Stewardship Association of Municipalities Inc

06/19/2026

Habitat Spotlight: Limestone Barrens! 🌿

At first glance, the Limestone Barrens may appear harsh and barren - but these unique landscapes support an incredible diversity of life. 🌱

Found primarily along Newfoundland's west coast and Northern Peninsula, Limestone Barrens are characterized by thin soils, exposed limestone bedrock, and specialized plants adapted to challenging growing conditions. Because these habitats are so unique, they are home to a number of rare plants found nowhere else in the world, making them one of the province's biodiversity hotspots. 🪻

Limestone Barrens also provide important habitat for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. However, their fragile soils and specialized plant communities can be easily disturbed, making stewardship and conservation efforts especially important. 🥾

Next time you're exploring Western/Northern Newfoundland, take a closer look - you may be standing in one of Canada's most unique ecosystems! 🔎

06/18/2026

We’re happy to support the efforts in keeping the Grand Codroy Estuary pristine for generations to come!

The Grand Codroy Estuary, ’s sole Ramsar Site, is one of the province’s most significant coastal estuaries. It supports over 100 bird species, including Canada Geese and Black Ducks. 🐦‍⬛

Learn about Canada’s 37 Wetlands of International Importance: https://ow.ly/1wws50Z9YxZ

Photo: Government of Newfoundland, Wildlife Division



The Convention on Wetlands

06/18/2026

Native Wetland Plant Spotlight: Purple Pitcher Plant! 🌱

Did you know NL's provincial flower is also a carnivorous plant? 🌷

The Purple Pitcher Plant is commonly found in bogs and peatlands throughout the province. While these wetlands are rich in water, they are often low in nutrients. To survive, the Pitcher Plant has developed a unique adaptation: its leaves form tube-shaped "pitchers" that collect rainwater and trap insects. As the insects break down, the plant absorbs nutrients that would otherwise be difficult to obtain from the nutrient-poor bog soils. 🐜

Beyond their fascinating feeding strategy, Pitcher Plants are an important part of wetland ecosystems, providing habitat for insects and contributing to the incredible biodiversity found in bogs and peatlands. 🌿

Next time you're exploring a bog or wetland, keep an eye out for this remarkable native plant!

06/17/2026

Conservation Myth vs. Fact 🔍

❌ MYTH: Dead trees should always be removed.

✅ FACT: Dead trees, also known as Snags, provide important habitat for birds, bats, insects, and other wildlife - such as this House Sparrow! Many species rely on cavities in dead trees for nesting, roosting, and shelter.

When safe to do so, retaining some dead trees can help support local biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.

06/16/2026

June 16th is World Sea Turtle Day! 🐢

Did you know the world's largest sea turtle visits NL waters each summer? 🌊

The Leatherback Sea Turtle can grow to over 2 metres in length and weigh more than 900 kilograms. Despite their massive size, these gentle giants feed primarily on jellyfish and travel thousands of kms each year from nesting beaches in the Caribbean and South America to feeding areas in Atlantic Canada, including the waters surrounding NL. 🌎

Unfortunately, Leatherbacks face a number of threats, including entanglement in fishing gear, marine debris, vessel strikes, and climate change. Fortunately, organizations like the Whale Release and Strandings Group play a vital role in responding to entangled and stranded marine animals, including Leatherback Sea Turtles. Their work helps rescue wildlife, collect valuable scientific information, and raise awareness about marine conservation throughout the province. 🎣

This World Sea Turtle Day, we celebrate these remarkable travelers and the dedicated people working to protect them. 🐢

06/15/2026

What Lives in a Wetland? 🌿🦆

Wetlands are among the most important habitats in NL, supporting an incredible diversity of life. From American Black Ducks and Wilson's Snipes to Green Frogs, Tree Swallows, dragonflies, fish, and native plants, countless species depend on healthy wetlands for food, shelter, nesting, and breeding habitat. 🦫

Beyond supporting wildlife, wetlands provide important benefits for people too. They help improve water quality, reduce flooding, store carbon, and build resilience to a changing climate. Whether it's a marsh, bog, fen, pond, or estuary, every wetland plays an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and communities. 🐸

Swipe through to meet just a few of the species that call NL's wetlands home. Which of these have you spotted before? Let us know in the comments! 👇

06/12/2026

Thank you to the Town of Torbay for hosting SAM's 2026 Spring AGM on May 30th. We would also like to thank everyone who attended the Meet & Greet held the evening before at the Capital Hotel, which provided an excellent opportunity for municipal representatives, partners, and guests to reconnect, share updates, and discuss ongoing conservation initiatives from across the province. We also enjoyed some wonderful food and some fun nature-themed trivia!

Our bi-annual meetings continue to be an important opportunity for representatives from member municipalities, invited guests, and partner organizations to come together to discuss conservation successes, challenges, and opportunities. These gatherings help strengthen relationships, encourage collaboration, and provide a forum for communities to learn from one another's experiences in habitat stewardship and environmental conservation.

Following the AGM, attendees enjoyed a visit to the Torbay History House, where they had the opportunity to learn more about the rich history and heritage of the community. We extend our sincere thanks to the Town of Torbay for their hospitality and for helping make the event a success, Lorina’s Restaurant for the delicious lunch, and Saint Nicholas Anglican Church for hosting us. We would also like to thank all municipal representatives and guests who attended and contributed to the discussions throughout the meeting. Your participation continues to strengthen SAM's network and supports our shared commitment to habitat conservation and stewardship across NL.

06/12/2026

The 2026 Habitat Conservation Workshop brought together nearly 100 participants from municipalities, Indigenous communities, government agencies, environmental organizations, academia, industry, and community groups from across NL.

This year's theme focused on Species at Risk Conservation, exploring both the successes and challenges associated with protecting some of the province's most vulnerable wildlife and plant species. Through presentations, discussions, and networking opportunities, participants shared knowledge, explored innovative conservation approaches, and strengthened partnerships across sectors.

Topics ranged from conserving Species at Risk such as Atlantic Salmon, Newfoundland Marten, Polar Bears, Banded Killifish, and Boreal Woodland Caribou, to marine protected areas, species-at-risk recovery, private land conservation, Indigenous perspectives, and municipal conservation initiatives. Together, these presentations highlighted the importance of collaboration, science-based decision-making, and community stewardship in supporting conservation outcomes throughout NL.

A highlight of the workshop was a field trip to the Town Of Bauline, where participants celebrated the expansion of the municipality's Habitat Conservation Agreement and the addition of four new conservation areas. Attendees also enjoyed a community celebration and guided interpretive hike showcasing the ecological and cultural significance of the area.

Workshop feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with more than 95% of respondents indicating they would be interested in attending future Habitat Conservation Workshops.

Thank you to all speakers, participants, planning committee members, the Town of Bauline, and the staff of the Capital Hotel for helping make the 2026 Habitat Conservation Workshop a success!

Learn more and read the full summary: https://www.samnl.org/habitat-conservation-workshop

06/11/2026

SAM is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2026 SAM Environmental Stewardship Award Student Scholarship - Liam French from the City of St. John's!

Liam is a passionate environmental advocate whose connection to nature was shaped through time spent hiking the East Coast Trail, exploring Western Newfoundland, and working on local conservation projects with Conservation Corps Newfoundland and Labrador. These experiences, along with his work as a summer student with the Department of Environment, Conservation and Climate Change, fostered a deep appreciation for the connections between communities, culture, and the environment.

Liam recently graduated from St. Francis Xavier University with a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Climate and Environment and will begin a Master’s in Geography at Carleton University in fall 2026. His graduate research will examine environmental impact and approval processes in Northern Canada in partnership with First Nations and Inuit organizations. Liam hopes to apply this knowledge to support conservation and climate adaptation efforts in NL while advancing more sustainable approaches to resource development.

First established in 2015, this $1,000 scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to wildlife habitat stewardship and environmental conservation in NL. Through their studies, volunteer efforts, community involvement, and leadership, these students are helping to build a more sustainable future for our province.

Congratulations Liam!

Learn more about SAM's Student Scholarship here: https://www.samnl.org/environmental-steward-award

06/11/2026

Wetlands are some of the most important habitats across NL, providing homes for wildlife, supporting biodiversity, improving water quality, and helping communities adapt to a changing climate. 🌱

This summer, you can help contribute to wetland conservation by participating in MarshWatch NL, a citizen science program that collects information on birds and amphibians found in wetlands across the province. Whether you're an experienced birder or simply enjoy spending time outdoors, MarshWatch is a great opportunity to connect with nature while contributing valuable data that helps researchers and conservation organizations better understand and protect wetland ecosystems. 🐸

Interested in getting involved? Training resources, species identification guides, and information on how to submit your observations can be found through Birds Canada at the link below! 🐦

Happy exploring! 🦆🌿

Do you sometimes feel like you need an excuse to get out in nature? We have the perfect, low-stakes opportunity for you! Connect with a wetland near you this summer by collecting bird and amphibian data for MarshWatch NL. This is a great opportunity for nature lovers of all knowledge levels. You can find bird and amphibian identification training at the MarshWatch website https://www.birdscanada.org/bird-science/marshwatch/marshwatch-newfoundland, along with more information on how to submit data to NatureCounts. Get out there and see what you can find!