© Conservation Council of New Brunswick 2025
At the Conservation Council of New Brunswick, we know that negative news about the environment can dominate so much discussion. That’s why, in this edition of EcoNews, we want to highlight a week of fun, hopeful and engaging events you can participate in with our team! These events will help you connect with nature, learn new skills and support a healthier, more sustainable New Brunswick. Whether you’re tuning in from home or joining us in person, there’s something for everyone. Scroll down to find out more!
Power up for the planet: Free energy efficiency webinar
Date: Wednesday, April 23
Time: 6 – 7 p.m.
Location: Online
Cost: Free
What if your next climate action could also save you money? Join us for a free, engaging webinar exploring how energy efficiency benefits both the environment and your household budget.
We’ll take a closer look at how reducing energy use can help fight climate change, cut household energy costs and improve energy equity in our communities. This is your chance to learn practical tips for making your home more efficient and hear about the role energy efficiency plays in building a better future for all New Brunswickers.
Fix-It Fest at Conserver House
Date: Thursday, April 24
Time: 1 – 4 p.m
Location: Conserver House, 180 St. John St., Fredericton
Cost: Free
Got a broken zipper or a phone that won’t turn on? Don’t toss it—fix it! Bring your well-loved clothing and small electronics to our Earth Week Fix-It Fest and learn how to repair them yourself in a welcoming, beginner-friendly space.
You’ll learn repir basics for small electronics and clothing. You’ll also be introduced to simple tech troubleshooting, how to identify replacement parts and where to find the right tools. Most importantly, you’ll leave with the confidence to try repairs on your own, which can save money and keep items out of the landfill.
While we can’t guarantee an on-the-spot fix, we’ll give you the knowledge and support to get started!
Nature trivia night
Date: Thursday, April 24
Time: 6 – 9 p.m.
Location: The CAP, Fredericton
Cost: By donation
Think you know New Brunswick’s wild side? Join us for a fun, interactive trivia night celebrating our province’s amazing wildlife.
Come solo or with a team to test your nature knowledge in a relaxed and social setting. This is a great opportunity to meet others who care about the environment, support the Conservation Council’s work and enjoy a night of friendly competition and laughs.
There will be great questions, fun facts and plenty of chances to learn something new—plus the chance to support environmental action in New Brunswick through your donation.
Family nature walk and scavenger hunt
Date: Friday, April 25
Time: 3 – 4 p.m.
Location: Meet at Killarney Lake Park Lodge
Cost: Free
Wrap up Earth Week celebrations with a family-friendly walk through beautiful Killarney Park. This guided nature walk includes a fun scavenger hunt bingo challenge for kids and gentle mindfulness moments to help everyone slow down and connect with the natural world.
Each child will receive a Conservation Council sticker as a prize! We’ll also invite parents to share their thoughts about future family events and how we can support nature connection for all ages.
This is a relaxed, all-ages event—no rush, no pressure, just a chance to enjoy the outdoors together and celebrate our environment.
Take a stand with seniors this Earth Day
Looking for a meaningful way to mark Earth Day this year? Head to downtown Fredericton on April 22 and show your support for seniors calling for bold climate solutions!
The day starts at 11:30 a.m. at City Hall, where Mayor Kate Rogers will officially recognize the role of seniors in driving climate leadership. From there, the action moves to the Legislature at noon for an hour of music from the Raging Grannies, powerful speakers and a shared call for a healthier New Brunswick. Stay from 1 to 2 p.m. to join a talking circle and connect with local groups, including your friends at the Conservation Council.
It’s a chance to come together, be inspired and take action!
Last chance to enter our electric bus colouring contest!
The deadline for our electric bus colouring contest is almost here! The Conservation Council is inviting kids in grades K–5 to share their vision of a cleaner, healthier planet by colouring their dream electric school bus!
In honour of New Brunswick’s goal to fully electrify our school bus fleet by 2035, we’re asking young artists to imagine what a greener future looks like. Submit their masterpiece by April 27 for a chance to win exciting prizes and have their artwork featured on our website and social media!
It’s a fun and creative way to get kids thinking and talking about protecting the environment.
Download the colouring sheet and enter today:
Wishing you the best, Nadine!
All of our staff here at the Conservation Council are sending out heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Dr. Nadine Ives, who has retired from her role as director of our Learning Outside program.
With more than two decades of experience in nature education, Dr. Ives has been a guiding force in helping children, teachers and communities connect with the natural world, sharing her deep knowledge through school visits, nature walks, public workshops and university teaching.
Dr. Ives, your incredible work has left a lasting mark. Thank you for inspiring so many to love nature. We’re so proud to carry forward the legacy you’ve built.
We work hard to ensure a strong environmental voice is heard in New Brunswick’s print, radio and television media. Last year, our staff appeared in the media more than 50 times to shed light on ongoing environmental issues and success in New Brunswick. Here are some of the biggest stories Conservation Council staff have been called upon for expertise, analysis and commentary this year:
Conservation Council in the News
April 1, 2025 | Dr. Moe Qureshi, our director of climate research and policy, told CTV that the country risks repeating past mistakes amid renewed calls for pipelines in Canada. Dr. Qureshi said that enthusiasm reflected in recent polls about renewing the Energy East pipeline is not necessarily about the project’s merits but rather a knee-jerk reaction to economic uncertainty, such as the current U.S. trade war. He emphasized that pipelines are not the best direction for Canada’s energy future and urged a move away from old solutions toward more sustainable approaches. Read more.
April 1, 2025 | This New York Times story on the Irving family’s business operations references a 2009 study by the Conservation Council of New Brunswick that revealed alarmingly high lung cancer rates in Saint John, a city dominated by heavy industry and Irving-owned businesses. The study found that lung cancer rates for women in the city were 82 per cent higher than the national average and 98 per cent higher for men. While no direct links have been established between these health issues and operations of Irving-owned facilities—such as Canada’s largest oil refinery in Saint John—the study underscores long-standing concerns about industrial pollution and public health in the region. Read the story.