FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
MARCH 24, 2022
FREDERICTON, NB

The Nature Trust of New Brunswick is thrilled to announce the 2020 and 2021 recipients of the Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Land Conservation. This award is presented annually by the Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick to recognize significant contributions to the protection of natural heritage through stewardship, volunteerism, donation of lands, or building effective partnerships.

The Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Land Conservation is awarded to 2020 recipient Ms. Jessie Davies, retired Director of the Environment and Sustainable Development Research Centre at the University of New Brunswick, and to 2021 recipient Sentinelles Petitcodiac Riverkeeper (SPR), a not-for-profit organization devoted to the restoration of the ecological health of the Petitcodiac and Memramcook watersheds.

 “I am delighted to recognize the exemplary dedication to environmental conservation in New Brunswick exhibited by Sentinelles Petitcodiac Riverkeeper and Ms. Jessie Davies,” said Lieutenant Governor Brenda Murphy. “Their commitment to protecting and restoring the ecological integrity of their communities is commendable. I am honoured to present these awards to such deserving recipients.”



 Ms. Davies has been instrumental to conservation and stewardship initiatives with the Fundy Community Foundation, Huntsman Marine Science Centre, Sunbury Shores Arts and Nature Centre, Saint Andrews Green Action Committee, the International Joint Commission’s International St. Croix River Watershed Board, and the Southwest New Brunswick Marine Resources Planning Steering Committee. As past President and now Honourary Director of the Nature Trust, Jessie devotes countless hours to preserving the natural heritage of our province. She played an integral role in establishing the 12.95-hectare (32-acre) Pagan Point Nature Preserve in Saint Andrews, and continues to steward the land through trail building, garbage cleanup, sign posting, community outreach, and engagement.

Between 2008 and 2011, Ms. Davies co-chaired the Nature Trust’s ‘Campaign for Coastal Lands,’ which secured the Navy Island & Leigh Williamson Nature Preserve and doubled the size of the Caughey-Taylor Nature Preserve. She spent countless hours making contacts, cultivating gifts, organizing events, participating in fundraisers, touring prospective donors, and ‘doing what needed to get done.’ Over three years the campaign raised $1.1M to preserve 152 hectares (375 acres) of land and 3 km of coastline for the enjoyment of walkers, birdwatchers, and kayakers.



Founded in 1999, Sentinelles Petitcodiac Riverkeeper conserves essential watersheds in urban landscapes. SPR led North America’s largest river restoration project by advocating to open the causeway gates and restore free flow to the Petitcodiac River. They championed the revitalization of Humphrey’s Brook and the protection of Rabbit Brook, and they are actively restoring key habitats along the Memramcook River.

SPR inspires New Brunswickers to think proactively about land conservation and to address issues that negatively impact the environment along these waterways. Their work has united stakeholders including governments, economic development agencies, Indigenous partners, local businesses, and residents in the development of a comprehensive plan to ensure long-term environmental sustainability remains a priority in southeastern New Brunswick. Without their dedication to environmental protection and restoration, access to clean air, water, and healthy soil would be drastically different.



“Ms. Davies and Sentinelles Petitcodiac Riverkeeper have played critical roles in the conservation of New Brunswick’s natural heritage, working tirelessly to unite communities in advocacy and action on important environmental issues,” said Nature Trust President Peta Fussell. “We are thrilled to celebrate their efforts, which have resulted in the protection of important ecological sites throughout the province.”

Announcement of the 2020 and 2021 Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Land Conservation was delayed by the circumstances surrounding COVID-19. Awards were presented to the recipients in a private ceremony at Government House on March 24, 2022. The Nature Trust of New Brunswick applauds the dedication and contributions of both recipients and congratulates them on their achievements.

 

 

LEARN MORE:

The Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Land Conservation was established in 2012 to mark the 25th anniversary of the Nature Trust of New Brunswick. It is presented annually by the Honourary Patron of the Nature Trust, Lieutenant Governor Brenda Murphy. Previous recipients of the award include Mary Majka, the Meduxnekeag River Association, Roberta Clowater and Don Dennison, Bill Jones, Jim Goltz, and Owen and Sheila Washburn.

ABOUT THE NATURE TRUST OF NEW BRUNSWICK:

Established in 1987, the Nature Trust of New Brunswick is a charitable land conservation organization dedicated to preserving the province’s ecologically significant landscapes. To date, the Nature Trust has conserved over 10,000 acres in more than 70 beautiful and diverse nature preserves in New Brunswick.



MEDIA CONTACT:

Kandise Brown
Communications Manager
Nature Trust of New Brunswick
T: (506) 457-2398
kandise.brown@ntnb.org