Who are we ?

A group of local citizens concerned about the present and future health of our small rural community of Elgin
The Elgin Eco Association looks for environmentally friendly ways to improve our community's viability.

The Elgin Eco Association (EEA) is committed to promoting the viability of our small rural community of Elgin by:

1) promoting environmentally friendly practices, including eco-tourism, recreation, employment, and other ventures

2) working to protect and improve our environment
EEA Activities
Past EEA activities have included:
Hiking, cycling, bird watching, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, nature photography, farm vacations and visits to sugar woods .... So much to do and see in the Elgin area!

A marathon mountain bike race through October's blazing fall foliage

Elgin's first-ever cross-country ski and snowshoe event

Springtime pancake suppers featuring Elgin's own maple syrup

Elgin Day celebrating Elgin’s colourful past and future direction
Background on the EEA
Elgin Eco Association began in response to closure of the local elementary school.
It was a bleak day in June, 2002 when school buses pulled up in front of the Elgin Elementary School for the last time. Students, teachers, parents said tearful farewells. A community waved good-bye. Our school was closing.

Elgin, like many other historically vibrant rural communities, seemed to be an endangered species.

The next summer, in July 2003, a small group of energetic local people decided to act to preserve the distinctive wooden building which had been the village school. The idea was to transform the former school into an eco-centre which might contain a hostel, restaurant, environmental displays, museum, gift shop, offices … Those were the dreams.
Elgin Eco Association members keep busy with the enjoyable work of learning how to develop Elgin's exciting potential. Residents and visitors alike can look forward to the results.

To be recognized, our local citizen group had to show that it meant "business". It was officially incorporated as the Elgin Eco Association or EEA in July, 2004 and welcomed as a partner of the Fundy Model Forest.

In the years since the school closure, our grassroots non-profit organization has steadily gained new members. While owning and transforming the school into an eco-centre no longer seems feasible, the EEA has not given up on the idea of establishing an “eco-centre” at another location within the community. In the meantime, the EEA continues to work at showcasing the Elgin area, and will continue to define its purposes of promoting economic and environmental sustainability through educational projects, events and fundraisers.
Other EEA Objectives
To promote the beauty of Elgin, New Brunswick, and the surrounding area to residents and non-residents
To promote eco-tourism and recreation in Elgin and the surrounding area
To promote environmental sustainability, awareness and education
To promote local history and cuisine
To create meaningful and sustainable employment
EEA shall exhibit environmental responsibility.
EEA shall carry on its purpose as a non-profit organization.

EEA Meetings
The Elgin Eco Association meets the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. These meetings are open to anyone (no membership is required)! Winter meetings are currently being held in the Elgin Seniors Building, with summer meetings at the Elgin Women’s Institute Hall. For more information, please call Moranda at 756-2518.
EEA Membership

Our membership numbers are important in a number of ways: 1) They give us a level of credibility in the political arena; 2) They give us leverage in securing funding for projects (the Mapleton Acadian Forest Trail is an example); and 3) They show we have the support and backing of the community we are trying to serve.

A two-year membership costs $10 and a lifetime membership is only $50.00. Memberships can be obtained at any EEA meeting, or by contacting Moranda at 756-2518 or elgineco@hotmail.com