It has been a busy and productive summer at the Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance. Our team has been involved in professional training, field surveys, restoration planning, and preparations for several exciting tree-planting projects taking place across the watershed this fall. We are pleased to share some of the work and accomplishments from the past few months.
Wetland Delineation Training
Two staff members from the Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance attended Wetland Delineation Training in Fredericton from July 6–9, 2026. The training was an insightful opportunity to develop a stronger understanding of wetlands and the important role they play within our environment.
Throughout the training, our staff learned about wetland characteristics, how to identify wetland boundaries, the different types of vegetation and species commonly found in wetlands, and the methods used to determine whether an area meets the characteristics of a wetland. We are pleased to share that, upon successfully completing the training, both staff members became Certified Junior Wetland Delineators.
This new knowledge and certification will strengthen our organization’s ability to identify and assess wetlands and support informed conservation and restoration work throughout the Petitcodiac watershed.
Geomorphology Refresher
Our annual Geomorphology Refresher took place at North River in June 2026. The refresher provides an opportunity for participants to maintain and build upon the knowledge gained through previous geomorphology training, particularly in understanding river behaviour and identifying early signs of erosion.
This year’s refresher was instructed by Ron Jenkins of 5R Environmental Consulting. The field part of our training provided our team with an opportunity to revisit important concepts while observing river processes and erosion conditions directly in the field.
Continuing education and refresher training are important to ensure our staff have the knowledge and skills necessary to identify changes in watercourses and contribute effectively to watershed restoration and conservation projects.
2026 Geomorphology Training
The 2026 Geomorphology Training was held at the John Community Hub from July 21–24. We welcomed a total of nine participants to this year’s training, while an additional 20 people were placed on a waiting list. Due to the capacity of the facility and the resources available, we reached the maximum number of participants that we were able to accommodate.
The training provided participants with an opportunity to learn more about river and stream behaviour, erosion processes, early indicators of erosion, erosion-control approaches, and ways to reduce sediment entering waterbodies. Participants also explored how erosion and sedimentation can affect aquatic habitats and species at risk and how geomorphology knowledge can be incorporated into restoration planning.
Geomorphology Surveys
As we prepare for this year’s upcoming bank restoration projects, our team has been conducting geomorphology surveys along Little River and North River. These surveys are helping us identify areas showing early signs of erosion and better understand the existing conditions of the watercourses before restoration work begins.
Collecting this baseline information is an important part of the restoration process. It will allow us to compare conditions before and after restoration and help us determine how effective our restoration efforts have been. The information collected through these surveys will also help guide future restoration planning and decision-making.
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) for their continued support and funding of this important work. Their support allows us to continue building local capacity and carrying out restoration, monitoring, and conservation activities throughout the watershed.
Fall 2026 Tree Planting
We are excited to announce that the Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance will be hosting three tree-planting events during the fall of 2026. We are inviting community members and volunteers to join us as we work together to improve vegetation, strengthen forest areas, protect waterways, and create better habitat for wildlife.
Our tree-planting projects this fall include BioScript – Rotary Park, TD Trees – Norbert Trail in Dieppe, and TD Trees – Centennial Park.
BioScript – Rotary Park
Rotary Park recently underwent new trail construction, creating an opportunity to improve and strengthen the vegetation surrounding the area. Through this project, we will be planting trees and shrubs around the newly developed trail area to help protect the landscape and improve the surrounding habitat.
Increasing vegetation in this area can contribute to a healthier natural environment while also supporting wildlife habitat and helping protect the surrounding landscape over the long term.
TD Trees – Norbert Trail, Dieppe
Norbert Trail was also part of our tree-planting efforts last year. With continued development taking place around the area, we want to build on the work completed previously and continue supporting the natural environment surrounding the trail.
By planting additional trees and maintaining vegetation in the area, we hope to contribute to the long-term sustainability of this important community green space while providing additional habitat and improving the overall landscape.
TD Trees – Centennial Park
Centennial Park is one of Moncton’s valued natural areas and is enjoyed by the community for hiking, biking, camping, and other outdoor activities. The park’s forested areas have experienced changes over time, including fallen trees and areas where vegetation has become less dense.
Our tree-planting project will help restore and strengthen these areas by establishing new trees and improving vegetation. By investing in the park’s natural areas today, we hope to contribute to a healthier and more resilient forest for future generations while continuing to provide valuable habitat for wildlife.
Our goal through these projects is not simply to plant trees, but to support the long-term health of our forests, improve habitat, protect natural areas, and encourage community participation in environmental stewardship.