- exec@stjohnriver.org
- (506) 640-1029
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The St. John River Society/La Société du fleuve Saint-Jean contributes to the appreciation and wise use of the natural and cultural heritage of the Wolastoq / fleuve Saint-Jean /St. John River.
1992 – The Wolastoq/St. John River Society was founded by David Folster and others as a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting appreciation and stewardship of the Wolastoq/St. John River. The Society focuses on preserving the river’s natural and cultural heritage and resources.
1998 – In response to the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ wharf divestiture program, the Society took over the maintenance of 13 heritage steamboat wharfs. This action aimed to protect an important part of the river’s heritage and ensure continued public access to the river.
1999 – Leone Pippard prepared a comprehensive Wharf Transfer Report and Proposal, outlining a plan for the future of the wharfs and the development of a River Trail Network along the lower portion of the river.
2001 – The Society received Federal and Provincial funding for planning and developing the River Trail Network. That same year, the Society hosted the International River Heritage Conference in Fredericton, marking the first time the event was held in Atlantic Canada. During the conference, the Society announced its intention to pursue the designation of the Wolastoq/St. John River as a Canadian Heritage River.
2004 – The Society hired its first full-time Executive Director to lead its growing activities.
2005-2008 – To further the development of the River Trail Network, the Society formed partnerships and secured funding for planning and constructing River Centre facilities in Hampton, Oromocto, and Grand Bay-Westfield, as well as a River Park in Gagetown. Themed driving tours and brochures were also created, and the concept of the Lower River Passage was developed. The Lower River Passage project received the Tourism Association of New Brunswick Partnership Award.
2009 – Following extensive consultation and planning, the Society transitioned from its role as Managing Partner of the Lower River Passage and began focusing on the St. John River Corridor project, recognizing its commitment to the entire length of the river in the province. Work on the River Corridor project concluded after two years of planning.
2011 – In partnership with military historians from UNB and other community members, the Society began planning the War of 1812 commemoration, with associated events taking place throughout 2012 and 2013.
2012 – The Wolastoq/St. John River received final designation as the 38th Canadian Heritage River, marking a significant achievement in the Society’s efforts to protect and celebrate the river’s heritage.
2019 – The Society began work on the Ecological Limits of Hydrologic Alteration (ELOHA) project in collaboration with UNB researchers. This ongoing work focuses on sustainable watershed management, involving extensive consultations, research, and scientific study.
2024 – The Society launched the “Be Wake Aware” campaign to educate boaters on the potential impact of their wake on the river and its shorelines. Additionally, the Society continues to manage and maintain the heritage wharfs, securing funding for ongoing repairs and signage updates. The Society also provides education on topics such as cyanobacteria, flooding, and the natural and cultural history of the river.
The St. John River Society believes in the importance of recognition for the St. John River on the national stage. The Wolastoq/ St. John River is recognized as one of the most important rivers in Canada. The St. John River Society is committed to recognizing the significance of this river to both New Brunswickers and Canadians, and undertakes projects and opportunities that can highlight and increase the recognition of this significant river.
The Society believes that this river is a river of the people. We believe fundamentally that all people should be able to access it and The St. John River Society undertakes projects that guarantee this access in perpetuity.
With over 12,000 years of natural and human history along this river, there are endless opportunities to educate New Brunswicker and Canadians about the stories and experiences of this river.
The St. John River Society is dedicated to working collaboratively with partners along the river on projects and programs that ensure the sustainable management of the natural, cultural and recreational resources of the Wolastoq/ St. John River.
Executive Director
Colin Forsythe currently serves as Executive Director of both the Belleisle Watershed Coalition and the St. John River Society. Over the past five years, he has actively collaborated with watershed partners on water quality monitoring and research focused on cyanobacteria, nutrient dynamics, and PFAS contaminants in the Belleisle and St. John (Wolastoq) River watersheds. In addition to these efforts, he has led riparian restoration initiatives and contributed to Atlantic Salmon conservation projects that support species-at-risk and the health and resilience of local aquatic ecosystems. St. John (Wolastoq) River watershed.
Colin holds a Master of Science in Environment and Management from Royal Roads University, where his research focused on microplastics in the Bay of Fundy. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of New Brunswick, concentrating on environmental science. In 2017, he received the Governor General’s Academic Gold Medal for his research on aquatic pollution in the Maritimes.
With extensive experience in scientific research, environmental management, and project leadership across the non-profit, government, and private sectors, Colin is committed to advancing the health and resilience of aquatic ecosystems throughout the region.
President, Hatfield Pt. NB
I live on Belleisle Bay, a fiord like diversion of the St. John River. Growing up on the Kennebecasis, I vowed never to live where I could not see water flowing which, with a notable exception has been the case.
My fascination is with the flow, the power often masked that has made this River a path to progress, a veritable transport of evolution, revolution and restoration.
I volunteer with the St. John River Society to insure ongoing access to this exquisite resource.
Kingston, NB
My enduring relationship with the St. John Rover Society originates from my commitment to maintain public access to the River. It has been a central aspect of my life, as I have lived beside it for as long as I can remember. Over the years, this close proximity has fostered a deep personal connection, making the River an inseparable and intimate part of my identity.
Fredericton, NB
Paddling the River was my first New Brunswick experience of connection to the natural world and through that, meaningful connections with others through those memories. Since that day, canoes have been central to my life and my two children. I count myself lucky that my home have never been more than a few telephone poles from the River and even more fortunate to have spent nine days paddling the Mailseet Trail.
Long Reach, NB
I grew up on the River. I grew up on the wharves. They are memories of my youth, that I would like to continue for others.
Fredericton, NB
I became involved with the St. John River Society because I believe non-profit organizations such as the Society have an important role to play in partnership with others to ensure the natural and cultural resources of one of Canada’s most historically significant rivers are honoured, promoted and managed sustainably now and into the future.
Oromocto, NB
I was asked to be a member of the St. John River Society during the start of the Lower St.John River project in 1992. I own property on the banks of the River and my immediate “neighbor” is Fox wharf. This keeps me interested in the River.
Fredericton, NB
I grew up on the Kennebecasis and St. John/Wolastoq rivers and have many memories of days spent sailing, swimming and fishing there. It is important to recognize and respect the cultural significance of this waterway to First nations as the St. John River Society works to restore the historic steamboat wharves along the River. We work to support efforts to educate and promote while working to enhance water quality, recreational safety and public access to this vital River.
Oromocto, NB
After working with a lot of small volunteer groups, I joined the St. John River Society to see how an established volunteer organization with a legacy of almost 30 years worked. I am glad I am part of it because if we don’t work to sustain the River, who will be examples for future generations.
(506) 640-1029
exec@stjohnriver.org
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