Initiated by the Pays de Cocagne Sustainable Development Group, the “Ecological Landscaping at the Cocagne Community Centre” aims at restoring the natural environment at the Cocagne community centre, and raising awareness in the community of Cocagne with regards to ecological landscaping and rehabilitation, in order to ensure the health of the wetlands and aquatic ecosystems.
Initiated by the Pays de Cocagne Sustainable Development Group, the “Ecological Landscaping at the Cocagne Community Centre” aims at restoring the natural environment at the Cocagne community centre and raising awareness in the community of Cocagne with regards to ecological landscaping and rehabilitation, in order to ensure the health of the wetlands and aquatic ecosystems.
Located on the north shore of the Cocagne River and the Cocagne harbour, the Community Centre is of capital importance for the residents of Cocagne. It consists of several recreation buildings that make it a meeting place for the residents of Cocagne. As part of a survey conducted by the PCSDG among the local population, the Cocagne Community Centre was in fact designated by respondents as being an important meeting place for the residents.
The Cocagne community centre is located, in part, on the marsh that was filled to host it. This resulted in the loss of the marsh between 1974 and 2012 (see figure below).
The Cocagne community centre is located, in part, on the marsh that was filled to host it. This resulted in the loss of the marsh between 1974 and 2012 (see figure below).
The Importance of Wetlands and their Conservation
Wetlands are natural areas flooded permanently or temporarily. There are several types of wetlands: marshes, swamps, bogs and shallow waters. Wetlands are among the richest and most productive ecosystems in the world. Natural systems such as wetlands provide a range of ecological services. Historically neglected by the human colonizers, wetlands have undergone strong anthropogenic pressures. It is only recently that humans have realised the importance of preserving these natural systems.
Numerous are the services offered by wetlands:
- They are important habitats for an important number of species of plants, birds, fish, reptiles, invertebrates and mammals. They provide food, shelter and areas for resting and breeding.
- They improve water quality by filtering water runoff of sediments, nutrients and the chemicals it contains before it flows into water courses.
- Wetlands reduce the impacts of flooding by acting as retention ponds and reducing the amount of water that reaches land.
- Wetlands play a supervisory role on erosion. The vegetation of these natural environments sets soils and stabilises them. Also, by trapping sediments, wetlands reduce the thrust effect on erosion of materials.
- They act as recharger and discharger of groundwater and thus are an essential component of the water cycle.
Being a place where the community gathers, the health of the ecosystems found at the Community Centre and the surrounding areas greatly contributes to the wellbeing of the residents of Cocagne. The area is the ideal place for an ecological landscaping project that would demonstrate to a great number of citizens the importance of ecological landscaping and the natural restoring of waterfront zones. The “Ecological Landscaping at the Cocagne Community Centre” project, therefore, demonstrates and informs on the importance of ecological landscaping for natural habitats. It deals mainly with the health of fauna and flora on the site of the community centre while focusing on the restoration of shoreline areas by reintroducing indigenous plants ideal for humid areas. Waterfront landscaping helps improve habitats for aquatic fauna by reducing the levels of nutrients and sedimentation leading into the water, and by diminishing eutrophication.
A video on the importance of wetlands and their conservation at the Cocagne Community Centre is available on the PCSDG YouTube page.
Ecological Action
The Cocagne Community Centre is an important meeting place for the residents of Cocagne. The health of natural areas contributes to the wellbeing of the residents and the fauna who frequent the site. It is an ideal place for a sustainable development project that demonstrates the importance of finding a balance between recreational use and ecosystem health. The “Ecological Landscaping at the Cocagne Community Centre” project demonstrates restoration techniques to bring back natural habitats in 3 distinct areas.
Vegetated breakwater
By planting native shrubs (ex. holly and bayberry) and grasses (spartina) that can tolerate coastal conditions such as wind and sea spray, our restoration efforts will help prevent soil erosion on the breakwater. By preserving a natural border of wild plants and guiding access to the beach, we are helping to preserve the natural features along the river shoreline. A plover nested along the high bank near the beach that was created by the addition of the breakwater.
Reforestation
With the help of community volunteers, we planted a variety of native trees that are tolerant to damp conditions (cedar, maple) in the low-lying areas of the once wooded area. By planting native trees we are creating shelter for birds and insects. During a community worker bee, which included the mayor and two councilors from the Communauté Rurale de Cocagne, we created a rest spot near the arena in an area where large maple trees were dying. We cut these back and created nooks and gashes in the standing timbers to create hollows in which birds can nest. We planted native shrubs for shelter and food for birds (highbush cranberry and serviceberry.)
Naturalised ditch
We are conserving a natural border of 10 meters along the ditch by not mowing the grass, which will help to control sedimentation while providing habitat for butterflies and other pollinating insects. In partnership with the South-East Anglers Association, we planted over 40 native shrubs (ex. red osier dogwood, roses) next to the ditch, to enhance the diversity of flora and attract fauna to the site. Thanks to the investigative work of one of our trusted volunteers Louis-Emile Cormier, two rare species of NB wildflowers (Nodding Ladies Tresses and Slender False Foxglove; comm. David Mazzerole) are growing in these newly naturalized areas.
