Welcome to NL’s Newly Elected Municipal Councils and the Progressive Conservative Provincial Government |
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What a time of change! After a whirlwind of a municipal and provincial election cycle, SAM is pleased to extend a warm welcome to all those recently elected across Newfoundland and Labrador. Municipally and Provincially there has been a lot of discussion about our future. To the new and returning Mayors, Town Councilors, and all who are settling into leadership roles within your communities - congratulations! We hope your transition into office has been smooth and energizing, and we look forward to working with each of you as you begin this next chapter of service. As the newly formed councils begin their term, we are excited for the opportunity to work with you to continue strengthening stewardship practices across Newfoundland and Labrador. Your leadership plays a crucial role in protecting the natural spaces that support both wildlife and vibrant, sustainable communities. |
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We also extend congratulations to the province’s newly elected Progressive Conservative Provincial Government - we look forward to continuing our strong relationship and collaborating closely with Premier Wakeham and the Departments involved in Habitat Conservation across our province on conservation, wildlife stewardship, and responsible land-use planning. |
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Recently SAM hosted its 2025 Fall Regional Meetings. and would like to thank the Towns of Pasadena, Harbour Grace and Centreville-Wareham Trinity for being such gracious hosts! These meetings are opportunities for representatives from our member municipalities, invited guests and our partner organizations to share conservation and stewardship success stories and challenges. In total, 22 municipalities and 13 organizations were in attendance across all three meetings. |
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 | | Attendees of the Eastern Fall Regional Meeting in the Town of Harbour Grace, including the Honourable Joedy Wall Progressive Conservative MHA for the District of Cape St. Francis - Minister of Social Supports and Well-Being, Minister of Housing, Minister of Poverty Reduction, Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, and Deputy Government House Leader. |
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Each Fall, SAM holds Regional Meetings across the province to encourage and stimulate conservation conversations within the regions, and to support and facilitate networking amongst regional municipalities and community organizations. Municipalities are able to share their future hopes and dreams for conservation and stewardship in their areas. These meetings are held in each of these regions: Eastern, Central and Western/Northern/Labrador, outside of the larger urban municipalities. |
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It is so valuable to connect in-person and see members face to face during these meetings - the conversations, renewed relationships, and supportive atmosphere were highlights of the season! We appreciated every shared lunch. We look forward to seeing everyone again at the 2026 Annual General Meeting, scheduled to be hosted by a member municipality in the metro St. John’s/surrounding area. |
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In recent months, SAM staff have been actively strengthening our connections across Atlantic Canada’s conservation community! Since our last newsletter, here is what we've been up to: |
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In September, SAM's Outreach Coordinator joined forces with several of our partners to host some fun conservation-focused events for the public! SAM joined Aquatic Conservation Initiative (ACI) to plant trees, flowers, shrubs and other native species along the coast in one of Torbay's Conservation Areas - a total of 291 plants will help promote native species growth, increase biodiversity, prevent trail erosion along the riparian areas and coastline, and provide food for local birds, wildlife and humans! Big thanks to the more than 20 volunteers who showed up to help! SAM also joined Nature Newfoundland and Labrador (Nature NL) in hosting our first ever Cache In, Trash Out Geocaching Clean-up event in Voisey's Brook Park, Portugal Cove-St. Philips. A big thanks to the more than 30 volunteers who showed up to help clean the trails and grab some Geocaches along the way! |
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September also saw SAM's West Coast Biologist, Natalie, head to the Town of York Harbour to celebrate their newly signed Municipal Habitat Conservation Agreement! |
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 | Students and staff from St. James All Grade and community members attended the York Harbour celebration! |
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October was quite the busy month! In early October, SAM's Executive Director Zach travelled to Halifax, Nova Scotia to speak at the Livable Cities Forum at the Halifax Convention Centre. Representing SAM, he delivered a presentation on Municipal Habitat Stewardship in Newfoundland and Labrador, speaking alongside partners from Nature NB, TransCoastal Adaptations, and the School of Climate Change and Adaptation. Zach would like to thank CLIMAtlantic for the invitation - the event provided an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas with like-minded individuals and engage with practitioners across the region who share a strong stewardship ethic and ethos. |
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SAM's East Coast Biologist Willem also had the opportunity to virtually meet with the ECO-STEM youth group from Clarenville High School. The ECO-STEM group is an active environmental club that focuses on green initiatives at their school. Willem and Karleena also participated in a Wetland Education Training Day provided by Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) hosted at The Fluvarium in the City of St. John's. |
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Karleena was also invited to both Brookside Intermediate and Beachy Cove Elementary in the Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philips for some outreach! Brookside has invited SAM back each Fall as their grade 8's work on their water systems module to learn about wetlands, and Beachy Cove's ECO-Cubs program wanted to learn more about the forests that surround their school. |
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At the end of October Natalie and Zach also attended and spoke at Intervale's Forward for Biodiversity and Community; Canadian Nominated Priority Places Project Conference at Dhoon Lodge in Stephenville Crossing. There, they highlighted the accomplishments of SAM within the project area and showcased recent conservation advances. We are grateful to Intervale for the invitation and for the collaborative spirit that made the discussions so meaningful. |
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 | | Natalie and Julia Ball of Intervale planting riparian cuttings on the Little Codroy River |
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Natalie joined Intervale, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), and College of the North Atlantic (CNA) students in the Codroy Valley to support riparian planting efforts on both the Little Codroy River and Broom’s Brook. Even in the midst of a hurricane, our efforts placed over 6,000 cuttings in the ground! Natalie was also pleased to support the Codroy Valley Wetland Centre’s end-of-year celebration, hosted by the Codroy Valley Area Development Association (CVADA). This season’s programming was led by local environmental science student, Leanna Downey, who brought renewed energy and community engagement to the Centre. Reflecting on the event, Leanna shared: “ It was a really informative opportunity to learn about all of the conservation work happening in the area that many of us didn’t know about. The discussions were interesting and inclusive, and I appreciated how everyone’s ideas came together to help shape the best direction moving forward.” |
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 | | Zach with Eric Bennett, Chief of Fish and Wildlife Conservation with Intervale |
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We are already looking ahead and laying the groundwork for 2026! This past year has been one of considerable change and we remain optimistic that SAM and its partners can continue to build on past successes and pursue impactful work across Newfoundland and Labrador. We wish everyone a restful and restorative holiday season - after all of the hard work and accomplishments of the past year, it's take time to relax and recharge! |
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SAM Student Scholarship Applications Open! |
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One pillar of the SAM Environmental Stewardship Award is the Student Scholarship - used to recognize students who have gone above and beyond in their community to support wildlife habitat stewardship, demonstrating an active commitment to conservation in Newfoundland and Labrador through their studies or in their free time. First awarded in 2015, this award is a $1000 scholarship awarded to a student either from or studying in Newfoundland and Labrador whose interests, activities and post-secondary goals are focused on the conservation of habitat in this province. Students can nominate themselves or be nominated by a teacher, peer, community member, etc. The deadline to apply is May 1st, 2026. |
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Celebrating York Harbour! |
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In September, SAM hosted a community celebration to recognize the signing of a new Habitat Conservation Agreement between the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Town of York Harbour - a partnership that helps safeguard one of the region’s treasured natural areas: the York Harbour Lagoon. |
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 | Students and staff from St. James All Grade and community members attended the York Harbour celebration! |
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The celebration was incredibly well attended - students and staff from St. James All Grade, many community members from across the region, and even the local bakery, The Lark Harbour Tilt, who treated us to delicious baked goods! |
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A heartfelt thank you to the Town of York Harbour. This agreement represents a public commitment not only to the local residents, but to the land, water, and wildlife that make the community so special. SAM is excited to continue supporting York Harbour as the town implements this agreement, educates residents and visitors, and continues to celebrate the natural and cultural value of the York Harbour Lagoon. |
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Forward Together for Biodiversity & Community Conference |
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In October, more than 40 participants gathered in Black Duck Siding for the Forward Together for Biodiversity & Community Conference. Attendees included representatives from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Stewardship Association of Municipalities, Qalipu First Nation, Birds Canada, Corner Brook Pulp and Paper, St. George’s Indian Band, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Parks Canada, Flat Bay Band, Town of Stephenville Crossing, and the host organization, Intervale Associates. |
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Left: Small Table Discussion
Right: SAM Executive Director Zach Presenting
(Image Credit: Intervale) |
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Hosted at Dhoon Lodge, the conference featured presentations from nine different organizations, a guided outdoor walk, and a mix of small and large group discussions. The event also showcased custom artwork by local Indigenous artist Matthew Perrier, including a painting and beadwork inspired by key elements of the CNPP project, adding a meaningful Indigenous dimension to the gathering. |
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A Busy Season at the Carmanville Wetlands Interpretation Centre and Nature Trails! |
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From July to November, 12 educational outreach events were held in an effort to engage the local community and get residents involved in conserving the ecosystems and habitats surrounding their hometown. Some of these events included birdhouse painting, arts and crafts, and flower planting for local youth, as well as presentation sessions on wetland conservation, guided trail walks, and a wildlife photography contest for residents of all ages. |
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| Photos from Outreach Events: Birdhouse Painting and Flower Planting |
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The outreach events saw more than 250 attendees! The vast remainder of the season’s nearly 500 visitors were summer tourists, many of whom were Newfoundlanders touring their home province, while others were Come From Aways from other Canadian provinces and other countries! These visitors found great interest in the Interpretation Centre's displays, and provided them with a much appreciated rest stop where travelers could make use of restroom, Wifi, canteen services, and a water refuel station for trailers, along their travels. One common phrase was repeated time and again from visitors who serendipitously decided to stop by: “We didn’t realize this was here, but I’m glad it is. We’ll have to come back again!” |
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Some other projects: During the operating season, water quality testing was performed monthly on several sections of Carmanville Pond to monitor different parameters. Plant and Bird Surveys were also performed to track local vegetation species, as well as identify and monitor local songbird and waterfowl species. New installations to the centre and trail systems included five songbird nesting boxes and four navigational signs added along the trailway, five flower boxes encircling the Interpretation Centre patio, and one map sign placed at the trailhead. These signage additions will increase the navigability of the trails for tourists next season, while the nesting and flower boxes support local songbird and pollinator populations. |
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Supporting Environmental Engagement at Beachy Cove Elementary and Beyond |
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Public outreach and education to youth can help foster a greater sense of habitat stewardship, by shaping future environmental attitudes and behaviours of students across the province. Many educators want to integrate more environmental learning into their classrooms but face barriers such as limited time, resources, or access to expertise. |
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SAM's Outreach Coordinator Karleena recently partnered with Jacqueline Ottenheimer, an educator at Beachy Cove Elementary in the Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philips on their Grade 4 ECO-Cubs program. Ms. Ottenheimer invited Karleena to visit their classroom and to collaborate on future projects with the youth. In November Karleena visited the Grade 4 classes and taught them about the forest that surrounds their school - their teacher is excited to use the natural ecosystem surrounding their school to teach the kids about the environment around them. Students also committed to being STEWARDs of the world around them - pledging to make small changes towards making a big difference! Karleena plans to work with the ECO-Cubs on some more projects over the coming months, so stay tuned in the new year for updates! |
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By working with the ECO-Cubs, SAM hopes to build stronger relationships with educators and communities, increase environmental awareness among youth, and inspire long-term stewardship across the province. The initiative would help foster a generation of environmentally conscious students while expanding SAM’s reach and impact - ultimately contributing to more grassroots environmental projects and a stronger culture of sustainability in our province. If you're interested in more information on SAM's free educational programs, reach out to Karleena at samengagement995@gmail.com. |
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A Creative Way to Tackle the Doldrums of Winter |
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Written by SAM's East Coast Biologist, Willem Peters |
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Winter can have the tendency to invoke an apathetic regard of the world outside of the warm embrace of your cozy home. That threshold of frosty air at the entrance to your abode can act as impregnable barrier sealing you off from the outside world. Certainly, the mental fortitude required to leave your home in January is magnitudes higher compared to the breeze of stepping outside on a warm July day. And we want to assure you that that’s okay! |
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 | Sea ice surrounding Cape Bonavista Lighthouse in the Town of Bonavista(Image Credit: Tom Cochrane) |
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In our previous article on the hibernal season, we made the case for bravely facing the fierce visage of old man winter and sweet talking your way to the soft, pillowy heart underneath his cantankerous exterior. We talked of enjoying the preternatural silence of the forest while gliding effortlessly on cross-country skis. Or of reading the animal tracks like nature’s handwriting written in the snow. It might be more difficult, but winter can still provide similar joys as its more vibrant sibling - it’s just less willing to relinquish it. |
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 | Snowfall in Margaret Bowater Park in the City of Corner Brook(Image Credit: Terry Grimes) |
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For example - there are few things better at dampening the stimulus of this increasingly overstimulated world than the snows of winter. The quietude that the season brings to nature extends to the human domain as well. In winter, plans are less urgent, and schedules are less convoluted. Time is a gift summer locks away behind road trips and work travel. Winter, on the other hand, is generous - with the time provided by the long, dark evenings of winter the mind can recover, art can be digested, and creative inclinations can be pursued. In a season of dormancy, creative projects are finally given a chance to grow! |
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 | Northern Lights ( Aurora Borealis) over Cobb's Pond in the Town of Gander(Image Credit: Jillian Dini) |
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In the spirit of the season, winter is a time for SAM's employees to be creative! This is the season we plan for the upcoming year. Effective conservation requires no small amount of creativity and winter is the perfect time to plan our workshops, write our grant proposals, and envision our conservation projects of the future. Balancing conservation, economic growth, and outdoor recreation in our partner municipalities requires thinking outside the box. SAM plans comprehensively in the winter so we can deliver comprehensive results in the summer. Winter work is different from summer work and that’s a good thing! It prevents either from becoming monotonous. We believe that seasonality is the spice of life! So, the next time winter has got you down, try doing something creative. It just might make the long winter evenings pass by that much quicker! |
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Species of importance found within SAM’s Conservation Areas |
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The American black duck (Anas rubripes) is a large dabbling duck. The drake (male) and hen (female) are similar in appearance and are distinguished only by the colour of their bill - a greenish yellow on the drake and a dull olive green to black on the hen. Both male and female black duck resemble the Mallard hen, but have noticeably darker black-brown body that contrasts with their light brown head. |
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Their head is brown, but is slightly lighter in tone than their darker brown body. Their cheeks and throat are streaked brown, with a dark streak going through the crown and dark eye. They have rounded heads, thick bills, and bulky bodies, and their fleshy orange feet have dark webbing. Like other dabbling ducks they sit high in the water with their tails high, and dabble for food by tipping up to forage instead of diving under. In flight, the white lining of their underwings can be seen in contrast to the blackish underbody and upper-side. The blue-purple speculum patches on their wings lack any white borders. |
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The American black duck is endemic to eastern North America (native to and only found in). In Canada, the range extends from northeastern Saskatchewan to Newfoundland and Labrador. They are generally associated with freshwater and coastal wetlands throughout the region - including brackish marshes, estuaries, rivers, ponds, lakes as well as bogs and swamps in open boreal and mixed hardwood forests. During migration and winter, they rest and forage in protected ponds, marshes, and bays. |
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Frequently the American black duck hybridizes with Mallards. Prior to the 1930’s, the Mallard was a rare visitor to eastern North America, however, the species’ ranges now overlap. In areas where both species are found, the ducks interbreed and compete for resources. Hybrids usually look darker than typical Mallards and may have an intermediate head pattern; also look for white in the tail or curled feathers above the tail to indicate Mallard genes. |
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This species has been identified as a priority for conservation and stewardship in the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture. The American black duck has been spotted throughout the province, both on the island and in Labrador. Sightings have been reported in many of SAM's Member Municipalities including St. John's, Harbour Grace, Whitbourne, Bonavista, New-Wes-Valley, Lewisporte, Springdale, Channel-Port aux Basques, Hawke's Bay, Main Brook, Forteau, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and Labrador City. |
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 | Happy Holidays from SAM! SAM along with other ENGOs of Eastern Newfoundland at the Holiday Luncheon at the Grounds Cafe in Portugal Cove-St. Philips |
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Did you know? You can follow SAM on Social Media! Check us out on Facebook and Instagram @SAM_Stewardship |
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2025 Stewardship AnniversariesWe would like to recognize some significant
Municipal Habitat Stewardship Agreement signing anniversaries.
Congratulations and we look forward to many more years of
conservation and stewardship!
30 years since signed (1995)
Carmanville
Come By Chance
Stephenville Crossing
20 years since signed (2005)
Labrador City
Wabush
15 years since signed (2010)
Burgeo
Cartwright (Table Bay)
10 years since signed (2015)
Bauline
Portugal Cove-St. Philips |
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Do you have a conservation story you would like to see featured in a future newsletter? Send an email with the details to
samengagement995@gmail.com! |
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