Salmon Run wants youth to lead the way in conservation of species

A new fundraiser is aimed at doing more than just supporting a good cause, it’s hoping to inspire youth to take matters into their own hands.

The Falls Brook Centre in Fredericton launched their inaugural Salmon Run, a fun five-kilometre jaunt alongside the Nashwaak river.

Its goal is to bring awareness to shrinking salmon populations and encourage youth to get involved.

READ MORE: Concerns raised over “disappointing” sockeye salmon returns

“We saw a gap between our younger generations and the importance of salmon in this province and we saw a need for engaging younger people,” said Michelle Lavery, Media and Promotions Coordinator for the Falls Brook Centre.

“Salmon populations are in huge decline right now and it’s dire straights,” said Lavery.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Salmon populations are in huge decline right now and it's dire straights," said Lavery.

The Falls Brook Centre’s mandate is to educate; with salmon conservation seeming to be taking a backseat in many young people’s minds, organizers felt the need to bridge the gap.

“We’re finding that youth are disengaged now on important matters of conservation,” said Holly Pacey, Falls Brook’s Education Coordinator. “We need to target the youth so that they become engaged, they want to learn and they end up being the ones who pioneer and advocate for that species.”

Approximately 75 people took part in the event which boasted activities such as yoga in the garden, Parks Canada booths, a bicycle powered smoothie machine and a climbing wall in addition to the run.