Ducks Unlimited (Canada) Conservation Centre

Blue Heron, Cr: Chris Benson

About

Corbett Brook Marsh is located in the University of New Brunswick (UNB) Woodlot. This wetland site is a cooperative undertaking between Ducks Unlimited Canada, the University of New Brunswick and the Forestry Ranger School of New Brunswick. The main trail is groomed and is ideal for cycling, jogging or walking. Built in 1984, this marsh covers a 9 acre area and has a floating boardwalk from which to observe wildlife.

Number of staff: 10

Overall aims of the centre

1. The primary function of the centre was intended for staff offices for development and implementation of wetland habitat conservation activities in New Brunswick and the coordination of DUC fundraising programs for Atlantic Canada. This includes the maintenance; inspection and operation of nearly 400 DUC projects impacting 50,000 acres in New Brunswick.

2. The secondary function was for the Centre to develop and implement educational programs aimed at school children. This program led to the development of the first operational Project Webfoot Program in Canada.

Snowy visitor

3. The Centre was to act as an information centre to better inform the general public about the benefits of wetlands to wildlife and people. This public function was to include opportunities for the public to visit the Conservation Centre to view interpretive displays and pick up information regarding Ducks Unlimited Canada and our role in wetland conservation. The building was to be available for bookings of meeting for other conservation groups, agencies and DUC partners based on space and availability.
Description of the centre

The centre was set up in 1997 and has had 10,000 visitor centres since that time. It also acts as a meeting space for local people to use.

A display room provides materials on the importance of wetlands, incorporating an interactive exhibit, a DVD show, and an updatable static glass case display.

Other interpretation includes ‘Frogs of New Brunswick’, touch boxes with natural objects hidden inside, the ‘cafe du marsh (a

Fredericton beaver lodge display

freshwater aquarium demonstrating food webs) and ‘marsh monsters’, a live display of aquatic invertebrates under the microscope.

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Work Areas

Main CEPA work areas

The numerous “Wetlands eDUCation Programs” held at our Conservation Centre and at local wetlands benefit both youth and wetlands alike. We have

Snow geese, Cr Chris Benson

programs from preschool to grade 12 which are linked to the school curriculum to help teachers reach curriculum outcomes. We also run training programs for teachers.

We offer interactive programs to local groups such as Scouts Canada and child care operators. All our Wetland eDUCation Programs aim to educate the public on the values of wetlands and their relation to people.

We attain this goal through the discussion of wetland conservation and DUC’s role and the role people play in helping to support viable wetland conservation.

Our role in our community is ever expanding. As our climate and environment change, so must we.

Our programs are under constant review to ensure the most up-to-date information is provided and that current issues are being represented through our displays and Wetland eDUCation Programs.

It is our hope that we can send a positive message to our community for the conservation of wetlands and associated habitats for many years to come.

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Expertise

The main trail is groomed and is ideal for cycling, jogging or walking.

Built in 1984, this marsh covers a 9 acre area and has a floating boardwalk from which to observe wildlife.

Frequented species include Great Blue Heron, American Bittern, Red-winged Blackbird, Tree Swallows, Ring-necked Duck, Hooded Mergansers, American Widgeon, American Black Duck and Mallards.

In addition, Corbett Brook serves as an ideal location for the delivery of Ducks Unlimited Canada’s Grade 4 education program “Project Webfoot” in the Greater Fredericton Area.

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