News Release

FREDERICTON (CNB) – A year of celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the Nature Trust of New Brunswick was launched by Lt.-Gov. Graydon Nicholas, honorary patron of the organization.

A highlight of the anniversary, celebrated at Government House, was the announcement of the creation of The Lieutenant-Governor's Award for Outstanding Land Conservation Efforts in New Brunswick.

Nicholas called for nominations to recognize individuals or organizations that have contributed to land conservation. He will present the award as the anniversary comes to a close in October 2012.

"I am delighted to partner with the Nature Trust of New Brunswick on this award," said Nicholas. "The Nature Trust of New Brunswick is dedicated to identifying, promoting, protecting and maintaining the province's finest remaining ecological landscapes."

The anniversary will be celebrated with events marking the contributions of the many partners that have worked with the nature trust as well as the successes achieved since the organization was established in 1987.

Partnership and collaboration are the themes of the year's celebrations. Nicholas hoped the nature trust will encourage individuals, groups and organizations to work together and with it to promote a healthy and vibrant environment.

The nature trust acquires and stewards a system of nature preserves representing a diversity of ecosystems, and it promotes respect for and knowledge of New Brunswickers’ natural surroundings. The nature trust manages 32 properties, totalling more than 2,000 hectares (5,000 acres) of important and diverse habitat.