The approach called "Living Shorelines" helps protect coastal and riparian lands against climate change. Most work is done manually with as little mechanical intervention as possible. The approach is used in lieu of, or in conjunction with, protective walls, rip rap, or other fixed structures to protect our riparian and coastal areas from erosion.
The GDDPC assisted in the hands-on workshop undertaken by Rosmarie Lohnes of Helping Nature Heal. This Nova Scotia entrepreneur uses materials from nature, advanced science and ecosystem restoration techniques to restore vegetation and stabilize coastlines.
The objective of the workshops is to share Living shorelines methods in the province of New Brunswick, specifically to organizations and individuals working in the environmental sector. By participating in the workshop, landowners and watershed groups learn more about this approach, which represents an environmentally friendly alternative or additive to fixed structures or riprap.
Watch the video, prepared by the Shediac Bay Watershed Association describing the approaches and practical work undertaken during the workshop, on the PCSDG YouTube page.
Living Shorelines in Cocagne
Rosmarie Lohnes visited several sites in Cocagne to advise on methods of naturalizing the banks to control erosion. An overview of the sites visited and the advice given shows the relevance of the various methods offered by the Living Shorelines approach. A video of Rosmarie explaining the work already undertaken by local residents is available on the PCSDG YouTube page.
By offering a solution that imitates nature, we encourage the conservation of a natural environment, the maintenance of the local ecosystem and its biodiversity. More generally, with this approach, we maintain the coastal and riparian landscapes of New Brunswick which constitute an irreplaceable environmental, social and economic wealth.
Living Shorelines in 2021
Collaboration among several organizations on the east coast of New Brunswick has ensured the success of the Living Shorelines programme in Cocagne.
More than 40 people participated in the Living Shorelines workshop on August 26 at the Cocagne Community Park who put more than 250 hours collectively towards the restoration project and contributed to the planting of more than 600 plants, representing more than 30 different varieties of trees, shrubs and perennials. About 1000 m2 of habitat have been restored. More information is available on our News page.
An educational video demonstrating the Living Coasts restoration process has been edited and featured on the GDDPC YouTube channel.
A poster demonstrating the various restoration techniques applied to restore several natural areas was designed and printed.
The Living Shorelines project at the Cocagne Community Park has won a Greener Greenspaces recognition award from The Society of Urban Landcare.
Through workshops, visits and communication tools, the project will help citizens of the Cocagne watershed build the capacity to adapt to climate change through the restoration of coastal environments.
Report 2021: Living shorelines in the Cocagne watershed (in French).
Living Shorelines in 2022
The Living Shorelines project in the Cocagne watershed relates to climate change adaptation by encouraging the natural restoration of coastal areas. Adding nature-based structures and choosing native plants reduces sedimentation from storm water runoff, while helping to protect the coast from erosion. With the cooperation of the Rural Community of Cocagne, we are continuing the restoration of a site at the Cocagne Community Park to demonstrate the importance of conserving coastal habitats. The Community Park is recognized as an important site for migrating and wintering birds, either as a nesting place, or a resting area.
In 2022, knowledge-sharing workshops were held in conjunction with maintenance works in accordance with the measures recommended by Helping Nature Heal during the 2021 Living Shorelines project. We have extended the naturalization of the rock wall to reach along the playground. Three workshops were held as part of the restoration project, on June 28, August 23 and October 20, 2022. Approximately 40 participants put in over 240 hours collectively towards the restoration activities. They contributed to the planting of more than 400 plants representing more than 15 varieties on a site measuring approximately 250 square meters.
The project was carried out in collaboration with environmental organizations in southeastern New Brunswick, in particular the Shediac Bay Watershed Association and Vision H2O of Cap-Pelé.
Project Report 2022 (in French)
Acknowledgements
This initiative is made possible through the New Brunswick Environmental Trust Fund, New Brunswick Wildlife Trust Fund, Nature NB and several partners.
This initiative is made possible through the New Brunswick Environmental Trust Fund, New Brunswick Wildlife Trust Fund, Nature NB and several partners.
