NATURE
MONCTON INFORMATION LINE, November 20, 2019 (Wednesday)
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Edited by: Nelson Poirier nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com
Info Line # 506-384-6397 (384-NEWS)
** A big thank you to Alyre Chiasson
for presenting to a keen Nature Moncton audience on Tuesday evening about some
of the approximately 53 species of fish that live below the undersurface of our
freshwater lakes and rivers that we just don’t get to meet … and for what time
was allowed get to know their unique life style from the huge STURGEON that has
changed little since the time that they swam with the dinosaurs to the smaller,
numerous MINNOW species that we have in New Brunswick. Alyre pointed out how
important all these fish are to other, larger fish as a food source and also as
a very crucial food source for some of our bird and mammal species. Some travel
incredible distances like our shorebirds do to propagate while others live
their whole life in a very small space. Lots of fascinating information of
great interest to naturalists to better appreciate Mother Nature’s world right
in the areas where we so often sleuth.
** Our next Nature Moncton adventure
field trip takes place this coming Saturday, November 23, with a visit to the
Irving Research Facility and Tree Nursery in Sussex. This visit will open a lot
of eyes seeing firsthand the ground breaking research taking place in this
facility that we drive by so frequently while not being aware of what is
happening there but that will affect the future here in New Brunswick and elsewhere.
The writeup is attached below and take note of each of the subjects that we
will be exposed to. We will meet at the north/east corner of the Moncton
Coliseum parking lot at 11:45 am for a 12:00 noon carpool and departure. Susan
Atkinson has a van that can accommodate several.
If travelling to the site directly take
exit 195 off the Trans-Canada Highway at Sussex, then turn right just past the
Irving station on to Wheeler Rd., taking it all the way to the end, then turn
left onto Aiton Rd. which takes you right to the brick research facility and
tree nursery (at civic number 181), both of which we will visit. The host will
be Andrew McCartney who is head of the research area and will lead to the
nursery facility. Andrew is very enthusiastic about his work. He has lined up
Kelly Honeyman, the Irving full time staff naturalist, to give an overview
first on the day’s agenda.
Brian Stone has attached a map that may
be helpful as well.
Nature Moncton field trip
Saturday, November 23, 2019
Irving Research Centre and Tree
Nursery in Sussex
Leaders: Andrew McCartney and Kelly
Honeyman, JD Irving naturalist
This tree
nursery and research facility is a site we often drive by but few of us realize
the significance of the research being done there and how it affects us all now
and in the future.
This is an
opportunity to witness some of the state of the art projects underway and being
tested.
A few of the
subjects that will be introduced to participants:
-Auto
acoustic recording devices to collect information on species of birds breeding
in an area
-Deer and
Moose studies
-Identifying
fungi that may biologically control spruce bloodworm
-Vertical
agriculture-(raising agricultural crops in layers within a building using LED
light spectrums)
-Developing
trees that can mature in 32 to 35 years instead of 60 to 80 years
-Salmon and
trout hatchery
-Microscopic
look at tree seed embryos
-Use of
biological controls to reduce pesticide use
-And more…………
Meet at
11:45 AM at the Moncton Coliseum parking area to be at the research site in
Sussex by 1:00 p.m.
As always all are welcome, Nature
Moncton member or not. Rumors of a social get together of participants over
supper after at nearby JJ’s Diner are in the air, to be decided on the spot.
**Aldo Dorio took more photos of the
SNOW BUNTINGS that are enjoying their stay at Hay Island as well as a group of
Canada Geese seeming in no rush to migrate southerly yet. Note the Snow Buntings
are still in their more drab non-breeding plumage
Nelson Poirier,
Nature Moncton
CANADA GEESE. NOV 20, 2019. ALDO DORIO
SNOW BUNTINGS. NOV 20, 2019. ALDO DORIO
Irving Research and Tree Nursery Map
