgomery Crescent Park! Volunteers will help plant over 400 native, water-tolerant, perennial plants with deep roots that will absorb rainwater and reduce flooding.

This new rain garden will collect rainwater in the depression and will infiltrate into the ground, absorbing 30-40% more than a regular grassy area helping to reduce or prevent localized flooding due to heavy rainfalls and sudden melts. This park is an ideal location for this type of green infrastructure and will help ease the strain on built infrastructure (the sewer system) and reduce water entry into basements or crawlspaces of nearby homes. Rain gardens also provide habitat and food sources for birds, bees, and butterflies, and are a nice bit of nature in the city for everyone to enjoy.

WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING:

We will be providing you with the necessary tools for planting (i.e., shovels and gloves), however please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with long pants. Also, please dress appropriately for the weather. The event will still happen if there are a few showers in the forecast.

Where to meet:

We will be gathering at Montgomery Crescent Park (see map for details). Street parking is available on Montgomery Crescent with additional parking near Fort Howe or Lansdowne Plaza.

DUE TO PUBLIC HEALTH REQUIREMENTS, REGRISTRATION IS REQUIRED, SO ATTENDANCE NUMBERS CAN BE CAREFULLY MONITORED.