Vision H2O

Water quality monitoring

This project aims to determine the water quality and conditions of the main rivers and lakes located in the watershed. It includes the sampling of the water, the inventory of the potential sources of pollution and a description of the characteristics of the wildlifes habitats in streams. This project is realized in the objectives of the New Brunswick Water Classification Program.

Summer Camp

During summer 2010, Vision H2O met once a week the youths of the Beaubassin-east day camp. Short presentations were followed by activities concerning to the daily themes. We presented various environmental notions, such as climate change, renewable energy, wetlands and water cycle.

Beach Sweep

Twice a year, Vision H2O organizes a beach clean up activity during which the community is invited to participate. This activity, promoted by the Departement of Fishing and Oceans Canada, aims to sensibilise the public in the importance of preserving a healthy environment.

During spring 2010, Vision H2O and the Scouts of Cap-Pelé participated in the Beach Sweep program at the Aboiteau beach.

During autumn 2010, Vision H2O joined the students of the Pere Edgar T. Leblanc school to clean the Grand-Barachois beach.

Preservation of dunes and coastal marshes

("Sapins sur plage" à l'émission La semaine verte de Radio-Canada)

Since 2005, Vision H2O began diverse initiatives in order to protect the coastal environment. At Aboiteau Park, snow fences were installed to protect the dunes as well as its vegetation (ammophiles which were planted every year). Christmas trees were also installed at the bottom of the dunes to favor the accumulation of the sand. Finally, interpretation panels were placed on the beach to sensibilise the visitors.

Restoration of aquatic habitats

Vision H2O coordinates different restoration projects which aim at better controlling the pollution sources as well as limiting the deterioration of the streams and its habitat. Amongst other things, these projects consist of stabilizing the river banks and limiting the amount of sediment reaching the water which will help to improve the aquatic habitats.

Characterization of the water and habitats quality for salmonids in the Aboujagane river;

The goal of this project is preserving and restoring the Trout and Atlantic Salmon populations in the Aboujagane River. The 2 year project is currently in its first phase: characterizing the surrounding environment as well as the river itself. In 2010, Vision H2O has conducted an inventory of aquatic species (fishes and macro-invertebrates) as well as an analysis of the river banks’ conditions and the water quality in the river. In 2011 the identified problematic sites will be restored.

Newsletter

Twice a year, the organization publishes a newsletter which aims at informing the population about the activities and the current projects. These publications also serve at informing the community about local environmental issues.

(Consult the publication section for archives)

Community outreach

Workshops and information kiosk are organized in order to sensitize the population of the benefits of responsible water resource management. Conferences are also organized to inform the local leaders about the new environmental approaches.

School Programs

School programs, adapted for different age groups, are offered to the schools in the community. The programs aim at sharing knowledge pertaining to the water cycle, the river system, the fauna and the flora, climate change, energy conservation and the impact of the human activities on the environment.

Donat Robichaud School in Cap-Pelé

In autumn 2010, a recycling program was implemented at the school.

This winter, Vision H2O invites the local students to participate in Environment Canada’s program “Agent X”.

Père Edgar T . Leblanc School in Barachois

Since the beginning of the year, kindergarten students learned about composting with Vision H2O.

In January 2011, Vision H2O will give workshop to grade 5 classes on climate change and renewable energy. During the spring, theses classes will be invite to visit the Éco-Park of Cormier Village. Various activities will be organized like sampling and analyzing water samples.

Outreach to local compagnies

Vision H2O encourages local companies to decrease their environmental footprint.

A survey was established to estimate the needs and interests of locale companies. Further to the analysis of the survey, targeted interventions and advices will be supplied to the participants.

C.A.M.P.

In collaboration with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Vision H2O has participated since 2009 in the Community Aquatic Monitoring Program (CAMP). During the summer, six stations located in the coastal area of the watershed are sampled on a monthly basis. The results of the 2011 monitoring will be available soon.