We invite you to join us for the premiere of our new documentary in Halifax this Saturday, May 27th!
In Fall 2021, our team set out on a mission to document NSEN's rich 30-year history as an interconnecting body for Nova Scotia's environmental non-profit community.
Over the past year we have produced a 1-hour documentary consisting of interview footage with ten local environmental leaders who have helped shape NSEN since its founding in 1991. Together we explore the past, present, and future of environmental networking in Nova Scotia in hopes of educating the public and inspiring broader participation in the movement during these critical times.
We would like to acknowledge and thank the late Meinhard Doelle (1964-2022) for his many years of environmental leadership, for his role in building NSEN in the 1990s, and for his contributions to this film project.
Join NSEN and RCEN on June 8th from 7-8:30 PM for a celebration of World Ocean Day!
This interactive webinar will feature a short presentation about World Ocean Day and the UN Decade of the Ocean, an interactive session on scientific tourism on beaches, and a roundtable discussion on community coastal monitoring strategies. The event will be led by Camilo M. Botero, coastal explorer and geographer.
The work of the Project Officer mainly focuses on supporting the work of Hike NS and its various projects, helping to increase our capacity to offer our Guided Hike & Walk series, outdoor education courses, the Hiker Challenge, the Trail Builders Network and fundraising.
We launched theNSEN Volunteer Hubin 2021. Our goal is to see this 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.
Fisheries minister creates task force to clarify regulation of tidal power
The federal government is creating a task force to clarify regulations for projects attempting to harness the tidal energy of the Bay of Fundy, after a key player sought bankruptcy protection last week — and blamed Ottawa.
Following meetings Tuesday with representatives from the tidal-power industry, federal Fisheries Minister Joyce Murray said government officials and the private sector would make recommendations on how her department could better communicate environmental requirements and reduce turnaround times for approvals.
"We want to develop this industry and we think greater collaboration is the best way forward and that's what the task force is all about," she said.
There's a concerning increase in the number of wildfires in Nova Scotia this year. The province has almost hit the average much earlier than expected. Aly Thomson explains the factors behind it.
Atlantic premiers want federal government to postpone new clean fuel rules
The four premiers from Atlantic Canada are asking the federal government to delay implementation of its new clean fuel regulations.
The provincial leaders said in a news release Thursday that they want a pause until a plan can be developed to address what they call "the disproportionate impact of the regulations on Atlantic Canadians," where many goods needed by consumers and businesses have to be trucked in.
The Council of Atlantic Premiers met virtually Wednesday with Steven Guilbeault, the federal minister of environment and climate change, to discuss the issue.
The animal rescue centre, Hope for Wildlife, is experiencing a baby boom on the eve of its busiest season of the year. The centre is seeing an increasing number of baby geese, ducks and racoons. They are also warning about interacting with animals in the wild. Kathleen McKenna reports.
N.S. fruit grower says February cold snap destroyed peach, plum, nectarine crops
The Nova Scotia Fruit Growers' Association says some stone fruit crops may be a total loss this year after an extreme cold snap damaged trees in February.
Emily Lutz, the association's executive director, said peach, plum and nectarine trees were severely damaged when temperatures dropped to –25 C after what had been an unseasonably mild winter.
"We are seeing trees that are pushing blossoms that look perfectly healthy, but then when you run your hand along the branch, the blossoms are literally just falling off," Lutz told CBC Radio's Maritime Noon on Thursday.
Stock assessments show Maritime lobster population strong, fishery sustainable
Lobster populations off all three Maritime provinces remain strong and the $1.7-billion fishery is sustainable, according to the latest assessments from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).
It's good news for coastal communities, but warming ocean temperatures caused by climate change is a potential cloud on the horizon.
Hike NS invites groups across NS to partner with it on delivering fall guided walks from September to November 2023. Hike NS will help promote events and provide a how-to guide and trail prizes to giveaway. Register your event by August 11 for events between September 15 and November 19.
Hike Nova Scotia is hiring for the following positions with deadlines to apply of June 11 and July 16: Trail Corps Coordinator, Trail Support Coordinator and Project Officer. These positions will help Hike NS strengthen and expand its work.
The Halifax Chapter of The Council Of Canadians invites you to learn more about us. You may already know the Council Of Canadians.
Our chapter serves the Halifax region and is made up of folks who are committed to equity, our planet and a fair democracy. We have worked with and supported various other groups, many within the NSEN, over the years.
Recent events and projects with the Halifax chapter:
Pharmacare Now! Town Hall - for Universal pharmacare, with Avi Lewis & guest speakers
Created a Gold Mining awareness video
Just Transition actions - petitions before parliament, meetings with MP’s, live protest w/ media coverage, and more
Creation of new chapter handbook for new & prospective members. A concise overview of how it works and what we do.
Coming:
Blue Communities - petitioning Halifax to sign on as a Blue Community (details on link below)
More actions around climate, equity and democracy
We also welcome you to one of our monthly Zoom chapter meetings, which take place on the 3rd Monday of each month. Please send us an email and we will reply with a Zoom link.
The South Shore Chapter of the Council of Canadians and The Campaign to Protect Offshore Nova Scotia (CPONS) invite you to attend our first World Oceans Day celebration event.
Celebrate World Oceans Day Expo
Saturday, June 10, 2023, 12:30-3:30 PM
Lunenburg Community Centre, 15 Green Street, Lunenburg, NS
Admission is free to this family-friendly event. Activities include a kids’ art table, a chance to have your photo taken with Clawdia the 8” lobster, opportunities to take action to let elected officials know our concerns about the ocean’s health, and guest speakers. Also, several environmental and community organizations and businesses will be in attendance and will share what they are doing to protect the ocean.
Calling all teachers! Do you want to spark curiosity in the classroom? Back to the Sea is now booking classroom workshops in the Halifax and Dartmouth area for the month of June! We have programs suitable for grades 1-6, each being approximately an hour long and coming with a mini touch tank containing local intertidal species. Interested? Email info@backtothesea.ca for more info and to book!
Scotian Shores is hosting their second annual shoreline clean-up at Baccaro Point on June 25th from 11-4 PM. Bags, gloves, and pickers will be provided. In particular, they are looking for help from ATV drivers and trucks with trailers.
The Cape Breton Farmers' Market will be hosting a Plant/Yard Sale on June 3rd from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Please see the poster below for more information.
Upcoming Programs & Events:
May 28: Introduction to Permaculture Workshop. Register here!
June 10 & 11: Introduction to Natural Building. Register here!
June 17: Nova Scotia Maker's Market popup at the Deanery
June 17: Plant Sale Fundraiser! Support our work by donating plants by June 15th, or come by to purchase plants!
Help us stand up for West Mabou Beach Provincial Park.
On April 20, DNRR Minister Tory Rushton said that the government would not entertain a proposal to turn part of West Mabou Beach Provincial Park into a golf course. Just over a week later, Premier Houston's office confirmed, "The land is protected under the Provincial Parks Act, and we have no plans to change that."
Despite this important win, our provincial parks are still too vulnerable to private interests. It is critical that we strengthen the Provincial Parks Act so special places like this remain protected in perpetuity.
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 at Kings Wharf in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia by Mitchell Thomas.
Green Job Opportunities
Hike Nova Scotia: Several Positions
Hike Nova Scotia is currently hiring for a number of positions including two summer jobs (Trail Corps Coordinator, Trail Support Coordinator) and one 15-week internship (Project Officer). Click the button below for more information.
Deadline: June 11 (summer positions) and July 16 (internship)
TransCoastal Adaptations Centre for Nature-Based Solutions (TCA) at SMU
The Green Shores Program Assistant will be based at Saint Mary’s University, working within the TransCoastal Adaptations team led by Dr. Danika van Proosdij, Professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies.
They will work alongside the Education and Outreach Coordinator and the Communications and Engagement Officer to complete deliverables related to the Green Shores (GS) program. Green Shores is an initiative of the Stewardship Centre for BC that provides science-based tools and best practices to help people minimize the impacts of new developments, and restore shoreline ecosystem function of previously developed sites.
Indigenous Climate Action (ICA) is looking for someone who is ambitious, personable and passionately committed to true Indigenous Climate Justice to serve as its Operations Coordinator.
This position requires a deep understanding of the intersectional approaches of climate justice and Indigenous rights and its application to the internal operations of the organization.
This position is primarily virtual, but based in Nova Scotia. You will work with the CLIMAtlantic team as well as adaptation specialists at the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change (ECC), who are supporting the development and implementation of adaptation strategies across Nova Scotia. You will play an important role in multiple teams including as a team member at CLIMAtlantic, as the coordinator of strategy implementation team and as a member of the multi-sectoral and multi-departmental community of practitioners working to prepare their organizations for climate change.
While you will be provided a structured process, guidance, and tools, you will be required to customize the process and materials to suit the needs and context of the electricity sector.
Net Zero Atlantic: Renewable Energy Engineer-in-Training
In this role, you will have a direct impact on Atlantic Canada’s energy system transition. You will be responsible for the successful identification, creation and delivery of projects in our renewable energy / clean technology research portfolio.
By encouraging innovation and building energy sector knowledge you will help solve current and emerging decarbonization questions in the renewable energy space. You will collaborate with contributors from government, technology and service providers, regulators, energy-project developers, academia and program funders.
Do you have a passion for environmental sustainability and want to make a meaningful change in the nonprofit sector? If you are a recent post-secondary graduate between 18-30 (inclusively) looking for relevant work experience, then this practical, PAID internship experience is just for you!
Abundant Acres Farm is recruiting people to join their team who are passionate about growing good food, and are moving towards a career in farming. This is potentially a long-term, multi-year position. Employees will have the opportunity to step into higher levels of responsibility as they learn new skills.
Green Party of Nova Scotia celebrates Earth Day with their AGM
The Green Party of Nova Scotia celebrated Earth Day on April 22 at their Annual General Meeting. The members adopted 130 policy statements in a Policy Document encompassing ecological stewardship, responsible government (including proportional representation), and a broad range of other important issues, including health, housing and justice. GPNS Leader Anthony Edmonds, who was affirmed for another year, stated "I'm incredibly proud of the extensive collaboration that built up these policies". Members enjoyed a teach-in over lunch with Green Party of Canada Leader Elizabeth May, which was one of more than 20 Green Party events held across Canada in recognition of Earth Day.
The ImpAct-Climate Challenge is here. Will you accept? Share actions, ideas, and projects that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions on your campus. As a student, faculty, staff – or anyone else – on a campus of a Colleges and Institutes Canada member institution, your ideas could win a $500 cash prize, a $3,000 climate-action bursary, and national recognition for your college or institute! Deadline: May 31.
Atlantic Canada Climate Network: Innovation Speaker Series
The Atlantic Canada Climate Network is excited to present the Innovation Speaker Series, a dynamic platform that showcases cutting-edge emergent technologies and their potential to advance climate solutions and create new opportunities.
During these events, presenters will share their transformative technologies, sharing insights into their research, development process, and successful implementation strategies. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the intricate details of their innovative solutions, learning about their efficiency, scalability, and positive impact on the environment.
Every year, Terrera Canada holds an Earth Award contest to recognize an outstanding Canadian woman who has actively engaged in environmental leadership. This year, they are supporting the winner with a $1000 grant for a community initiative, project, social-enterprise or business that is making a positive impact on society and the environment.
Red Bear Healing Home Society is requesting public assistance for donations of gently used cell phones.
Empowering and enabling people who are experiencing poverty by way of providing cell phones ensures access to public services and reduces the stress of being economically disadvantaged. Living without a cellular device or phone can have a detrimental effect on an persons’ mental and physical health and make connections impossible for people who are phoneless.
Donating gently used technology is also a great way to extend the life cycle of these products and keep precious minerals from ending up in a landfill.
They kindly ask that gently used cell phones that have been unlocked and reset, be dropped off at Annapolis Valley libraries in Kingston and Middleton. Call them at (902) 448-4744 for more information or to arrange for another drop-off location.
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