About 25 interested people attended the first official meeting of the ‘Friends of Blueberry Hill’. This is a local group formed to support the Nature Trust of New Brunswick in it’s acquisition of a 50 acre nature preserve on property behind the Workers Compensation Building. This land has been offered to the Nature Trust by WorkSafeNB but it hasn’t been accepted yet because of concerns about two aging culverts on the property. They’ll eventually have to be replaced and until this issue is resolved the Nature Trust can’t assume the liability.

Various options were discussed at the meeting. The Nature Trust has applied for federal funding to assist in the removal of the culverts. Ducks Unlimited may also play a part in returning the wetland to its natural state. Once complete the plan is to then build a walking bridge over Henderson Brook to gain access to the property and trails.

Much of the meeting focused on fundraising ideas for the Stewardship Fund. Every Nature Trust property requires a fund of about $35,000 set aside to look after the property in the years ahead. A fundraising committee was formed and will be approaching businesses, individuals and organizations asking for financial support for the stewardship of the property. Other fundraising options and sources were also discussed.

Renata Woodward of the Nature Trust & Mike Bonga of Friends of Blueberry Hill

The Nature Trust is making a presentation on the project to Saint John City Council in January and is asking as many of the ‘Friends of Blueberry Hill’ as possible to attend.