July 19, 2019

Irving Eco-Centre: La dune de Bouctouche and the Irving Nature Park in Saint John were developed by J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) to preserve unique ecosystems for the public to enjoy.  Both sites provide fully funded, hands-on learning programs in nature’s outdoor classroom.  A favorite with Trip Advisor, both parks have welcomed over 5 million visitors and last year provided ecosystem experiences to over 5500 students.  Something to celebrate!

 

Check out the calendar of activities below and follow the parks on Facebook.

 

THE IRVING ECO-CENTRE – LA DUNE DE BOUCTOUCHE

 

Irving Eco-Centre: La dune de Bouctouche was developed by J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) to preserve and restore one of the few remaining great sand dunes (12 km long) on the northeastern coastline of North America. 

Located on the Northumberland Strait of New Brunswick, just minutes north of the town of Bouctouche, the dune offers a blend of recreational opportunities and learning experiences for anyone who wants to enjoy its special beauty.

May 20^st  to June 23^th, the Information and Interpretation Centres will open daily  from 10am to 5:00pm

June 24^th to September 2^nd, the Information Centre and the Interpretation Centre will open daily from 10a.m. to 6p.m.

September 3^rd   to October 6^th, the Information and Interpretation Centres will open daily   from 10am to 5:00pm

Irving Eco-Centre features:

• A sand dune stretching 12 km (7.5 miles) across Bouctouche Bay
• A 800m (1/2 miles) boardwalk with ramps and stairs to the beach
• Interpretive displays and public tours
• Free interactive educational programs
• Electric vehicle tours are available to accommodate persons with disabilities
• On site BBQ is available
• Special events to be announced seasonally

 

THE IRVING NATURE PARK – SAINT JOHN

 

Just minutes from the city of Saint John is an oasis of forest and marsh, beaches and trails. This attraction contains no less than six different ecosystems within the 243-ha (600- acre) site with a diversity of flora and fauna.

There are 11 km (7 mi.) of rugged Bay of Fundy coastline. The park was created to protect this fragile area yet allow the public to come and learn about it. Park staff members offer free guided tours.

The geological history of this area is fascinating. It contains the pre-glacial outlet of the Saint John River, as well as marine clay containing 13,000 year-old clam shells.

There are eight different walking trails of varying lengths, as well as a roadway that encircles the park. This allows those who are less mobile the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this area.

A boardwalk that extends into the salt marsh is ideal for birdwatching. You can watch the harbour seals diving for food or sunning on the rocks from the Seal Observation deck.

The park’s highest point is the Lookout Tower. Using binoculars mounted on-site, admire the breathtaking 360° view of the land and sea above the treetops.

Enjoy the picnic areas, some with propane barbecues.

There is a great children’s play park with new equipment for summer 2019.  Come enjoy the playground and two cedar hedge mazes. Excellent for children of all ages!

There is now a second zip line and new equipment that includes a teeter-totter, percussion musical instruments, a short swinging bridge and more swings.  Enjoy!

New zip line being installed.

SUMMER 2019 CALENDAR

THE IRVING NATURE PARK – SAINT JOHN

Build a Bee House

Sunday, July 21 at 2pm 

Many species of bee, one of the world’s most recognized pollinators, are declining at an alarming rate. One of the main causes of this decrease in population numbers is habitat loss. Together, let’s work to support bee populations by building bee houses so these important pollinators can thrive. The shelters built will house Mason bees, a solitary species of bee which is quite calm and not quick to sting. Please join us in the grassy field near the Sheldon Point trailhead at 2pm on Sunday, July 21st, where we will be making the bee houses and learning more about these wonderful creatures!

**REGISTRATION REQUIRED!**

 

Orienteering 101 
Sunday, July 28 at 2 pm

Meet at the Interpretive Shelter. In this program we will be taking you off the beaten path and into the wilderness of the Irving Nature Park to hone your navigation skills. We will begin by teaching participants how to use a map and compass before sending you on a scavenger hunt to collect clues and puzzle pieces on endangered species in our area. Be prepared to spend up to 3 hours hiking through the wilderness! 

 

All About Ecosystems!
Sunday, August 4 at 2 pm 

Come out on Sunday to learn all about the different ecosystems within the park. We will be meeting at the main gates for a few ecosystem games, followed by a short hike through the Squirrel Trail. Following this we will stop at the Interpretive Shelter, where we will be making our very own miniature ecosystems. Please be advised that this activity will involve dirt, so come dressed appropriately!

 

 

THE IRVING ECO-CENTRE - LA DUNE DE BOUCTOUCHE

Every Wednesday Morning in July and August

8:30am to 9:30am                            

“Yoga at the Beach”

What a better way to start your day by doing an hour of yoga on the beach.  Bring a mat or a towel and join Brigitte, a local Yoga instructor every Wednesdays morning of July and August.

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

1:00pm                 

“Mini-walk”- Spend half an hour with an interpreter on the boardwalk to learn more about the dune and its ecosystem (bilingual)

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday

1:30pm to 3:00pm      

“Nature Exhibit Program”– Outside near the Information Centre – A different theme every day (bilingual)

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

9:30am to 11:30am    

“Electric vehicle tour on the boardwalk” (for the physically challenged).  Enjoy a leisurely ride on our electric vehicle while learning about the dune’s ecology, and migratory endangered birds. Call ahead for        reservation (bilingual).

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

3:30pm

“Mini-walk”- Spend half an hour with an interpreter on the boardwalk to learn more about the dune and its ecosystem (bilingual)

Wednesdays

9:30am to 11:30am -  “Découvrons/Discover la Dune” for children between 7 and 11 years.  Spend the morning in nature discovery mode. Parents must register their child each week for this activity: first come first serve (bilingual)

Thursdays

9:00am to 10:30am    -    “Electric vehicle tour on the boardwalk”

1:30pm to 3:00pm  -    “Endangered Piping Plover and their shorebird cousin”

Exhibit outside near the Information Centre (bilingual) Research Team

Or    “Nature Exhibit Program”

Fridays

2:00pm to 3:00pm  - 

“Roving Interpreter” An interpreter will be roving all over the site to answer your questions and to point out interesting facts about the Dune ecosystem (bilingual)

Saturdays

1:30pm to 3:00pm    “ Nature Exhibit Program”

2:00pm     “Explore and create” spent a fun family afternoon doing nature craft with the Dune staffs. Registration is needed as we have a limit of 15 participants. 

July 5^th,  July 19^th, August 2^nd  at 6:30pm

Music on the beach with local artist (bilingual). Enjoy a delightful evening with the whole family!  Come and live an amazing experience with live music by a local artist on the beach around a fire pit.

July 10^th at 3:00pm

“Aquaculture in the Bouctouche Bay”

Farmed oysters are a valuable industry in the Bouctouche Bay. Come and join us to learn more about the new method fishermen use to accelerate the growth rate of the oysters.

Tuesday, July 16^th at 3:00pm, Wednesday July 31^st at 2:00pm, Wednesday August 14^th at 3:00pm

 Shell-fishing is Fun (bilingual)

This family activity will help young and old discover how people in the Bouctouche area fish for bar clams, soft shell clams and razor clams. How they are harvested, cooked and preserved by locals including ways to served them. 

August 13^th at 6:30pm

‘’P`tit François des bois vient à la Dune’’ 

P’tit François des bois nous rend visite à la Dune le mardi 13 août et se fera un plaisir de prendre un café avec vous.  Rosesmallwood sera-t-elle là?

August 16th at 6:00pm 

“Molluscs at the Dune”

During the Bouctouche Molluscs Festival and Acadian Congress 2019 in Bouctouche, the Irving Eco-Centre staff invite you for an evening discovering how Acadians living along the coast fish and prepare various shellfish of the region. You will also have a chance to taste some of them. Music on the beach will follow with a local artist

August

‘’Kite Flying Demonstration” 

A family fun afternoon to enjoy a stunning display of kites.

Sunday, September 22nd

“Walk the Full Dune” 

The Full Dune Walk is a community outdoor challenge that consists of hiking the full 12km length of the Bouctouche sand spit.  Boat pick-up from tip of the dune is provided. Pre-registration is required as of September 1^st.