<![CDATA[Connecting Albert County

<![CDATA[Connecting Albert County - Environment]]>Sat, 09 May 2026 18:44:39 -0300Weebly<![CDATA[May is Humming Right Along at the Maplegrove Inn!]]>Sat, 09 May 2026 11:36:07 GMThttps://www.connectingalbertcounty.org/environment/may-is-humming-right-along-at-the-maplegrove-inn

Article & Images Submitted by Melanie Angbao & Kate Broyles, Owners & Innkeepers at the Maplegrove Inn

May is such a wonderful time of the year in southern New Brunswick! The garden is beginning to stir after a long winter and the first 2 weeks of this month are marked by the arrival of ruby-throated hummingbirds.

The male hummers arrive first to establish their territory and the females follow. The experts suggest hanging feeders by May 1st to ensure that energetic early arrivals have a food supply. We use a simple 4:1 mixture of water and white sugar which we boil to prevent fermentation. We also change the sugar water 2- 3x/week to avoid mold and bacteria growth.

To support the health of our little hummingbird friends, it is also important to provide natural opportunities for their feeding, resting, and nest building. Planting a variety of bell and trumpet-shaped flowers in the yard provides a natural food source for these tiny territorial creatures. Bee Balm, Honeysuckle, Garden Phlox , Salvia, Red Columbine, Magenta Beardtongue, Zinnias and Petunias are all good options! Spread those plants out around the property to provide lots of opportunity for hummingbirds to stretch their wings and not get in arguments over resources!

The Maplegrove Inn will be hosting a very special Mother's Day Tea on May 9th and 10th. Fingers-crossed that our guests will enjoy a slice of Hummingbird cake while being treated to the sight of these gorgeous little birds flitting about in our garden!

Hummingbird Cake Recipe  (makes a very large, moist cake)

Ingredients:
3 cups AP flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
1tsp baking soda
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp cloves
¼ tsp nutmeg
1 tsp salt
1 ½ cup veg oil
3 large eggs, room temp
8 oz can of crushed pineapple, drained
2 cups mashed bananas (5-6)
1½ tsp vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line 2 9 inch round pans
Sift dry ingredients and add sugars in a bowl
In separate bowl, whisk wet ingredients
Add dry ingredients to wet until just combined.
Bake for 25 - 30 min until the inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in pan for 5 min, then turn out to cool completely.
Dust lightly with powdered sugar or frost with cream cheese frosting.

]]><![CDATA[Cape Enrage to Remain Closed for the 2026 Season]]>Sat, 09 May 2026 10:15:17 GMThttps://www.connectingalbertcounty.org/environment/cape-enrage-to-remain-closed-for-the-2026-season

Submitted by The Board of Cape Enrage Interpretive Centre Inc.

Fundy Albert, NB — April 22nd, 2026

The Board of Directors of Cape Enrage Interpretive Center (CEIC), regret to announce that the Cape Enrage site will not be open to visitors for the 2026 season. Until this season, CEIC has been contracted by the province to manage and operate the provincially owned facility.

This decision comes after ongoing challenges and a lack of operational certainty, including the absence of a formal operating contract with the Province since March 31, 2026. Without this agreement, CEIC has been unable to responsibly plan or execute a safe and sustainable season.

Cape Enrage has long been a valued destination in the region, welcoming 20,000 to 25,000 visitors annually, and reaching a peak of 45,000 visitors following its feature on The Amazing Race Canada. Over the years, CEIC’s volunteer Board — serving entirely without remuneration or reimbursement of expenses — has worked diligently over the years to enhance the site, investing significant time and effort into improving the kitchen, restaurant, buildings, and overall visitor experience, helping establish Cape Enrage as a premier destination in New Brunswick.

Despite these efforts, CEIC has faced increasing operational challenges. Historically, the province has provided financial assistance to support the maintenance of provincially-owned buildings and infrastructure, and assist with general operations. This year, CEIC and the province have not been able to reach a satisfactory management agreement that enables the site to be opened and operated safely in a manner expected by the attending public.

Additional structural challenges have further impacted sustainability. These include limited progress on improving road access to the site, which has long been identified as a key factor in unlocking the Cape’s full tourism potential. The absence of clarity and continuity in this support has made it impossible to maintain operations at the standard expected by visitors, the community and the province.

This is an extremely difficult outcome for the CEIC Board and for the many people who rely on Cape Enrage for seasonal employment and those that value it as a destination, community asset, and symbol of regional pride. The CEIC Board recognizes the significance of this moment but remains hopeful that the Cape Enrage location may continue in some capacity in the future, and that its legacy, community value, and contributions to the region will be preserved and honoured. In the meantime, they extend their sincere gratitude to the visitors, partners, and community members who have supported the site over the years.

]]><![CDATA[Connecting Atlantic Canada’s UNESCO wonders to the world: News Release]]>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 22:58:06 GMThttps://www.connectingalbertcounty.org/environment/connecting-atlantic-canadas-unesco-wonders-to-the-world-news-release

Image of those involved at the funding announcement in Joggins shared by ACOA.

 Submitted by Naomi (Meed) Ani, Strategic Engagement Manager, Fundy Biosphere Region

Investment supports creation of an Atlantic UNESCO Tourism Corridor led by the Fundy Biosphere Region

February 19, 2026 · Joggins, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Canadian tourism had a record-breaking year in 2025, with Atlantic Canada emerging as one of the country’s strongest performing regions. The sector is creating jobs, driving innovation, and powering economic growth across the region, and the Government of Canada is building on this momentum by investing in initiatives that strengthen and connect Atlantic Canada’s world-class attractions.

Today, Alana Hirtle, Member of Parliament for Cumberland – Colchester, announced a federal investment to establish the Atlantic Canada UNESCO Tourism Corridor ($309,500). The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

Led by the Fundy Biosphere Region, the corridor connects 13 UNESCO-designated sites across Atlantic Canada and is creating new opportunities for tourism and economic growth throughout the region. Through collaborative development, experience building, and coordinated marketing, the corridor showcases the regions’ world-class geological, cultural, and ecological destinations, while helping visitors discover authentic stories rooted in the land and the people who have shaped it.

This initiative puts Destination Canada’s Atlantic UNESCO Tourism Corridor Strategy into action by strengthening cooperation among provinces, communities, and industry partners. Together, they are advancing shared goals for sustainable tourism growth while supporting the Government of Canada’s commitment to building a stronger, more innovative economy that creates new opportunities for visitors to experience Atlantic Canada’s cultural and natural heritage.

Quotes

“Atlantic Canada’s UNESCO sites are powerful symbols of our shared story, from ancient fossils to living cultural traditions. By connecting them through this new corridor, we’re helping communities attract visitors, strengthen local economies, and showcase the natural and cultural wonders that make our region unique.”
- The Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“As Atlantic Canadians, we take great pride in our UNESCO sites — places that reflect the history of this land. This new corridor helps us tell those stories to the world while supporting the local tourism operators, Indigenous communities, and organizations that make these destinations so special. By working together across the region, we’re ensuring visitors can experience the best of Atlantic Canada for generations to come.”

- Alana Hirtle, Member of Parliament for Cumberland – Colchester

“New Brunswick’s Bay of Fundy is home to two extraordinary UNESCO-designated regions: the Stonehammer Geopark, stretching from Lepreau Falls to Fundy-St. Martins, and the Fundy Biosphere Region, reaching from Fundy-St. Martins to Sackville. The Atlantic Canada UNESCO Tourism Corridor Strategy presents exciting opportunities for collaboration around advancing regenerative tourism through training, leadership, capacity and communication, while supporting sustainable economic growth and strengthening communities across our regions.”

- The Honourable Isabelle Thériault, Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture, Government of New Brunswick

“UNESCO-designated sites across Atlantic Canada reflect the richness of our shared heritage and natural beauty. This new network enhances our ability to showcase these world-class destinations, while creating meaningful opportunities for sustainable tourism and economic growth in Newfoundland and Labrador and throughout the region.”

- The Honourable Andrea Barbour, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

“UNESCO Sites - Biosphere Regions, Geoparks, and World Heritage Sites - showcase globally significant landscapes, historic places, and human and environmental communities where partners are working together to protect, learn from, and celebrate people and the planet. In Atlantic Canada, we’re modelling for the world how strong partnerships and intentional collaboration can help us achieve our shared goals for a sustainable and peaceful future.”

- Dr. Jennifer Dingman, Executive Director, Fundy Biosphere Region and Stonehammer Geopark

Quick facts

The Atlantic UNESCO Tourism Corridor is the first initiative connecting three types of UNESCO-designated sites in Canada: Biosphere Regions, Global Geoparks and World Heritage Sites.
The Fundy Biosphere Region, a nonprofit community organization designated by UNESCO in 2007, promotes vibrant, resilient communities through conservation and sustainable development initiatives.
The funding announced today is provided through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.
Since 2021, the Canadian Commission for UNESCO has worked collaboratively with partners to support the development of the Atlantic UNESCO Tourism Corridor.
The Government of New Brunswick’s Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture invested $21,000.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Industry, Energy and Technology invested $21,000.
Destination Canada provided the initial investment to develop the Atlantic UNESCO Tourism Corridor Strategy and has further supported this project with an investment of $21,000.

]]><![CDATA[Environmental Rights Caucus Extremely Disappointed with Government]]>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 11:11:53 GMThttps://www.connectingalbertcounty.org/environment/environmental-rights-caucus-extremely-disappointed-with-governmentArticle & Images Submitted by Marg Milburn, Chair of the ERC of the NBEN  margmilburn@gmail.com/ 506 238-8295

The Environmental Rights Caucus of the New Brunswick Environmental Network wishes to thank all those who supported this project and who know that the right to a healthy environment is crucial to our very survival.

We are obviously very disappointed and frankly somewhat astonished that the Legislators of New Brunswick have chosen to refuse to enshrine the Right to A Healthy Environment into Law. This refusal to work to adopt this legislation in a form that would guarantee that all current and future generations can count on them to act in a way that maintains a livable and safe environment, calls their priorities into question.

Bill 23: An Act Respecting the Right to a Healthy Environment may not become law at this time, but the failure to act to guarantee this right now, will not make the problem go away. The citizens of New Brunswick expect better from their Legislators. For more than 20 years a small group of New Brunswick citizens worked tirelessly to get this law passed. Young people now understand what is at stake, for them and their children. They will carry on, and eventually a law like this one will pass.

We therefore have every hope that in the near future, the right to a healthy environment will be acknowledged and legalized.

]]><![CDATA[Rain Barrel Pick Up Event]]>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 21:34:33 GMThttps://www.connectingalbertcounty.org/environment/rain-barrel-pick-up-event

]]><![CDATA[Mobile Eco-Depot Locations for March]]>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:29:38 GMThttps://www.connectingalbertcounty.org/environment/mobile-eco-depot-locations-for-march

The MOBILE ECO-DEPOT will be in Alma Wednesday, March 18th and Thursday, March 19th from 12-8 pm at the Alma Activity Centre Parking Lot, 8 School Street, Alma. To help with unloading, materials MUST be bagged, boxed or bundled; loose material may not be accepted. Black bags will not be accepted for safety reasons.

Download the Eco360 App for schedule notifications, resources, and answers to questions on sorting!

Or check out their website at: https://www.eco360.ca/residential-program

]]><![CDATA[Backyard Birding at the Maplegrove Inn]]>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 22:31:48 GMThttps://www.connectingalbertcounty.org/environment/backyard-birding-at-the-maplegrove-innArticle & Images Submitted by Melanie Angbao, Innkeeper & Contributing Author

Image of a purple finch at the Maplegrove Inn.

Friends of Fundy will be hosting another Backyard Bird Count as part of February Frolic on Sunday Feb 15th. The count will begin at The Maplegrove Inn for their morning kickoff and details of the event will be posted through Friends of Fundy.

Images of a red-bellied woodpecker at the Maplegrove Inn.

Guests at the Inn have been enjoying our diverse backyard birdlife for several years. Cheerful Cardinals, boisterous and bullying Blue Jays, Evening Grosbeaks, American Goldfinches, Chickadees and many other birds are frequent and welcome visitors. Kate has managed to keep the grounds consistently active with feathered friends year round by observing which types of feeders are most popular, which type of feed is preferred and having multiple feeding locations on our property to minimize overcrowding. Kate has found that black oil sunflower seeds and Dwayne's suet (from The Birdgarden in Hillsborough) bring ALL the birds to the yard... as well as squirrels, raccoons, and deer! Kate maintains a fairly consistent schedule with filling feeders and scattering some seeds on the ground for the rotund Doves, Sparrows and Dark-eyed Juncos. I have seen Crows peek into the windows if she's running late and chatter loudly in the surrounding trees to let us know they are waiting for their breakfast!

Like our overnight and tea event guests, we truly enjoy this interaction with nature and cherish this aspect of country life in Albert County.

Image of yellow-rumped warbler at the Maplegrove Inn.

Image of a cardinal at the Maplegrove Inn.

Image of an evening grosbeak at the Maplegrove Inn.

]]><![CDATA[Dreamers & Champions: Making Trail Towns Happen]]>Fri, 26 Dec 2025 19:33:45 GMThttps://www.connectingalbertcounty.org/environment/dreamers-champions-making-trail-towns-happen

Image of Albert County Residents working in the trail systems.

Articles & Images Submitted by Micha Fardy, Friends of Fundy

The Southeast Regional Service Commission (SERSC), together with the Village of Fundy Albert, invites local Dreamers, Champions, and community groups to help shape the future of a major regional trail initiative—and to explore how Fundy Albert can become a cornerstone of a Southeast New Brunswick Trail Towns network.

Fundy Albert already has a proud and diverse recreational community, built over many years by residents, volunteers, and local organizations. Our trails, viewpoints, and outdoor spaces exist because community members created them, cared for them, and shared them. Any future growth can only succeed if it continues in that same spirit—driven by local voices, local priorities, and local knowledge.

While SERSC is working to connect communities from Alma to Cap-Acadie through a 170-km cycling and hiking network, the direction and success of the trail in our region must be shaped by the people who live here. Community involvement is not just welcome—it is essential. Only through local collaboration, shared ideas, and open input can we ensure that the trail developed in Fundy Albert is truly by the people, for the people, reflecting our values, our culture, and the way our residents want to experience the outdoors.

Trail Towns are communities that not only lie along long-distance trails but embrace them as part of their identity. They welcome trail users with practical amenities—food, lodging, rest areas, bike facilities—as well as community spirit. Trail Towns thrive when residents, businesses, and local groups work together, and when trails are seen as shared assets that support local businesses, attract visitors, and create new forms of prosperity for everyone in the region. By working collaboratively—SERSC, the Village of Fundy Albert, and our community partners—we can bring existing efforts together, strengthen the trails we already enjoy, and ensure that any new development reflects the values and identity of our region. When the community leads the way, the result is a connected and celebrated trail network that benefits residents first, supports local businesses, and helps our area continue to grow in a way that feels right for Fundy Albert.

Stakeholders are welcome to attend any of the following sessions:

Tuesday, January 13, at 6:00 p.m.  located at the Fundy Albert Municipal Office 61 Academy Street, Hillsborough
Wednesday, January 14 at 6:00 p.m. at the Riverside-Albert Recreation Center
Thursday, January 15 at 6:00 p.m. at the Alma Cultural Building

For further information, please contact:
Marc Leger, Regional Trails Coordinator 
Email: marc.leger@nbse.ca 
Phone: (506) 381-4887

]]><![CDATA[Find Your Slice of Winter Wonderland in Fundy National Park]]>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 00:44:53 GMThttps://www.connectingalbertcounty.org/environment/find-your-slice-of-winter-wonderland-in-fundy-national-parkArticle and images submitted by Piper Langille, A/Partnering, Engagement, Comms Officer for Fundy
National Park, & a Community Partner of the Hillsborough Public Library

The leaves have fallen and there's a chill in the air, can you feel it? Winter is calling at Fundy National Park and it's a
perfect time to experience a whole new side of this special place.

From December 12, 2025, to January 15, 2026, the Canada Strong Pass is back, making it easier than ever to visit. Enjoy free admission to Parks Canada places and discounted rates on camping and overnight stays by visiting
www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/canada-pass.html. It's everything you loved about summer but without the crowds.

Winter snowshoeing at Chignecto.

To help you plan your visit, here are some great ways to make the most of winter adventures in Fundy:

Frosty Family Fun
In snowy weather, the "bowl" at the park's Headquarters area turns into the perfect spot for tobogganing fun for all ages. Parking and heated washrooms are available nearby at the Visitor Reception Centre for your convenience.

Get toasty at the Chignecto Pavilion
Located in the heart of the Chignecto Recreation Area, the Chignecto Pavilion is the perfect pit-stop during your off-season adventure through Fundy National Park. With lots of space to share with other outdoor enthusiasts, the pavilion has bathrooms with showers, and a versatile multi-purpose space. Whether you're looking to cook a rustic meal on the kitchen's woodstoves or a play some cards while you warm up, the Chignecto Pavilion offers a cozy
resting place in between excursions.

Remember to check trail conditions and weather before you hit the snow!

Dashing through the snow
Rediscover Fundy's trails in winter! Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland of groomed and un-groomed trails. Bring your cross-country skis to explore over 18 km of trails groomed for both classic and skate skiing techniques. Don't have your own gear? You can rent a pair of snowshoes or skishoes (a mix of a snowshoe and a ski) at the
Headquarters Visitor Centre, by half day, full day or weekend. Visit the Fundy National Park website at
parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nb/fundy/visit for prices and details.

The yurts and oTENTiks in Headquarters Campground make a great basecamp for your winter escape.

Winter camping made easy
Fundy National Park is open year-round and there are many ways to spend a night at the park even in the deep of winter! Don't have a full setup for winter tenting? Just book a roofed accommodation at parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nb/fundy/activ/hiver-winter/hebergements-accommodations and enjoy your camping trip in comfort. Headquarters Campground offers oTENTiks and yurts, equipped with cozy propane fireplaces perfect for
gathering around at the end of a day on the trails. Prepare a meal in a kitchen shelter of treat yourself to a bite in nearby Alma (call ahead for business hours during off-season). Heated washrooms are available. All roofed accommodations are bookable with the Parks Reservation Service.

Silent nights at Fundy
Dreaming of overnighting in a little cabin in the woods? Fundy's rustic cabins are just the thing. Hike (or snowshoe) out from the Chignecto Recreation Area parking lot to your cabin, complete with woodstove and bunkbeds. Make a stay at the rustic cabins your new tradition with family and friends.

Visit parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nb/fundy/activ/camping/arrierepaysbackcountry/rustic-rustique for details.

Find your winterland hideaway at one of Fundy's rustic cabins

Plan your winter adventure
Ready to hit the trails? To guarantee a winter adventure that doesn't end in soggy socks and disappointment, make sure to plan ahead. Remember that winter weather can change in a flash too, so make sure to check conditions the day of your parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nb/fundy/visit/etat-sentiers-trail-conditions. The Fundy National Park website has lots of resources and guides to make trip planning a breeze.

Don't slow down this winter. For more "cool" ideas on how to spend your time in the park, check out our "Winter in
Fundy" webpageat https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nb/fundy/activ/hiver-winter and start planning your winter getaway.

Drafted by:
Piper Langille, A/Partnering, Engagement, Comms Officer, New Brunswick Field Unit;
Dan Sinclair, Interpretation Lead, Fundy National Park

Reviewed:
Angèle McCaie, A/VE Manager, Fundy National Park;
Julie Ouellette, A/Strategic Advisor, New Brunswick Field Unit

Approved:
Mélanie Lottinville, A/ER Manager;
Julie M Leblanc, New Brunswick Field Unit Field Unit Superintendent

]]><![CDATA[Celebrating 65 Years of the Dobson Trail]]>Fri, 28 Feb 2025 17:43:34 GMThttps://www.connectingalbertcounty.org/environment/celebrating-65-years-of-the-dobson-trail

Image of the Dobson Link sign from www.hikingnb.ca/Trails/FundyEast/Dobson

Submitted by: Colin Friars

Fundy Hiking Trails Association (FHTA) is thrilled to announce the celebration of the 65th anniversary of The Dobson Trail! Since its opening in 1960, the Dobson Trail has been a cherished destination for hikers, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. We commemorate more than six decades of incredible memories, breathtaking views, and a deep connection with the footpath to Fundy.

To mark this significant milestone, we invite everyone to participate! Whether it's winter, spring, summer or fall, snowshoeing, multi-day hiking, day hikes or a simple afternoon walk. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or someone who has never set foot on a trail, we welcome you to join us in celebrating the beauty of the Dobson Trail.

“We are so proud to have been a part of so many people's lives over the years,” said Colin Friars, President of the FHTA. “The trail has always been more than just a path; it’s a place where memories are made, friendships are forged, and the wonders of nature are explored. We look forward to celebrating this milestone with every hiker and welcome new adventurers to experience all that the Dobson Trail has to offer.”

Follow us on our Facebook page and visit our website at fundyhikingtrails.com .

Sixty-five years of exploration, connection, and adventure on the Dobson Trail! Let’s make this anniversary a memorable one together!

About the Dobson Trail:

The Dobson Trail is a continuous footpath through the Albert County wilderness stretching 57.75 km from Riverview, NB to the northern boundary of Fundy National Park near Alma, NB. Originally named The Fundy Trail, the footpath to the coast was the vision of Doctor J. Arthur Dobson of Riverview Heights. The trail was first created by Dr. Dobson and his father in 1960 and has since seen many proud volunteers lending a hand in cutting, clearing, blazing and maintaining this rugged but very scenic trail from the river bend in Riverview to the Fundy Coast. 

For more information, please visit fundyhikingtrails.com

Image of the Dobson Trail from www.hikingnb.ca/Trails/FundyEast/Dobson

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