*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.
The Elgin Eco Association is working to promote the natural
beauty of Elgin, through eco-tourism and recreational activities.
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 .
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 like 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.
The reality was, that 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. The EEA has worked to showcase
the Elgin area , and will continue to define its purposes of promoting economic and environmental sustainability through educational events and fundraisers. Whether it is feasible to transform the former school into an Eco-Centre is not certain.
In the meantime, 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.
1. EEA has been organized for the following purposes:
* 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 maintain the former Elgin Elementary school building
as an eco-centre.
* 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.
The Elgin Eco Association meets the first Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the
former Elgin School. Everyone is welcome, and encouraged to become a member.
Membership fee is $5.00.
