Saint John, NB: A memorandum of understanding was signed yesterday, October 23, 2008 by WorkSafeNB and The Nature Trust of New Brunswick, granting land behind the Workers’ Rehabilitation Centre (WRC) in Grand Bay-Westfield to The Nature Trust, a charitable organization dedicated to preserving nature for the benefit of present and future generations of New Brunswickers.
The land, known as Blueberry Hill, comprises 50 acres of diverse habitats and ecosystems, including fields, marshes and different forest types bordering the beautiful St. John River. “We acquired this land as part of a transaction in 1975, and although our rehab clients and staff have enjoyed walking the paths in this wooded sanctuary for many years, we felt it was being underused,” said Doug Stanley, president and CEO of WorkSafeNB. “We are proud to convey this land to The Nature Trust of New Brunswick to ensure more people know about this land, and that more people use it. But while we want to increase the land’s use, we must also maintain its integrity, preserve its pristine state. We are confident that The Nature Trust of New Brunswick will treasure the land, promote it and protect it, and we commend their commitment to conserving our province’s natural habitats,” Stanley said.
“The Blueberry Hill property will provide the residents of the Lower Saint John River Valley with a nature preserve to be protected and enjoyed in perpetuity,” said Ken Hirtle, president of The Nature Trust of New Brunswick. “Public waterfront property on the rivers and the coasts is disappearing and this preserve will protect one of the most beautiful pieces of property on the Lower Saint John River Valley. This property is a natural gem to be found within the borders of Grand Bay-Westfield and the City of Saint John,” he said.
WorkSafeNB Signs MOU, Granting Land to Nature Trust of New Brunswick. Above, left to right: Doug Stanley, president and CEO of WorkSafeNB; Roberta Dugas, Chairperson, Board of Directors, WorkSafeNB; Ken Hirtle, president of The Nature Trust of New Brunswick.
WorkSafeNB Grants Land to Nature Trust of New Brunswick. Above, left to right: Doug Stanley, president and CEO of WorkSafeNB; Ken Hirtle, president of The Nature Trust of New Brunswick; Grand Bay mayor Grace Losier; Hon. Jack Keir, MLA Fundy River Valley; Roberta Dugas, Chairperson, Board of Directors, WorkSafeNB; Ken Hirtle, president of The Nature Trust of New Brunswick.
WorkSafeNB Grants Land to Nature Trust of New Brunswick. Above: Doug Stanley, president and CEO of WorkSafeNB at the MOU signining ceremony granting land behind WorkSafeNB’s Workers’ Rehabilitation Centre to The Nature Trust of New Brunswick.