Committed to the conservation, enhancement and stewardship of habitat across Newfoundland and Labrador

The municipality of George’s Brook-Milton (GBM) borders on both the Maritimes Barrens Ecoregion, and the Central Newfoundland Forest Ecoregion. Wetland ecosystems are dispersed throughout the area, comprised of hundreds of ponds, mixed with slope bogs, basin bogs, and fens. Forests in the area are dominated by species types like the typical Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea), followed by Black Spruce (Picea mariana) and some White Birch (Betula papyrifera). In the riparian area, Alders (Alnus incana) are common, while in peatland ecosystems, Sheep Laurel (Kalmia angustifolia), Rhodora (Rhododendron canadense), Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum) and Low-Bush Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) are abundant. GBM contains significant wildlife populations, including several waterfowl, shorebird, songbird, and mammals, and species at risk, among others. Historic salmon rivers run through GBM, which supports a strong angling and fishing tradition in the community.

The Town of GBM designated 3 Conservation Areas (CAs) within their municipal planning boundaries, totaling 4,500 acres of conserved wildlife habitat: George’s Brook, Ryder’s Brook and George’s Pond Watershed. The George's Brook CA is located in the northwestern region of the GBM Municipal Planning Area, beginning slightly upstream from the outlet of George’s Brook into Flower’s Cove (Ellis’ Road intersection), and follows the Brook upstream until it meets First Pond, south of Highway 230, and it includes Stanley’s Pond and the little tributary connecting to George’s Brook. Georges Brook is a significant waterbody that provides important nutrients downstream, to the eelgrass and saltwater mudflats of Flower’s Cove. Many types of waterfowl, seabirds, shorebirds, raptors, other avian groups, aquatic organisms utilize this brook as it is a healthy, intact freshwater source that provides great wildlife habitat. The Ryder's Brook CA is a beautiful meandering unscheduled salmon river in the eastern part of George’s Brook-Milton, that opens near its outlet into Smith South to exposed mudflats and a coastal shoreline that supports excellent habitat for many species of wildlife. There are Provincially recognized threatened and vulnerable flora found within the mouth of Ryder’s Brook - Sea-Wrack (Fucaceae sp.) and Bristly Sarsaparilla (Aralia hispida). The George's Pond CA includes George’s Pond, Jessie’s Pond, Hideaway Pond, Second Pond, First Pond, Rocky Pond, Island Pond, Hornet Pond, and they all have influence and hydrological connectivity downstream, within Flower’s Cove of Smith Sound. Conservation of these ponds and wetlands ensures the health and integrity of the environment downstream remains intact, maintaining the integrity and biodiversity that utilizes both the freshwater and marine ecosystems.