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It's #FieldWorkFriday again! This week, the ARA field crew has been working away in the headwaters of the South River were 13 river restoration structures will be installed. Installing these structures can be quite the process, from connecting with landowners, finding the perfect log to cut and haul to the site, prepping the site, installing the log and all the finishing touches to finalize the structure. In these photos, the ARA restoration crew is getting ready to install some digger logs, which are a classic river restoration structure in North Eastern Nova Scotia.
The first step is connecting with landowners on project sites and being granted permission to cut a few trees on their properties for the structures. We are lucky in Antigonish, the majority of folks are always welcoming and more than happy to spare a few trees. Next is finding the right tree that meets the site requirements of diameter and length. Once the tree has been felled and limbs removed, the crew uses log carriers to move the log to the site. Placement of the log is where things get a bit more complicated and a specific design criteria must be followed to ensure the intended outcome including the depth of the trench and the angle. Once the trench is dug, the crew sets the log in and rolls it to find the appropriate fit then the holes are drilled and rebar is pounded through the log and into the stream bed to anchor the log in place. Once the log is anchored, the crew begins the meticulous task of building the "ramp" leading up to the digger log. The ramp typically spans about 3 meters to slope the stream bed up to the log. If the log is installed to high or the ramp is not built well, the structure can cause further damage to the watercourse or will require extensive maintenance each year.
A digger logs purpose is to support the bottom of a riffle or run upstream of the log and create a pool downstream to enhance trout and salmon spawning, rearing and migration habitats and develop aquatic habitat diversity. These log structures aim to mimic large woody debris inputs into rivers where generations of forestry has limited the growth and deposition of large enough trees to create habitat complexities in the local river systems which would have happened naturally if not for poor land-use practises.
To learn more about river restoration structures and other techniques used to address river issues, check out the Nova Scotia Salmon Association's Adopt-A-Stream website for all the design specs for the structures that are used: adoptastream.ca/project-design/habitat-restoration-methods
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Thankful Thursday
The Antigonish Rivers Association is very proud to have support from the Town and County of Antigonish to work towards the goal of rebuilding the ecological integrity of the watersheds that make up the region of Antigonish. Not only does our work help restore the resiliency of the watersheds, it also helps to replenish ground water, reduce flooding, ice jams and unnatural erosion along local properties. Having the support of our local governments ensures ARA's community engagement and outreach has a higher rate of success. Thank you for your ongoing support Town and County of Antigonish!
The Town of Antigonish has a population of about 5,000 and serves as a hub and service centre for many rural communities within the County. Sean Cameron, the Mayor of Antigonish says, "whether you’re here to visit, work, study, or call this beautiful town home, you’ll discover a rich cultural heritage, a welcoming community, and a growing reputation for forward-thinking initiatives." To learn more about the Town of Antigonish, visit their website: www.townofantigonish.ca/
The Municipality of the County of Antigonish is surrounded by natural beauty and charm. Nicholas MacInnis, Warden of the County of Antigonish has this to say of the area, "our region is home to thriving local businesses, great schools, a rich arts and culture scene, and plenty of ways to stay active, from beaches and trails to rinks and recreation programs. We’re committed to sustainability, accessibility, and inclusion, making sure everyone feels welcome and can contribute to our growing community." To learn more about the County of Antigonish, please visit their website: antigonishcounty.ca/
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Be sure to check the Nova Scotia section for Dinner news.
ASF - Rivernotes September 3, 2026
www.asf.ca
Phil Monahan Angling ReportsASF EventsMaineNew BrunswickNewfoundland and LabradorNova ScotiaPEIQuébecQuébec (English)Research Editor’s Note by Phil Monahan Welcome back to another edition of River...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
It's #FieldworkFriday here for the ARA and we were out doing some monitoring to collect baseline data in a river restoration site scheduled for next week. Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) surveys are used by the ARA, and many other watershed groups, to collect physical habitat data that can help guide project site selection, it's also used to establish baseline conditions in the project site before any work begins and enable us to measure the changes through the project sites after restoration has been completed by comparing post-restoration data to the pre-restoration data.
The HSI surveys we complete have been tailored by the Nova Scotia Salmon Association to provide an index on physical habitat in relation to Atlantic Salmon and Brook Trout, two important native species in Nova Scotia. The data collected is fed into an excel sheet with various calculations to provide an index for Atlantic Salmon and Brook Trout habitat requirement through various stages f their freshwater life stages. Information collected includes floodplain and riparian zone data and watercourse details including measurements of the water depth, wetted and bankful widths, height of banks from water, substrate composition, water depths, spawning and pool area quality/quantity.
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This week, the ARA is extending a major appreciation post to the Foundation for Conservation of Atlantic Salmon! This organization has been supporting ARA's projects for several years now and has recently trusted the ARA with a 3-year funding agreement! This is a major step forward for the ARA and the work will include continuing extensive river restoration projects, environmental and biological monitoring, riparian restoration and bank stabilization within the watersheds of Antigonish County.
The FCAS has a mission to promote enhanced community partnerships in the conservation of wild Atlantic salmon and its habitat in Atlantic Canada and Quebec. The FCAS provides support for wild Atlantic Salmon conservation initiatives, enhances collaboration between organizations and government, promotes conservation planning and management towards conservation goals and improves public awareness, education and research respecting the conservation needs of wild Atlantic Salmon.
It has been such a pleasure working with the FCAS through the years and the ARA looks forward to conniving this partnership into the future!
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The NSSA represents the interests of native trout and salmon in Nova Scotia by rallying the actions of passionate anglers and conservationists to maximize the likelihood of survival and sustainability of the fish, rivers and recreation. Find out more on their website and become a member for free nssalmon.ca/.
The NSSA's Adopt-A-Stream Program assists community-led watershed stewardship groups in their conservation efforts annually through providing monetary and technical supports. The N.S. Sportfish Habitat Fund has been thr primary source of AAS funding since 2005. Find out more about the program and all of the affiliate groups on their website here: adoptastream.ca/
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Our Recent Instagram Posts
It`s #fieldworkfriday again! This week, the ARA field crew has been working away in the headwaters of the South River were 13 river restoration structures will be installed. Installing these structures can be quite the process, from connecting with landowners, finding the perfect log to cut and haul to the site, prepping the site, installing the log and all the finishing touches to finalize the structure. In these photos, the ARA restoration crew is getting ready to install some digger logs, which are a classic river restoration structure in North Eastern Nova Scotia.
The first step is connecting with landowners on project sites and being granted permission to cut a few trees on their properties for the structures. We are lucky in Antigonish, the majority of folks are always welcoming and more than happy to spare a few trees. Next is finding the right tree that meets the site requirements of diameter and length. Once the tree has been felled and limbs removed, the crew uses log carriers to move the log to the site. Placement of the log is where things get a bit more complicated and a specific design criteria must be followed to ensure the intended outcome including the depth of the trench and the angle. Once the trench is dug, the crew sets the log in and rolls it to find the appropriate fit then the holes are drilled and rebar is pounded through the log and into the stream bed to anchor the log in place. Once the log is anchored, the crew begins the meticulous task of building the "ramp" leading up to the digger log. The ramp typically spans about 3 meters to slope the stream bed up to the log. If the log is installed to high or the ramp is not built well, the structure can cause further damage to the watercourse or will require extensive maintenance each year.
A digger logs purpose is to support the bottom of a riffle or run upstream of the log and create a pool downstream to enhance trout and salmon spawning, rearing and migration habitats and develop aquatic habitat diversity. These log structures aim to mimic large woody debris inputs into rivers where generations of forestry has limited the growth and deposition of large enough trees to create habita
The Antigonish Rivers Association is very proud to have support from the Town and County of Antigonish to work towards the goal of rebuilding the ecological integrity of the watersheds that make up the region of Antigonish. Not only does our work help restore the resiliency of the watersheds, it also helps to replenish ground water, reduce flooding, ice jams and unnatural erosion along local properties. Having the support of our local governments ensures ARA`s community engagement and outreach has a higher rate of success. Thank you for your ongoing support Town and County of Antigonish!
The Town of Antigonish has a population of about 5,000 and serves as a hub and service centre for many rural communities within the County. Sean Cameron, the Mayor of Antigonish says, "whether you’re here to visit, work, study, or call this beautiful town home, you’ll discover a rich cultural heritage, a welcoming community, and a growing reputation for forward-thinking initiatives." To learn more about the Town of Antigonish, visit their website: https://www.townofantigonish.ca/
The Municipality of the County of Antigonish is surrounded by natural beauty and charm. Nicholas MacInnis, Warden of the County of Antigonish has this to say of the area, "our region is home to thriving local businesses, great schools, a rich arts and culture scene, and plenty of ways to stay active, from beaches and trails to rinks and recreation programs. We’re committed to sustainability, accessibility, and inclusion, making sure everyone feels welcome and can contribute to our growing community." To learn more about the County of Antigonish, please visit their website: https://antigonishcounty.ca/
#antigonishnovascotia #atlanticsalmonconservation #antigonish
This week, the ARA would like to highlight the various funding programs that allow organizations to hire local youth each year. There are 3 programs that have supported ARA`s efforts to retain employees through each field season and continue to help them build various skills in this field of work.
The first up is the Canada Summer Jobs Program, delivered by Employment and Social Development Canada, provides wage subsidies to support employers from not-for-profit organizations and the public sector, as well as private sector organizations with 50 or fewer full-time employees, so that they can offer quality summer work experiences for youth aged 15 to 30.To learn more, visit CSJ website ->
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2026/04/canada-summer-jobs-2026.html?gad_source=1
The next organization is the Clean Foundation`s Clean Leadership Summer Internship Program that provides paid employment opportunities for youth looking to gain skills and work within the clean economy. Interns work on projects across the province, both rural and urban, so they can make meaningful impact in their local communities.To learn more, visit Clean`s website ->
https://cleanfoundation.ca/nscleanleadership/
And last, but certainly not least is the PROPEL program through TOURISM HR Canada funded by the Government of Canada, it supports employers with wage subsidies and helps build a skilled, diverse workforce.To learn more, visit their website ->
https://tourismhr.ca/program-and-service/propel-student-work-placement-program/
The success of ARA`s projects would not be possible without our dedicated restoration crew. The last 2 years have been filled to the brim with restoration work in Antigonish and St. Mary`s and our crews hard work has been critical in restoring Atlabtic Salmon and Trout habitats through major watersheds. The crew is pictured here with the ARA Board of Directors. Front row from starting from the left is Brayden Purdy, Alex MacIsaac, Daniel Chisholm, Rory Adams and Bailey Randall (missing Bruce Wheadon). These guys have shown up everyday with great attitudes, a team work mentality and a drive to continue to build on extensive restoration work year after year.
Thank you all for the incredible amount of work this year and every year. In 2025, the crew broke records for the amount of aquatic habitat restoration structures installed and area of habitat restored only to co.pletely blow through last years peak and reach all new heights. By the middle of September the crew will hit lmost 300 habitat restoration structures installed throughout Antigonish and St. Mary`s.
The ARA is beyond proud to have all of the folks on our restoration crew, the work they do is invaluable to the restoration of watershed ecosystems that we all depend on each day.
#atlanticsalmonconservation #riverrestoration #fieldwork
It`s #FieldWorkFriday here for the ARA and we were out doing some monitoring to collect baseline data in a river restoration site scheduled for next week. Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) surveys are used by the ARA, and many other watershed groups, to collect physical habitat data that can help guide project site selection, it`s also used to establish baseline conditions in the project site before any work begins and enable us to measure the changes through the project sites after restoration has been completed by comparing post-restoration data to the pre-restoration data.
The HSI surveys we complete have been tailored by the Nova Scotia Salmon Association to provide an index on physical habitat in relation to Atlantic Salmon and Brook Trout, two important native species in Nova Scotia. The data collected is fed into an excel sheet with various calculations to provide an index for Atlantic Salmon and Brook Trout habitat requirement through various stages of their freshwater life stages. Information collected includes floodplain and riparian zone data and watercourse details including measurements of the water depth, wetted and bankful widths, height of banks from water, substrate composition, water depths, spawning and pool area quality/quantity.
#salmonconservation #atlanticsalmon #brooktrout #fieldwork
This week, the ARA is extending a major appreciation post to the Foundation for Conservation of Atlantic Salmon! This organization has been supporting ARA`s projects for several years now and has recently trusted the ARA with a 3-year funding agreement! This is a major step forward for the ARA and the work will include continuing extensive river restoration projects, environmental and biological monitoring, riparian restoration and bank stabilization within the watersheds of Antigonish County.
The FCAS has a mission to promote enhanced community partnerships in the conservation of wild Atlantic salmon and its habitat in Atlantic Canada and Quebec. The FCAS provides support for wild Atlantic Salmon conservation initiatives, enhances collaboration between organizations and government, promotes conservation planning and management towards conservation goals and improves public awareness, education and research respecting the conservation needs of wild Atlantic Salmon. You can find out more on their website here -> https://www.salmonconservation.ca/
It has been such a pleasure working with the FCAS through the years and the ARA looks forward to conniving this partnership into the future!
@fcas_fcsa
The NSSA represents the interests of native trout and salmon in Nova Scotia by rallying the actions of passionate anglers and conservationists to maximize the likelihood of survival and sustainability of the fish, rivers and recreation. Find out more on their website and become a member for free https://nssalmon.ca/.
The NSSA`s Adopt-A-Stream Program assists community-led watershed stewardship groups in their conservation efforts annually through providing monetary and technical supports. The N.S. Sportfish Habitat Fund has been thr primary source of AAS funding since 2005. Find out more about the program and all of the affiliate groups on their website here: http://adoptastream.ca/
Well, the 2026 Fishing Day was a success!! All the kiddos caught fish, big and small, had a great time and didn`t even want to leave their rods for a moment while the raffle winners were called. This is what it is all about, connecting and getting excited about the outdoors.
A massive thank you to all the ARA volunteers who came out to make sure the event ran smoothly, thank you to all the event sponsors including locally owned and operated V & A Bass Fishing Gear, the Bergengran Credit Union, the Frasers Mills Fish Hatchery, Superstore Antigonish, and all the folks who came out to enjoy the day!
