Let’s celebrate 25 years of environmental stewardship!

Incorporated as the Petitcodiac Water Monitoring Group in 1998, the Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance has not only maintained our water quality monitoring program since our inception, but has also grown to include a number of activities that improve the health of our watershed. Click the button below for a list of our current and forthcoming projects.

The Alliance

The Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance is a registered environmental charity that restores and protects the ecological services of the water systems that flow into Shepody Bay through science-based research, action, and public outreach. These watersheds are comprised of a mosaic of ecologically significant ecosystems within the Fundy Biosphere Reserve in Southeastern New Brunswick, which is an area designated as a reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The veins of the watershed run through roughly 2,071 km2 of land with more than 30 tributaries flowing to the mouth of the Petitcodiac River, which span multiple municipal jurisdictions and support the most densely populated area in the province. The Petitcodiac River watershed drains into the Greater Moncton Area before flowing to the Shepody Bay into the Bay of Fundy.

Our Team

The Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance’s team includes the Board of Directors and staff members, with important contributions from volunteers as well! We often hire several students to help with our projects, especially in the summer field season.

Head to the Get Involved section to know more about joining our team.

Atlantic Salmon

Salmo salar

Staff Members

Kelsey Wilson
Kelsey Wilson

Executive Director

Kelsey has an extensive background working with not-for-profit and charitable organizations, holding various leadership positions and active as a developer and coordinator of many environmental, social enterprise, cooperative, social justice, and other projects. Kelsey holds many certifications including a Master of Environmental Management, a Bachelor of Philosophy in Leadership, a Permaculture Design Certificate, Wetland Delineation Certification, Project Management, and others. Kelsey is an avid learner, always seeking to expand her knowledge and understanding of topics that can improve her work.

Shane Boyd
Shane Boyd

Project Leader

Having a passion for the environment, Shane holds an Environmental Science degree from Mount Allison University with a minor in biology and astronomy as well as a NBCC diploma in electronic engineering technology majoring in alternate energy systems. He has also been trained for wetland delineations, geomorphic assessments, and others. His goal is to help improve the environment in the Petitcodiac watershed through remediation projects and educational outreach. Shane has been with the PWA since 2018 and is a valued member of our team. 

Cristina Gonçalves
Cristina Gonçalves

Project Manager

Cristina is an expert in fish ecology and experienced in researching freshwater environments. She holds a PhD in Biological Sciences in Brazil, published several scientific papers and led many environmental projects. Her goal is to contribute with science-based knowledge to promote the river’s conservation of the Petitcodiac watershed for our community and the future generations to come.

Cesar Cestari
Cesar Cestari

Project Leader

Cesar is an ecologist, ornithologist, researcher, and conservationist. He obtained B. Sc in Biology, M. Sc in Zoology, and a Ph.D focusing on behavioural ecology of birds in Brazil. He proudly works to protect biodiversity and its ecological interactions as well as to integrate people and nature in a healthier and sustainable planet.

Antony Thériault
Antony Thériault

Project Leader

Antony is a highly motivated individual committed to contributing to the improvement of the health of the Petitcodiac watershedAs a recent graduate of the University of Moncton, where he earned a specialized bachelor’s degree in biology in 2023, it delights him to put his knowledge to use in service of the team. His research skills and his passion for the outdoors are valuable assets for his fieldwork. 

Claire Johnson
Claire Johnson

Communications Assistant

Claire cherishes nature which is why she is pursuing her final year in a B.Sc. majoring in Biology with a double minor in Environmental Science and Geography. Claire has experience working and studying the ecology of wetlands while educating young students of the importance of them. For the past two summers, Claire has found her love for fish with Fort Folly Habitat Recovery, as she had experience handling and learning about a variety of fish species, including endangered iBoF Atlantic Salmon as part of the Fundy Salmon Recovery project. Claire’s goal is to help engage the public and educate people what the PWA is all about! 

Board Members

Michael Cybulski
Michael Cybulski

Board President

Michael is a dedicated and valued volunteer, having worked with a variety of both local and national organizations. His combined love of the outdoors and his keen interest in waterways makes him a great fit in the PWA. He is proud to play a role in the restoration of the Petitcodiac River, and the return of Atlantic Salmon to our waterways.

Alyre Chiasson
Alyre Chiasson

Director and Founding Member

As a founding member of the PWA, Alyre brings to the board a wealth of organizational knowledge and history. He is also a recently retired professor of the University of Moncton with a B.Sc. in Biology, a M.Sc. in Zoology, and a Ph.D. focusing on the Ecology of fish. Alyre is an engaged board member, always ready to provide guidance or lend a hand in our fieldwork.

Jim Weldon
Jim Weldon

Director

Georges Brun
Georges Brun

Director

Winston Jones
Winston Jones

Director

Aaron Lewis
Aaron Lewis

Director

Derek Ermen
Derek Ermen

Director

Charlie LeBlanc
Charlie LeBlanc

Director

Charlie is a husband, father of two, and grandfather of four beautiful humans. With an education in ‘life and common sense’, Charlie is a hunter, angler, archer, sport shooter, fly-tier and inherent conservationist. He has a combined 25+ years in community leadership roles, including with the NB Wildlife Federation, the Canadian Wildlife Federation, the Moncton Fish and Game association, the Federal Hunting and Angling Advisory Committee, and of course the PWA. He has also participated in Federal workshops dealing with changes to the Fisheries Act and invasive species.