We are so excited to announce that NSEN is planning to initiate a new caucus, the Biodiversity Caucus! We will be hosting an information session on Wednesday, February 1st at 7pm to provide an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the new caucus.Joining an environmental caucus is a great way to connect with likeminded members of the community and work together towards a common cause. To learn more about our existing caucuses, click here.
Are you passionate about protecting biodiversity? Join the Biodiversity Caucus! We ask that those interested complete the form below to express your level of interest in joining and attend the information session on February 1st if possible.
NSEN will be hosting a webinar in partnership with The Sustainable Capacity Solutions Centre on February 21st from 7-8pm to discuss their Eco-Internships program and other programs and services available to Canadian environmental NGOs.
This webinar is open to members of NSEN only, so please remember to sign up as a member before registering if you haven't already!
As part of our Giving Tuesday campaign, we released a trailer for our historical documentary which will premiere in early 2023!
Check out the trailer below for a preview of Connections: The Story of the Nova Scotia Environmental Network, which showcases NSEN's 30-year history and future vision through a series of interviews with local environmental leaders.
We launched theNSEN Volunteer Hubin 2021. Our goal is to see this new tool become a powerful one-stop-shop that benefits environmental initiatives in every corner of the province. Your participation can help make that happen!
All NSEN member organizations can post their volunteer positions on the Volunteer Hub, where our network of volunteers can view and apply for opportunities that fit their interests.
Growth of starling population a cautionary tale, says N.S. expert
Environmentalists in Nova Scotia have long warned of the dangers invasive species of plants and animals can pose to native ecosystems. The European starling is a case in point, according to Kristen Noel, council supervisor at the Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council.
Province, Mi'kmaq to share governance of Kluskap Wilderness Area in Cape Breton
The Nova Scotia government and the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia signed an agreement Wednesday at the Wagmatcook Culture and Heritage Centre to share governance of the Kluskap Wilderness Area, which includes Kluskap's Cave.
The nearly 2,800 hectare-parcel of land can be found on Kellys Mountain, or Kluskap Mountain, in Victoria County.
"This day is for our ancestors, this is for them and the stories they passed on, the Kluskap stories and the language and the land. That's where all the answers are," said Eskasoni First Nation Chief Leroy Denny.
Environmental group claims water tests at gold mine site have high arsenic levels
An environmental group in Nova Scotia says a gold mine is responsible for high levels of arsenic in waterways nearby. Members of Water is Life Nova Scotia have been doing regular water testing near the tailings dam at the Touquoy Gold Mine located in Moose River, about 65 kilometres northeast of Halifax.
What they discovered in late August near Scraggy Lake, which is located next to the mine, prompted them to come back and take more water samples.
"There was a yellow and orange liquid running through the woods," said Sydnee McKay. "We were quite shocked to see this."
Nova Scotia will update air quality regulations as it evaluates green energy projects
The Nova Scotia government is updating its air quality regulations as the province conducts an environmental assessment for one of its first green hydrogen and ammonia projects.
Environment and Climate Change Minister Tim Halman told reporters Thursday he intends to implement new air quality regulations this year and that considerations for creating limits on ammonia are a “key factor” in that process.
Smooth transition to Climate Fund predicted for Nova Scotia
The Climate Change Fund that will replace the existing Green Fund in Nova Scotia next year will be more flexible and more priority driven, says the deputy minister of the government’s Environment Department.
“The purposes that are set out for both funds in legislation has at its heart climate change initiatives,” Lora MacEachern told a legislative committee meeting Tuesday.
The Young Naturalists' Club is looking for a print sponsor for natural history resources. Can you help us print more of our popular mushroom guide? We want to reach 1,000 young nature learners next year through guided walks and interpretive resources like this species guide and activity booklet, and you can help! Your logo could go on the back cover next to ours!
YNC Cape Breton Chapter is looking for new volunteers! Our wonderful Cape Breton YNC volunteers Kim and Britta have retired after a couple years of leading awesome nature learning events. We're looking for new volunteers to take over leading the chapter. If you're outdoorsy, have an interest in natural history, and have 3-5hrs/month to share, this club is for you!
Young Naturalists Club Chapter Leaders are responsible for organizing our monthly youth- and family-oriented events and ensuring a safe and fun experience. Each month, the leader(s) find a cool natural space to visit and organize member families into a guided hike, talk, or any other natural history learning activity the group is interested in!
Events can take place anywhere on the island and feature any natural history subject from forests to mushrooms to sharks to the stars! Kim and Britta mostly focused on the West but new Leaders would be welcome to host events anywhere they like. And we're here to support you! Our provincial Coordinator helps the Leader(s) to find guest speakers for events, provides the chapter with any special materials they might want like native plants or bird houses, and is generally just there to assist the Leader(s) with whatever they might need.
The Deanery Project and the Centre for Local Prosperity have teamed up to co-facilitate an exciting and timely MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) titled Transition in a Perilous Century. The course is free and begins January 29th. It aims to build a network of informed local participants focused on building community resiliency and action around climate change adaptation.
The course is composed of 7 modules spread over 21 weeks. Each module runs for 3 weeks and takes about 2 hours/week to complete. We are looking for individuals, or pairs from organizations to join us. A certificate of completion, or a graduate level university credit are available on completion.
Hike NS and 19 partners are offering the Winter Guided Hike & Walk Series from January to March across NS. There are 47 walks led by local folks and participants qualify to win trail prizes. They are free or low-cost events and some require pre-registration. Hike NS thanks its partners on the ground for organizing the events as well as Goose Lane Editions and the NS Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage for their support.
Webinars & Trainings
Feb. 4: Field Leader-Winter Module, Halifax
Feb. 15: Intro to Hiking Webinar
Feb. 16: NS Walks Walk Leader training
Trail Troubleshooting Webinars
Taking place on February 1 and 3, the Trail Troubleshooting webinars will focus on how to solve common and not-so-common trail maintenance problems and issues with advice from Ryan Lindh of TrailFlow Outdoor Adventures.
Fundraising for Trails Webinars
Taking place on March 7 and 8, the Fundraising for Trails online discussions will share some key trends in fundraising, strategies to consider and some neat, practical ideas to get your trail fundraising on track with advice from Janet Barlow of Hike NS.
Annapolis Waterkeepers are asking Nova Scotians across the province to help them send a message to the Nova Scotia Department of Environment by displaying a sign on their property.
"A toxic, unlawful landfill has been degrading the land, water, air and property values on the North Mountain for too long!
Arlington Heights C&D was built at the apex of three watersheds that have provided pristine drinking water and supported livestock and gardening installations for communities immediately downslope for centuries. Four brooks from the wetland lead directly into the Bay of Fundy.
Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change (NSECC) admits an Environmental Assessment was "overlooked" when the site was originally approved. The truth is, a lot more than that has been overlooked or outright ignored.
The department has not been forthcoming, as is demonstrated by dozens of misleading letters, multiple denied requests to meet, insults, threats (yes, threats) and a massive, disorganized (and not free) Freedom of Information request.
NSECC has not followed its own rules and has failed to protect this vitally important environment. Because due diligence was not done at the outset, multiple expansion and other approvals have been allowed that never should have been.
Had NSECC performed adequate community consultation, or listened to citizens' repeated concerns or historical knowledge of the area, this environmental disaster could have been avoided.
Instead, the wetland has been all but destroyed - clearcut, bulldozed, and stuffed full of tens of thousands of tons of HRM's asbestos and toxic auto shredder residue (ASR) - all without the proper environmental protection in place (it's a generation one, primitive unlined landfill). ASR is a known carcinogen and is highly susceptible to spontaneous combustion.
We know the repeated mantra of "impermeable soil" that both the dump and the department tried to sell us is false. Their own soil test results proved the presence of contaminated leachate beyond dump property.
The answer is clear: It's time to stop this insanity once and for all and CLEAN UP ARLINGTON HEIGHTS!"
Get in touch to receive your sign. They're free, but donations to offset the cost of printing will be gratefully accepted. You can reach us on Facebook, Twitter or Email to make arrangements.
Every Wednesday we share a Nova Scotia Nature Photo on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Have you taken photos of beautiful places around the province? Share them with us for a chance to be featured on our page!
This photo was captured in Mount Uniacke, Nova Scotia by Jesse Galati.
Green Job Opportunities
CLIMAtlantic: Communications Lead
As Communications Lead with CLIMAtlantic, you will strategically lead our communications, and be hands-on in implementing our strategic plan and communications strategy. You’ll manage our website, our social media channels, lead projects related to communications, supervise interns, and support and work with a diverse team across Atlantic Canada.
You are interested in communicating both the risks of climate change as well as how we can address them and better prepare for them, in creative ways. You are at ease working both with a team and independently, and you want to be part of an organization which wants to make adaptation accessible to all Atlantic Canadians.
Clean Annapolis River Project: Agro-Ecosystems Stewardship Project Lead
The Agro-ecosystems Stewardship Project Lead will work under the direction of CARP’s Management Team in a supportive and cooperative team environment. Much of this position involves leading the Kespukwitk Conservation Collaborative ago-ecosystems initiative. This includes leading and/or assisting with the delivery of a variety of projects that focus on species at risk and biodiversity enhancement on agro-ecosystems.
The candidate will be required to engage members of the public in stewardship programs and activities primarily focused within the Annapolis River watershed, but in some cases, projects may extend across southwest Nova Scotia.
Reporting to the VP of Conservation and Science, the Atlantic Director is responsible for the effective management and leadership of Birds Canada’s programs, staff and volunteers in Atlantic Canada. In addition to regional duties, the Atlantic Director is also an integral member of the national Management Team, and as such plays a vital role in helping shape the culture and strategic direction of the organization as a whole.
Evergreen is currently seeking to add to its team of bilingual Virtual Outdoor Educators. This group of individuals are the fabric that holds Evergreen’s Nature Play program together, ensuring a playful, engaging and safe experience for all participants. Their talents and interests are as diverse as their many contributions and each is relied upon for their unique skills, perspectives and experience.
Our Outdoor Educators contribute to the overall success of Nature Play by supporting a culture of experiential learning, place-based activities and connecting with nature in a hands on way.
Thinkwell Shift (“Shift”) is looking for an Engagement Officer located in the Wolfville region who enjoys working with youth and forging relationships. The successful candidate will report to the Program Coordinator and work well both independently and as part of a team to empower the youth of Nova Scotia to make small changes and improved choices around their energy use at home, school and within their community. Some travel is required for this position.
Valuable skills related to working with children and youth include: strong enthusiasm, ability to manage groups, ability to inspire, motivate and gain trust, creativity, leadership, imagination and adaptability.
Deadline: Position will be posted until hiring is complete
Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council: Project Coordinator
The Project Coordinator is responsible for managing an exciting multi-year aquatic invasive species project focused on our Clean Drain Dry and Don’t Let It Loose outreach programs. The Project Coordinator will assist the NSISC Supervisor with rolling this project out, tracking the project budget and deliverables, and coordinating many project activities that involve working closely with multi-jurisdictional partners. The Project Coordinator will also attend NSISC meetings and help with some light administration duties. The Project Coordinator will have the opportunity to assist with fieldwork, including but not limited to: plant surveys, invasive species monitoring, and invasive species removals.
The DOTCAN initiative was stimulated by Canada’s commitment at the Sustainable Blue Economy Conference in 2018. This initiative seeks to implement Canada’s Ocean Strategy based on principles of sustainable development, integrated management and the precautionary approach.
Among the DOTCAN’s projects is the WYTEC Blue Training Program on MaritimeSecurity in locations such as Nova Scotia. In light of this, DOTCAN is reaching out to relevant stakeholders in the MaritimeSecurity sector in Nova Scotia for engagement purposes to help achieve success in the training program.
For more information and/or to participate in the survey, click the button below.
Engage Nova Scotia's Winter Road Trip is a series of 10 community conversations about the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and quality of life in Nova Scotia. All events will take place at your local NSCC from 4-6pm. RSVP to the one closest to you.
The events will also include opportunities to connect with speakers, the Engage team, and community members in attendance, learn more about the SDGs and themes from local wellbeing data, and interact with tools created to use that data.
DAL 14th Annual Douglas M. Johnston Lecture: A Human Rights-Based Approach to the New Treaty on Plastic Pollution
The lecture will feature a discussion with Marcos A Orellana, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Toxics and Human Rights. His practice as legal advisor has encompassed work with United Na- tions agencies, governments, and non-governmental organizations. He has intervened in cases before several international courts and tribunals and has extensive experience working with civil society and indigenous peoples around the world on issues concerning global environmental justice.
To register for this event, please contact the DAL College of Sustainability at sustlife@dal.ca.
Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication: 2023 Conference
EECOM's 2023 conference will be held virtually from February 15-17.
The main goals of the conference are:
To move away from the narrative of individual guilt to collective, collaborative, and equitable solutions
To empower youth and young people and leave them feeling inspired for truly sustainable environmental futures
To acknowledge that youth are our teachers, and that we borrow the earth from future generations
To recognize that we live in a world of interconnectedness, interdependence, and intersectionality - therefore inclusive learning practices and environmental solutions that centre marginalized voices will be at the heart of this conference and a truly sustainable future
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