New Research at Joggins on Green Crabs!

Check out the research summary below by Amie MacDonald, an Honour’s student at Mount Allison University. Amie’s work is supervised by Drs. Diana Hamilton (MTA) and David Drolet (DFO/MTA) and is also in collaboration with others at DFO and UNB.

The European Green Crab (Carcinus maenas) is an invasive species that has recently been observed on the upper mudflats of the Bay of Fundy. We are conducting a survey on three mudflats and three nearby rocky intertidal areas to assess the current status of the green crab population in this region in such ecosystems, and to determine whether it is an established breeding population. To conduct the surveys, we set out crab-specific traps for 24 hours every two weeks at all six sites (one of which is Joggins). At the end of the 24-hour period, we collect the traps and identify, sex, and measure all captured crabs. We also check females for eggs. Since the green crab is a relatively new arrival to the mudflats, we do not know what effects it will have on the ecosystem, but the potential for serious impact exists because green crabs have negatively affected soft-substrate habitats elsewhere. Through this research, we aim to gain a better understanding of the local green crab population, and to gather data that will aid in the development of management strategies, should they become necessary.

Educational Series #3 - this Saturday!

Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps Program: Supporting Local Projects

July 8, 2013

The Joggins Fossil Institute, in partnership with the River Hebert & Area Garden Club and Clean Nova Scotia are pleased to announce approval of an Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps (NSYCC) project. Funding for this project included providing for employment for two local youth interns this summer.  The two youth interns will be assisting both the Garden Club and the Joggins Fossil Institute on a number of environmental initiatives, including establishing several Pollinator Gardens and contributing to natural landscaping and native vegetation planting  in local public spaces. 

The overarching goal of the Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps project is to contribute to the local environment, but also to provide the participating interns with positive work experiences and to build skills related to working in the environmental field.  According to the RH Garden Club manager Su Morin, the program not only provides a great employment benefit to local youth in an area, where student jobs are scarce, but is a great way of contributing to our local environmental health.  For the Joggins Fossil Institute, this program provides an opportunity to maintain and further develop the natural landscaping initiatives.  The youth interns working at the Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage site will also provide educational programming and conduct community outreach which will lead to a greater appreciation of the natural heritage both past and present.

This project is funded by Clean Nova Scotia.

Rainy day project for our youth interns Zack and Josh as they start planning the Pollinator Garden.