709 Watershed is a monthly podcast with topics that cover the environment, tourism, small business, & more, specifically connected to the Indian Bay Watershed & throughout the province. 709 Watershed is based out of the Indian Bay Ecosystem Corporation (IBEC) office in beautiful Indian Bay, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada, the sports-fishing capital of Bonavista North. Host/Co-Producer/Co-Creator IBEC Manager Darren Sheppard, will guide you through interviews with guest that have an impact on the Watershed, who are the experts, storytellers, & decision-makers in their fields. Subscribe to 709 Watershed on all major podcast apps. Podcast Ads by Kaylene Stagg. Podcast Co-Producer Paul Vincent.
IBEC would also like to thank our many sponsors of 709 Watershed:
Supplement King – Town of Indian Bay
Town of Centreville-Wareham-Trinity – Amy’s Place – Hub of the North
Hare Bay Adventures – Lorl Guesthouse – Town of New-Wes-Valley
Our schedule of episodes is below. Check back regularly to see what’s next for 709 Watershed. Latest episode is at the bottom.
Episode #1 – Fish management within Newfoundland & Labrador Hydro’s hydroelectric system
Newfoundland & Labrador Hydro is the main power generator within the province’s electrical system. Its hydroelectric system uses the same rivers and waterways that salmon and trout use, such as the Exploits River, Granite Canal, etc. Working with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, along with other stakeholders, NL Hydro is a key participant of fisheries management and protection.
In this episode, we’ll be interviewing Rod Healey, Manager of Environmental Operations, regarding NL Hydro’s commitment to ensuring healthy salmon and trout stocks while producing the province’s electricity.
Episode #2 – Eco-tourism along “The Shore”
Tourism is one of the biggest economic stimulants for our provincial economy. Along “The Shore” (Route 320 from the Town of Gambo through to Gander Bay, including Gander) and here in the Indian Bay Watershed, tourism is bringing an increase in the number of visitors to our area. This increase has brought new businesses to cater to the cravings of those wishing to see the shoreline, take part in fishing, hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
Duane Collins of Hare Bay Adventures and Curtis Roebotham of The Homestead Adventures discuss why they returned home from the mainland to start their respective eco-tourism businesses and why they see a bright future ahead.
Episode #3 – A discussion with the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC)
The NCC is Canada’s largest national land conservation organization. Operating in all provinces and territories, the NCC has helped protect 35 million acres throughout the country since 1962. Through educational programs, land trusts and land purchases, the NCC is doing its part in protecting wildlife habitat in this great country.
Darren sits down with Stewardship Coordinator Julia Lawlor & Program Director Megan Lafferty of the NCC regarding their roles in the organization, their role in Newfoundland & Labrador, and how protecting land in Canada helps conservation efforts.
Episode #4 – The importance of supporting local small business and its positive environmental impact: a conversation with Janet Davis
The debate regarding shopping locally, hitting up the big box store, or shopping online is a daily decision that many of us face. Which is better for your money? Which is better for the overall benefit of the environment? Which gives you, the customer, the most control?
Darren sits down with local artist and business owner Janet Davis of Norton’s Cove Studio & Cafe, to discover her thoughts on the subject and how her own environmental beliefs are shown in the way she runs her business.
Episode #5 – Christmas traditions in Newfoundland
Nicola Saunders leads the discussion about Christmas traditions that continue to thrive in Newfoundland. We also touch on the environmental aspect of the Christmas holidays. And we look at some of the major festivals/events that are occurring during the Season within the province.
Episode #6 – The Fire of 61′: The End of the Logging Industry in Bonavista North
Host Darren Sheppard discusses the repercussions of the Fire of 1961 & how it destroyed the logging industry within Bonavista North. A first-hand account of the fire with in-studio guest, author Gary Collins of Hare Bay, who was a teenager at the time of the fire, as he describes what it was like dealing with the fire and the aftermath.
Episode #7 – The Life & Times of Steve Perry
Release Date: Click to listen
Host Darren Sheppard sits down with local entertainer/storyteller/volunteer/tour guide & all around interesting guy, Steve Perry. They discuss Steve’s love for “The Shore”, his twenty year theatre career, how he has become one of the “go to” folks for everything tourism in our area, & much more.
Episode #8 – Stewardship Association of Municipalities (SAM) Conservation Biologist & President of Nature NL, Laura King
In-studio guest Laura King, who is the self-described #1 fan of IBEC, sits down with host Darren Sheppard to talk about what SAM does to assist municipalities with their environmental planning, her involvement with IBEC’s Species at Risk project in Cape Freels, her voluntary role as President of Nature NL, & other interesting facts about her environmentalist lifestyle.
Episode #9 – Washed Ashore Antiques owner/operator & Councillor for the Town of Centreville-Wareham-Trinity (CWT), Mr. Kirk White
With COVID-19 gripping the world, host Darren Sheppard chats with local business owner Kirk White to discuss how the virus is affecting his plans to start his 8th season at Washed Ashore Antiques. They’ll also discuss Kirk’s business model of selling what some might call trash, but to the right buyer, it’s a treasure. Antiques, Newfoundland crafts, and other interesting items, all found in a little antique and coffee bar in Trinity, Bonavista Bay. And they’ll touch on what the Town of CWT is doing with its environmental planning and being one of the newest members of the Stewardship Association of Municipalities after signing its stewardship agreement in 2019.
Episode #10 – A conversation with Derrick Bragg, Minister of Municipal Affairs & Environment, & Member of the House of Assembly (MHA) for Fogo Island-Cape Freels
Derrick joins host Darren Sheppard for the tenth episode of 709 Watershed. In this episode, Derrick speaks about his life working in the public service, first as the Town Manager/Clerk of the beautiful Town of Greenspond, then onto being the MHA for our district, and now onto a provincial Cabinet Minister. He also discusses his family’s involvement with COVID-19 (both his wife and daughter are nurses), and how it affects his department and his life as a politician. He touches on the affect that COVID-19 has on tourism within our district and the province. He explains the provincial ALERT system (that message that comes across your cellphone, television, and radio in an emergency) and the process of enacting it. And he speaks about some of the regulations that fall under the Environment portion of his department and his respect for IBEC and the work that we, and other similar Environmental Non-Government Organizations, do everyday.
Episode #11 – Speaking with a Watershed cabin owner Lorne Welcher, about the benefits of owning a cabin within the Indian Bay Watershed, and other topics
Lorne is a Town of New-Wes-Valley (NWV) Councillor, Public Relations Officer of the NWV Volunteer Fire Department, Rescue Specialist with the Canadian Coast Guard, and a self-proclaimed tree hugger. He is also the owner of a cabin in the Sheppard’s Point area (32 Branch) of the Indian Bay Watershed. Host Darren Sheppard speaks to him on his thoughts of the cabin lifestyle, the benefits/negatives of having a cabin in general, raising over $25,000 during a weekend at the cabin (Snowbulance), bats (the flying kind), and more!
Episode #12 – Stories of Greenspond – Part 1
Recorded live at Ida’s Place in Greenspond, host Darren Sheppard chats with locals and visitors alike regarding their memories and stories of Greenspond. Part 1 includes a chat with Heather Gordon, owner of Ida’s Place, a song “That Old Stage” written by Carl Winter and performed by Slainte, regarding the fishing stage found on the property of Ida’s Place, a lovely chat with Mr. and Mrs. Button, who have been married 67 years, and more!
Episode #13 – Stories of Greenspond – Part 2
Recorded live at Ida’s Place in Greenspond, host Darren Sheppard reads a story provided by Linda White from her “The Greenspond Letters” writings, he interviews Margaret Burry, a longtime resident of Greenspond who currently runs the post office, Deputy Mayor June Duffett, who has over three decades of experience within the education system, and Gerald Wiseman from Gander, who’s Aunt and Uncle were one of the first Salvation Army officers to be posted to Greenspond.
Episode #14 – Stories of Greenspond – Part 3
Recorded live at Ida’s Place in Greenspond, host Darren Sheppard chats with locals and visitors alike regarding their memories and stories of Greenspond. The final episode of our three-part miniseries on Greenspond, Darren speaks with Joy Barfoot, who is originally from Greenspond, but now works at the Rooms (provincial archives and museum) in St. John’s. She tells us about some traditions of growing up on the island, plus stories about her late father and what he’s passed down to her regarding the history of Greenspond. And, we chat with the other half of Ida’s Place, Des Gordon, who use to fish out of Greenspond before he got into the hospitality industry with his wife Heather, so he tells us stories about that part of his life and how serving tourist and locals alike has changed his life.
Episode #15 – A conversation with Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest Board members Ed Blackmore and Hayley Gillingham
Host Darren Sheppard sits down in-studio with Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest Vice-Chair Ed Blackmore and Fundraising Coordinator (and former IBEC summer student) Hayley Gillingham. They discuss what the Forest is all about, its location 2km’s outside of Gander, the benefits mentally and physically it has on those that visit it, and much more!
Episode #16 – A modern-day love story, with oil, Newfoundland and community spirit tossed in for good measure: A conversation with Town of Centreville-Wareham-Trinity resident Ian Brackstone
Ian Brackstone is originally from Wales. He “met” Rhyna Cutler online via Facebook several years ago, through a gardening group, and their relationship bloomed! A very interesting lad, Ian has a strong background in the oil industry and provides his insight on what he feels may happen with the industry, both provincially and internationally. And, he shares his love for the community and area that he now calls home. Make a cup of tea and join host Darren Sheppard in this wonderful, heartwarming conversation.
Episode #17 – Live from Norton’s Cove Studio: history, stories, and conversation about the New-Wes-Valley area of “the Shore”
Recorded live at Norton’s Cove Studio in Brookfield, this episode collects stories about the communities stretching from Newtown through to Valleyfield, nowadays called New-Wes-Valley. Host Darren Sheppard sits down with Norton’s Cove Studio & Cafe owner Janet Davis and checks in on how her business has been doing since the pandemic, and he chats with Hugh and Joanne Wiley regarding their story of how they fell in love with Pool’s Island and made it home after travelling throughout North America. Enjoy!
Episode #18 – Live from Norton’s Cove Studio: history, stories, and conversation about the New-Wes-Valley area of “the Shore”
Recorded live at Norton’s Cove Studio in Brookfield, this episode collects stories about the communities stretching from Newtown through to Valleyfield, nowadays called New-Wes-Valley. Host Darren Sheppard sits down with Duke Kelloway and Taylor Curtis. Duke talks about his love of sailing and the idea of having sail boats coming into Norton’s Cove to experience what the area has to offer. Taylor discusses her new found love for the area, as she’s originally from Manitoba. Both topics showing the diversity of those who call this area home. Enjoy!
Episode #19 – Central Newfoundland Waste Management: A conversation with Chief Administrative Officer Edward Evans
Host Darren Sheppard chats with CAO Edward Evans of CNWM regarding their activities within the Central region. They review what exactly the CNWM does, what the waste management facilities in Indian Bay and Norris Arm do, how recycling and garbage is separated, and much more. An environmental topic that affects all of us!
Episode #20 – A conversation with Ducks Unlimited Canada’s Danielle Fequet
Danielle Fequet, the provincial Conservation Programs Specialist with Ducks Unlimited Canada, chats with host Darren Sheppard about what her position involves, how Ducks Unlimited Canada is support wetland projects in this province and throughout the country, what the local Chapter has done to promote the organization locally and how much it has raised in its existence, and much more!
Episode #21 – A conversation with former IBEC Manager, current Board member, and local business woman, Stella Gale
Host Darren Sheppard sits down with local business woman, former IBEC Manager, and current IBEC Board member Stella Gale. They discuss her time working for the environmental nonprofit, her current business “Star Creations”, her thoughts on women in business, and she announces some exciting news at the end of the episode! A very interesting and informative episode awaits your listening pleasure!
Episode #22 – Hare Bay Adventures Live – Owner/Operator of Hare Bay Adventures Duane Collins, Adventure Central’s Tara Hamlyn, and Member of Parliament Churence Rogers
709 Watershed goes on the road to Hare Bay Adventures, where we recorded live within the cozy and colourful surroundings of the award-winning tourism operation run by Renee and Duane Collins. Host Darren Sheppard speaks with Duane to get an update on how things are going with the business, plus he sits down with Adventure Central’s Community Tourism Developer, Tara Hamlyn, regarding her promotion of “The Shore”, her thoughts on the future of tourism in the area, and her own personal story regarding her hometown of Twillingate. And, he chats with Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity, Churence Rogers, to discuss how he has been handling working within the pandemic, and he provides 709 Watershed an exclusive announcement regarding his political future. You’ll have to listen to the episode to find out what it is! Enjoy!
Episode #23 – Hare Bay Adventures Live – Former PC Candidate Sue Collins, award-winning author Gary Collins, and 7 1/2 year old Grace Collins
Recorded live at Hare Bay Adventures in April, we feature in this episode former Progressive Conservative candidate and local Hare Bay volunteer, Sue Collins. We have a lovely chat, as always, with Hare Bay resident and award-winning author Gary Collins. And we chat with 7 1/2 year old Grace Collins, daughter of Renee and Duane Collins, owner/operators of Hare Bay Adventures. Quite an array of topics and guest on this show, a little something for everyone. Enjoy!
Episode #24 – Cape Freels Shorebird Project – An Interview with IBEC Project Coordinator Kaylene Stagg
Host Darren Sheppard discusses the IBEC Cape Freels Species at Risk Shorebird Project that the organization is currently working on. He sits down with Project Coordinator Kaylene Stagg, a resident of Cape Freels, who is the main spearhead for the Project. Darren and Kaylene discuss what the Project involves, how the public can assist, the social media impact, and other related topics. One of the easiest shows we’ve done, since it is about us! Lots of information about shorebirds, species at risk, and about Cape Freels. Enjoy!
This Community-Nominated Priority Place for Species at Risk project, based in Cape Freels, is undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the federal Department of Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Episode #25 – Stories of Greenspond, the Second Season – Part One
We return to Ida’s Place in Greenspond, for conversation and stories about Greenspond, the people who live and work there, and those who choose to call it home, if only for the warmer months. Recorded live in the fishing stage behind Ida’s Place, Host Darren Sheppard sits down with Ida’s Place owner Heather Gordon, and gets an update on what the past year as brought to her famous tea house. He also chats with Ida Winter, who is one of the Ida’s of Ida’s Place, and who was born in the house itself! And, he speaks with Tom Bragg, former lighthouse keeper of Puffin Island for 32 years, and longtime resident of Greenspond. Enjoy!
Episode #26 – Birds Canada Coordinator Catherine Dale & Assistant Coordinator Jenna McDermott
Catherine & Jenna work with Birds Canada, through their Bird Atlas program, tracking and recording all types of birds throughout the province, even in extreme remote locations. They, and their team, set out on a five-week wilderness trip to collect this data during this past Summer. We hosted them prior to their trip and again, upon their return, when we had them sit down with host Darren Sheppard to share their stores of their latest data collecting. Catherine & Jenna, who are based in the province, also share details about their overall positions with Birds Canada, a little about themselves personally, and how volunteers, like yourself, can help them with the Atlas and other programs.
Episode #27 – Stories of Greenspond, the Second Season – Part Two: Rev. Deede and Linda White
We return to Greenspond for another installment of our Stories of Greenspond series. Recorded at two locations, the first continuing with our previous location in the fishing stage overlooking the cove behind Ida’s Place, host Darren Sheppard interviews Rev. Deede and his wife Cynthia, who have made the visit to Greenspond annually for four decades, from New York State. They discuss their love for the island, its people, and religion. Then, it is off to Ship Island, and a visit with Linda White, to discuss the Greenspond Letter, where she shares publicly for the first time how she came up with the name (which involves political scandal), her very popular Facebook group regarding the history of the island, and her work with the Memorial University archives. One of our best shows yet, you must have a listen!
Episode #28 – Tracy Gibbons, Chair of the Lumsden Beach Committee
Tracy Gibbons is the Chair of the Lumsden Beach Committee, which as taken the initiative to cleanup the sandy beaches within the Town of Lumsden, and who partner with the Town on improvements for visitors to the beaches, educational programs, signage, and more. A volunteer organization, Tracy represents a strong voice for those who love the sandy beaches of Lumsden, and who wish to see it enjoyed for generations to come.
Episode #29 – Interview with Lori King, creator of the extremely popular Staycation NL Facebook group
Host Darren Sheppard chats with Lori on everything tourism within the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Little did she know that her vacation group on Facebook would explode to well over 70,000 members, making it the must-visit site for finding details about unique vacation spots, places to visit, and things to do when visiting the province or for those Newfoundlanders who are looking at exploring their home province. Lori also shares her favourite spots on the island to visit and what is on her bucket list for future plans.
Episode #30 – Kittiwake Snowmobile Association President Wayne Bruce
Host Darren Sheppard chats with Kittiwake Snowmobile Association (KSA) President Wayne Bruce regarding what the KSA does within the area regarding trail development, grooming of over 100 km’s of snowmobile trails, fundraising for trail improvements, and more. Wayne also explains the partnerships that are vital for the success of the trail system, including that with the Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation, which plays a huge role in the grooming operations and provides access to funding for the Club.
Episode #31 – Life & Times of Florence Cross, Owner/Operator of Karma Cafe & Textile Exchange
Local environmentalist and youth advocate Florence Cross is our guest. She discusses her life as a former educator in Grand Falls-Winsor, plus how her will and desire to help others turned into two successful local non-profits, Karma Cafe in Newtown and Textile Exchange in Templeman.
Episode #32 – Polar Bears & Coastal Labrador: A Conversation with Inuit Elder Derrick Pottle
Inuit elder Derrick Pottle chats with host Darren Sheppard about Polar Bear safety, his experiences with Polar Bears, conducting hunts, and guiding tourist in the North for “Nanuk”. His knowledge and guidance regarding the sub-population of the Davis Strait Polar Bear is amazing, and his detailed storytelling comes through easily in this episode. Working with us via our project with the Department of Environment and Climate Change Canada, Derrick has been a tremendous source of guidance regarding the cultural aspect of how the Inuit of Labrador deal with Polar Bears.
Episode #33 – Indian Bay Municipal Park: A Conversation with Park Manager Brendalee Fancy
Indian Bay Municipal Park is situated alongside the Indian Bay River. With over 50 sites and access to one of the best Salmon angling rivers in the province, it is a popular destination for many. Brendalee discusses what amenities are available, the cost involved with staying at the Park, and its involvement in promoting tourism and good stewardship for the Indian Bay area.
Episode #34 – A Day In The Life Of A Shorebird
The Grade 8 class of Centreville Academy took on this BBC radio soap opera feel episode, providing insight of what it is like to be a shorebird in today’s world, with professionalism and excitement! Written by Mrs. Perry with assistance from a couple of her students, the other students became shorebirds you would find in Cape Freels and Queen’s Meade in Newtown. Every wonder what it was like to be chased by a dog? To be stuck in a bucket? To have your “home” taken away? Well, wonder no more! Listen to this unique and informative episode that will remind you of the era of radio soap operas, written and produced right here along “The Shore”.
Episode #35 – Ashley Noseworthy, CEO/President of Edgewise Environmental
Host Darren Sheppard chats with Ashley Noseworthy, CEO/President of Edgewise Environmental. It is a St. John’s based environmental consultancy focused on marine mammal, seabird, and marine noise mitigation solutions. Ashley has a background working with marine mammals and has worked in various positions offshore and throughout the world. She recently trained Indian Bay Ecosystem Corporation personnel on various seabird protocols to be utilized in our Leach’s Storm-Petrel study in Cape Freels, and she took the time after this training to appear on 709 Watershed.
Episode #36 – Triffie Parsons – Town Manager/Clerk of Indian Bay, Chair of IBEC, and Councillor of CWT
Host Darren Sheppard sits down with Triffie Parsons, the multi-talented, multi-hat wearing, Town Manager/Clerk of Indian Bay, Chair of Indian Bay Ecosystem Corporation, and Councillor of Centreville-Wareham-Trinity (CWT). She talks about the challenges and positives facing both Indian Bay and CWT. She shares some personal experiences from her past and her family. And she talks about her strong viewpoints regarding environmental topics facing the area and IBEC. An insightful episode awaits!
Episode #37 – The 3rd Annual Stories of Greenspond – Heather Gordon, Colton & Jade, and Mayor Herb Burry
709 Watershed is back on Greenspond for its 3rd annual “Stories of Greenspond” episodes. Two shows were produced from this year’s visit, with this show having the Owner/Operator of Ida’s Place, Heather Gordon, speaking about what has happen to the business over the past year and about her cheesecake and cinnamon buns. Host Darren Sheppard also speaks to Colton Firmage and Jade Burton, two young entrepreneurs of “Berries and Beads”, who call Greenspond home, and who share their thoughts on what it is like to be a kid from the island. And Mayor Herb Burry stops by to discuss his opinions of what Greenspond has to offer to visitors or potential new residents, the importance of tourism and the fishery to the community, and provides insight on how the causeway came about to replace the ferry.
Episode #38 – Stories of Greenspond – Part 2 – Wade Kean & Linda White
The second part of this season’s “Stories of Greenspond” recorded live at Ida’s Place, features Co-Owner of Hub of the North, Wade Kean (Sylvia was busy cooking in the restaurant), who talks about his love for Greenspond, the suites and restaurant they operate, the tourism sector, and much more! We also welcome Historian Linda White, creator of the Greenspond Historical Society Facebook page, who talks about cemetery restoration on the island, tracing Greenspond family routes from Europe, ideas for the Orangemen’s Lodge, and the planned visit of another famous Newfoundland historian and his curiosity about Bonfire Night and how it is still such a strong tradition in Greenspond. An intriguing episode awaits for your listening pleasure!
Episode #39 – Seabirds 101 – A Converssation with Seabird Biologist Sabina Wilhelm
Curious about the Avian Flu and its affect on seabirds around Newfoundland? Are Murres safe to eat in this year’s hunt? What is causing Leach’s Storm-Petrels to be eaten in Cape Freels? Well, you’ve picked the right episode! Host Darren Sheppard speaks with Environment and Climate Change Canada Seabird Biologist Sabina Wilhelm. She also has a summer home in Greenspond, which we discuss at the end of the show.
Episode #40 – An in-depth conversation with Stewardship Association of Municipalities Executive Director Zachary Burrows
On this episode, we speak to Stewardship Association of Municipalities Executive Director Zachary Burrows. Known affectionately as SAM, the organization works with the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture in Newfoundland & Labrador to secure, enhance, & restore important wildlife habitat within municipal planning boundaries. The Town of Indian Bay has been a member of SAM since 2016, which has allowed for a strong partnership between IBEC and SAM to develop on several projects and shared interest.
Episode #41 – The 4th Annual Greenspond Show with guest Terry Carter, Linda White, & Heather Gordon
The fourth annual Greenspond show was recorded in mid-July, 2023 on site at Ida’s Place within the fishing shed on the property. Guest included Terry Carter, owner of Sainsbury Lane, who talks about the history of the house, his roots to Greenspond, and summary of how he and his wife Elaine became owners of the beautiful home on the island. Linda White, publisher of the Greenspond Letter and administrator of the Greenspond Historical Society Facebook page, speaks about cemetery restoration and other historical pieces on the island. And Ida’s Place owner/operator Heather Gordon, speaks about some of the connections she’s made while operating the tea room for the past seven years.
Episode #42 – A Conversation with Qalipu First Nation’s Councilor Frank Skeard
On this episode, host Darren Sheppard chats with Frank Skeard, Councilor with the Qalipu First Nation (Glenwood Ward). Frank also is the District Ecosystem Manager for Forest Management with the Provincial Government, and is a member of the Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce. Frank has a true love for nature and helping people, of which, he goes into detail on that, and more!
Episode #43 – A Conversation with Black Cat Cemetery Preservation
On this episode, Host Darren Sheppard speaks with Black Cat Cemetery Preservation regarding their latest work in cemeteries in Greenspond and other locations in Newfoundland. Robyn and Ian also talk about techniques used in such preservation work, how individuals or groups can contact them to have work done on their own graveyards, their love for Newfoundland & Labrador, and much more!
Indian Bay Ecosystem Corporation (IBEC) 