Species Recognition Guide
Welcome to your guide to learning how to identify species at-risk on your farm! This simple guide provides names, descriptions, photos, and other information for a variety of wildlife you may see on your farm. Whether it be fields, barns, or wetlands these species all rely on different parts of the farm for their survival. For more information on what you can do to help species at-risk on your farm visit naturenb.ca/agriculture.
TURTLES
New Brunswick is home to several turtle species that share similar habitats and traits. Turtles are often found in rivers and can be seen in clear, slow-moving streams, stream edges, and wooded areas. Turtles also use agricultural fields for basking and feeding, making them a prominent feature in agricultural landscapes. The COSEWIC rankings for turtles vary from Special Concern to Threatened as they face challenges from loss of habitat, injury from farm equipment and the impacts of climate change.
BANK SWALLOW
The Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia) is a small migratory bird renowned for its distinctive brown and white plumage. These small, agile birds are known for their nesting habits, often excavating burrows in vertical sand or earth banks during the breeding season. With a dark band across their chest and a keen ability to capture flying insects mid-flight, Bank Swallows contribute to ecosystem balance while facing conservation challenges due to habitat loss
BARN SWALLOW
The Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) is a striking and highly recognizable bird with a vibrant blue-black plumage on its upperparts and a distinctive deeply forked tail. Known for its acrobatic flight, the Barn Swallow is often observed swooping and diving gracefully through the air as it catches insects on the wing. Barn Swallows are known for their distinctive cup-shaped mud nests, often built in sheltered locations like barns, sheds, or under eaves. During the breeding season, they lay multiple clutches of eggs, and both parents play active roles in caring for the hatchlings until they fledge.
BOBOLINK
The Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) is a captivating songbird known for its striking black and white plumage during the breeding season. Male Bobolinks sport a black underbelly and white upperparts, creating a visually striking appearance.Bobolinks nest in farm fields in New Brunswick in the spring and summer before embarking on an impressive journey to South America for the winter. Bobolinks have a unique call that sounds robotic, often compared to “R2-D2”
.
BUTTERNUT
The Butternut tree (Juglans cinerea) is a deciduous species renowned for its distinctive compound leaves and rich, buttery-flavored nuts. Recognizable by its gray-brown bark with deep furrows, the Butternut tree thrives in moist, well-drained soils, commonly found along riverbanks and in mixed hardwood forests of New Brunswick. Unfortunately, the Butternut population faces challenges due to the introduction of Butternut canker, a fungal disease, leading to conservation concerns for this valuable native tree species in the region.
MONARCH
The Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is known for its vibrant orange and black wings adorned with intricate patterns. These remarkable butterflies undergo a spectacular long-distance migration, with North American populations traveling thousands of miles to reach overwintering grounds in Mexico.The Monarch's life cycle relies on milkweed as adults lay eggs on these plants which support the caterpillar and pupa stage of this unique butterfly
YELLOW-BANDED BUMBLEBEE
The Yellow-banded Bumblebee (Bombus terricola) are an important pollatinor species. They display a vibrant yellow band across their thorax distinguishing them from other species. These bees nest in underground cavities and abandoned rodent burrows. Known as habitat generalists, these bees feed off a variety of nectaring plants.
FUNDING INFORMATION
The Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP) is a funding to support the environment resiliency of the agricultural landscapes in New Brunswick. This program encourages the adoption of the of Ecological Goods and Services (EG&S) and Beneficial Managenent Practices (BMPs). The Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP) will primarily use an acreage-based payment approach and some activities will have multi-year agreements in place. Projects must provide incremental ecological goods and services benefits.
The RALP funding focuses on
Reduced Tillage- An agricultural management approach that reduces tillage frequency and intensity to promote economic and environmental benefits.Reduced tillage improves soil and water quality, sequesters carbon, adapts to climate change, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.Increased crop yields result from moisture conservation, reduced erosion, and better soil organic matter management.
Eligible reduced tillage practices receive a 50% cost share up to $30,000.
Ponds-Establishment or expansion of existing reservoirs or ponds to benefit water retention, climate change adaptation, water quality and quantity, and biodiversity.
Eligible expenses include new pond construction, reservoir/pond/liner expansion (incremental volume), and pump and mainline for water delivery to the field. 75% of eligible expenses up to $30,000 per project.
Wetlands-Wetlands restoration and construction are funded by Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC). DUC delivers this program element.
Eligible expenses can be up to 100% of $30,000 per project. Applicants must sign a contract and a Land Use Agreement with DUC for approval.
Pollinator-friendly habitats support climate change adaptation, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity. They attract beneficial insects and host plants for natural pest management. Establishing pollinator strips or perennial cover for these habitats requires an initial investment.
Eligible habitats must be at least 0.2 ha (0.5 acres) up to 8 ha (20 acres).
Conversion of marginal and high-risk annual cropland- To convert annual marginal or high-risk cropland (over 10% slope) to permanent grassland or trees, applicants must provide evidence of high risk or marginal quality.
Establishment costs must be 100% and up to $1,500 per acre.
Creation or widening of riparian buffers in agricultural fields adjacent to water bodies-Riparian buffers, areas of native or planted vegetation near water bodies, support climate change adaptation, carbon sequestration, water quality, and biodiversity.
Establishment costs are 100% up to $1,500 per acre, with an annual fee of up to $500 per acre for the approved period specified in the Letter of Offer.
Shelterbelts- Shelterbelts safeguard your land from wind erosion, trap snow, enhance microclimates, and support wildlife.
You can receive 100% of establishment costs up to $1,500 per acre, plus an additional $500 per acre per year for the approved period. Crown Land projects must exceed basic lease and management plan requirements to be eligible.
Species at Risk Support-Protecting endangered species and biodiversity supports healthy ecosystems.
Eligible expenses include infrastructure, crop management changes, and alternate grazing. Financial assistance covers up to 100% of establishment costs ($1,500/acre) and $1,000/acre annually during the approved period. Applicants must express interest in on-farm species at risk stewardship projects.
Strip Planting for Erosion Control-Removing perennial cover helps create grassed waterways, terraces, and berms to control erosion. These waterways safely carry surface water, support biodiversity, and reduce runoff.
Eligible expenses include seeding, earthwork, erosion control materials, and engineering design. Financial assistance covers 100% of establishment costs up to $200/acre, plus $100/acre annually during the approved period.
Enhanced Riparian area-Proper grazing management near water bodies requires timing and limiting cattle in riparian areas. Fencing is crucial for erosion control and water quality improvement.
Eligible expenses include livestock fencing and remote watering systems. You can receive 100% of establishment costs up to $20,000.
Increasing Legumes in Pasture or Hay-Legumes offer environmental benefits, such as nitrogen fixation, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions and synthetic fertilizer use.
Eligible expenses include planting costs for recommended certified or common seed (non-invasive species) from registered dealers. Financial assistance covers 100% of establishment costs.
Permitted claimants are: farmers, Indigenous producers/organizations, producer associations, and approved delivery agents. Land must be privately owned farmland, Indigenous lands, or Crown Land that is accessible to the applicant under a valid, written, long-term lease agreement to manage the land for agricultural production for at least fiver years. Claimants must have a valid Environmental Farm Plan certificate and comply with all the accurate environmental regulation standards. Maximum level of assitance may cover up to 100% of eligible expenses, with a maximum of $100,000 for individuals and $150,000 for agricultural producer associations over the life of the program.
In order to apply, claimants are required to discuss applications with appropriate Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries staff ( Business Growth Officer, Development Officer or Specialist) before applying. Pre-approval applications are reviewed on a first-come first-served basis starting from April 1, 2024. A RALP coordinator will get in touch with claimants to affirm the eligibility and send the full application form. The deadline to submit claims for approved projects is February 28 of the same fiscal year.