The Conservation & Stewardship Program, established in 2017, focuses on promoting biodiversity conservation, restoration, and environmental stewardship at protected areas across the Maritimes region of Canada. The program is carried out through a combination of community engagement and hands-on field activities, including longitudinal surveys to assess ecosystem health and the impacts of climate change on various species and habitats. These efforts aim to raise awareness about environmental challenges, provide practical training to future conservation leaders, and contribute to evidence-based biodiversity conservation strategies.
The program’s success is built on strong partnerships with local land conservation organizations. Since the program’s inception, QLF has collaborated closely with the Nature Trust of New Brunswick (NTNB), a charitable land trust which conserves and stewards more than 80 nature preserves, totaling 12,000 acres across New Brunswick. In 2022, the program expanded its reach by partnering with the Nova Scotia Nature Trust (NSNT) and the Island Nature Trust (INT), broadening its impact across diverse ecosystems.
The program primarily focuses its activities on the following areas:
- Biodiversity monitoring; including comprehensive bird surveys as well as macro-invertebrate surveys, which serve as key bioindicators of water quality.
- Habitat management and restoration; including environmental cleanup initiatives to remove harmful debris from natural areas, as well as invasive species surveys and removal efforts.
- Community engagement; including stewardship workshops and youth educational initiatives.
