Kass Harris has returned as NSEN's Network Coordinator for the remainder of 2024. Kass brings expertise and enthusiasm to the team, and is eager to leverage her skills to support NSEN members and bolster the environmental movement in Nova Scotia. As we look ahead, we're exploring ideas to enhance our impact and foster collaboration across our network. For inquiries or to connect with Kass, please send an email to info@nsenvironmentalnetwork.com.
Join the Biodiversity Caucus!
Join the Biodiversity Caucus at our monthly meeting to connect with like-minded individuals, learn about exciting projects, and collaborate to advance biodiversity work across the province. Whether you're an NGO leader, an academic, or an enthusiastic individual, your passion for protecting biodiversity is what we need.
Reach out to us at biodiversity@nsenvironmentalnetwork.com for more information. If you're already convinced, complete our interest form and we'll connect with you as soon as possible. Let's make a difference together! The next meeting will be held on July 10th from 2-3 PM.
We are thrilled to announce a major milestone for Nova Scotia’s natural heritage. In a recent media release, NSNT has proudly declared the successful completion of its "Twice the Wild" campaign, doubling its protected lands to over 30,000 acres across the province. Launched in 2020 in response to global biodiversity loss and climate challenges, this achievement marks a significant win for conservation efforts in Nova Scotia.
The campaign's success was made possible by unprecedented public and community support, including a transformative leadership gift from the Sobey family, which catalyzed over $5 million in community donations and leveraged over $23 million in government funds. This collaborative effort underscores the crucial role of partnerships between governments, Indigenous communities, conservation organizations, and supporters in safeguarding our natural landscapes for future generations.
For more information on this historic achievement and our ongoing conservation efforts, please visit NSNT's website and follow us on Facebook.
Get a once-a-year "behind-the-scenes" look at our wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility with tours of our medical facilities, access to our bird and mammal nurseries, our recovery units, the marine unit, and our giant flight cages!
There will also be wildlife displays and demonstrations, activities for the kids, live music, barbeque, a silent auction, as well as local exhibitors, crafts, and food! It is a fun-filled day for the whole family.
All funds raised got to support Hope for Wildlife's efforts to help injured and orphaned wildlife in Nova Scotia.
The Sandy Lake Conservation Association is offering a series of guided hikes at Sandy Lake Regional Park in July. Would your organization want a guided walk just for your members? We're happy to work with you to line them up on a weekend, week day, or week night. Treat your members to time in the woods at Sandy Lake, led by a biologist who can interpret the fascinating natural features of Sandy Lake Regional Park, and will speak to the threats to the area. Get in touch with us at sandylakecampaign@gmail.com.
The Back to the Sea Centre is open for the season! Visit the Back to the Sea Centre, located in Martins Park in the white building (right beside the Shubenacadie Canal!).
For those who prefer to learn by listening, our new audio guide covers the same essential information in a convenient format.
These resources were developed in response to the high volume of inquiries ECELAW receives annually regarding injunctions from individuals and community groups. We trust they will serve as valuable public tools.
Hike Nova Scotia invites groups across NS to partner with it on delivering fall guided hikes and walks from September to November 2024. Hike NS will help promote events and provide a how-to guide and trail prizes to giveaway. If your municipality, First Nation or organization can organize a walk (or already plan to host one), please register your event by August 11 for events between September 13 and November 17.
The Ecology Action Centre is offering free energy audits for faith buildings across Nova Scotia until Wednesday, July 31. Energy audits are on a first come, first served basis. You will get a detailed energy report with recommendations and customized advice qualifying you to apply for Efficiency Nova Scotia rebates.
The Deanery Project is recruiting new volunteers to join them on Helping Hands Wednesdays. For more information, please send us an email at thedeaneryproject@gmail.com.
Summer Camp 2024
The Deanery Project is organizing a summer camp (ages 10-12) from July 8-12! For more information and to register, please send us an email at thedeaneryproject@gmail.com.
Brake Service Workshop
Join us on July 6th for a workshop on brake service instructed by Doug Regular. At the workshop, you will learn about different types of brakes, installation, maintenance and adjustment, and disassembly and reassembly.
Open House
Join us on July 7th for The Deanery Project's Open House! Enjoy refreshments, good company, and explore the grounds in summer bloom.
Gerald Trites: Book Launch
Gerald Trites, retired partner of KPMG Halifax, is releasing a new book outlining how companies can direct their efforts more effectively to a better sustainability strategy.
"Beyond Sustainability Reporting: The Pathway to Corporate Social Responsibility," is set for publication by Business Experts Press of New York on July 8. Offering essential insights for companies looking to strengthen their sustainability strategies, this book is a must-read for corporate leaders, educators, and anyone interested in fostering impactful sustainability initiatives. Visit Amazon now for pre-sale at a special introductory price and join in advancing corporate sustainability efforts worldwide!
Take action now! Read our response to the draft report on Land Suitability Analysis for Sandy Lake and show your support.
"A draft Land Suitability Analyses Study (LSA) report to inform the potential development at Sandy Lake was released to the public. This study was paid for by the Province and is being overseen by HRM. Although the Coalition to save the park recognizes that more work will be done in order to complete these background studies, we have grave concerns about the results presented in the draft report and the conclusions that are drawn by the consultants. We shared our feedback on this draft LSA report with HRM staff and plan to meet with them.
For example: the report makes no mention of wild Atlantic Salmon being back in Sandy Lake. This has been documented for several years and represents 35 years of work by the Sackville Rivers Association. This is a huge oversight, but there are more.
Nova Scotia Nature Trust reaches goal of doubling protected areas
The Nova Scotia Nature Trust has reached its goal of doubling the amount of land it protects — a major win for the province's wild spaces.
In what it describes as its most ambitious campaign ever, the non-profit set out in 2020 to protect an additional 6,000 hectares of land across Nova Scotia.
With its most recent protection of 300 hectares on Barren Island, found off the coast of Marie Joseph, N.S., on the province's Eastern Shore, that milestone has officially been met.
Executive director Bonnie Sutherland said Wednesday the Twice the Wild campaign was meant to help address biodiversity loss amid climate change.
Municipality of the District of Lunenburg passes coastal protection regulations
The move marks the first time a local council has passed its own regulations, after the Nova Scotia government announced it was abandoning its Coastal Protection Act.
Living shoreline project takes shape at Lake Banook
A living shoreline is being installed at part of Lake Banook in Dartmouth, N.S., partly with the aim of helping filter contaminants that would otherwise end up in the water.
The work being done at Birch Cove Park includes installing a fence made from trees to help protect the perimeter of the living shoreline. Native species such as red osier dogwood and willow will be planted to encourage biodiversity.
Elizabeth Montgomery, the water resources specialist with the Halifax Regional Municipality's environment and climate change team, said this is the first naturalization project for the municipality.
Community members call for more time to comment on N.S. quarry expansion
People living near a rock quarry in Colchester County are upset about a proposed expansion of the mining operation, and say they need more time to respond to the company's application for environmental approval.
But the provincial department of environment says the timeline for the process is law and there's no chance of an extension.
A handful of people who live in the community of Little Dyke, N.S., disrupted the work of a legislature committee in Halifax on Tuesday to voice their concerns.
"We're at our wits end to try to get attention to what's going on here," Harvey MacEachern told reporters after he and others were asked to leave the meeting.
New fund aims to reduce emissions in N.S. seafood sector
The provincial government aims to increase the study and use of renewable energy in Nova Scotia's seafood sector. The hope is this will lead to reduced emissions. Money will be available for people looking to make changes to their operations and companies looking to do research.
Paul Manning, an assistant professor at Dalhousie University, has been a fan of June bugs since he was wee grub himself. He's making a case for their contributions to our ecosystem. The CBC's Jane Sponagle faces her own fears to learn more.
Don't forget that you can check out the NSEN Job Board at any time to see the latest job opportunities with NSEN members. Submit a new position or apply today!
The Deanery Project is currently hiring for part- and full-time positions! For more information and to send expressions of interest, please email The Deanery Project with "Job Posting" as the subject line.
Hike Nova Scotia: Youth Hiking Coordinator Internship Position
The work of the Youth Hiking Coordinator mainly focuses on increasing Hike NS’s capacity to get more young people outside enjoying parks, hiking trails and other green spaces. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Youth Hiking Coordinator oversees the Young Hikers Program, coordinates the Hiker Challenge program for youth, supports other Hike NS projects, and assists with general administration.
The Sustainability Intern will work under the guidance of a Manager and/or Board of Directors. They will also work with an assigned mentor from another environmental group to help guide them in their role. The Sustainability Intern will develop programs, help fundraise, lead communications and social media, support partnerships, and participate in networking opportunities. As part of their role, the sustainability Intern will participate in a mandatory nonprofit internship training program provided by the Capacity Building Institute.
Deadlines vary. Start dates range from July to September.
Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction, and Response Network: Executive Director
MEOPAR is seeking an enthusiastic and seasoned Executive Director to foster its growth and influence in ocean-related research and development. This role involves spearheading the strategic evolution of MEOPAR's scientific agenda, cultivating partnerships across diverse fields to garner national backing, and overseeing the effective management of the organization. The Executive Director will collaborate closely with the Board Chair and Scientific Directors, providing adept leadership to guide administrative and business operations, ensuring MEOPAR’s continued advancement and impact on a national and global scale.
TheOperations Manager (NS/NFLD) is responsible for supporting the continued expansion of the organization's food rescue operations in Atlantic Canada. This new position within the National Operations department will also work closely with the Food Recovery & Partnerships department to oversee and facilitate food distribution to non-profits across Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Second Harvest is seeking a partnership-minded and strategic thinker to join the team, engage industry and community partners, and build and maintain strong relationships across Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador to help achieve their annual community impact goals.
The Community Garden Coordinator will be responsible for the garden that supplies Our Rising's mobile market. They will plan, build beds, plant, and care for plants as well as work with the Market Coordinator to harvest and prepare produce for market days.
Have you visited NSEN's Volunteer Hub yet? This tool is a powerful one-stop-shop where NSEN members can post volunteer positions and our network of volunteers can view and apply for opportunities that fit their interests. Submit a new position or apply today!
Volunteer with the staff at the Back to the Sea Centre to engage with visitors looking to get some hands-on learning around the local marine life of Nova Scotia! Come share our passion to spark curiosity about the ocean with our visitors! From touch tanks to crafts in the kids corner, you will be helping us provide an unforgettable experience for every person coming through our doors.
The Halifax North West Trails Association is seeking a secretary to help guide the organization. HNWTA is a small (6-8 member) board focused on education, promotion and use of trails in our neighbourhood. Check out our website to learn more about us. If you don't want to be our secretary consider joining our board as a member at large. We can find other ways to use your skills and interests.
Commitment: 2-3 flexible hours per week, 1 monthly board meeting
KAIROS Halifax is seeking a volunteer to help promote social justice events and activities among university students and help find ways to work together on common interests related to social justice such as environment and climate justice and human rights.
Re-Imagining Atlantic Harbours: Love Your Lake Project Advocate
Re-Imagining Atlantic Harbours is surveying Lake Charlotte and Lake Echo this summer. Community volunteers are welcome to learn more! Potential duties include supporting community events, supporting field technicians, designing and delivering story collection opportunities, and promotion of the project!
Nova Scotia Environmental Network: Blog Contributor
NSEN is always looking for skilled volunteers to contribute environmental blog posts to feature on our website, newsletter, and social media platforms. Potential duties include conducting online research on topics of interest, writing op-eds on topics you are knowledgeable in, and interviewing environmental experts for Q&A-style posts.
Climate Story Network: Free Articles on Climate Solutions in Nova Scotia/Mi'kma'ki
The Climate Story Network (CSN) is offering professionally written and edited, copyright-free articles about positive climate change projects in Nova Scotia/Mi’kma’ki.
Explore our latest feature story on Nova Scotia's Thriving Forests program, showcasing efforts to plant 21 million trees across the province in collaboration with private landowners, Indigenous communities, and governmental agencies. Learn how this initiative is contributing to Canada's ambitious tree planting goals, one tree at a time.
CSN delivers content on local initiatives and solutions to community media. The free stories are available to community newspapers, newsletters and magazines, First Nations publications, radio broadcasts, online curators…and anyone else looking to deliver impactful climate content to their audiences. Click here to visit the website.
Environment and Climate Change Canada: Invitation to Join Net-Zero Advisory Body
The Minister of Environment and Climate Change invites Canadians to apply for a unique opportunity with the Net-Zero Advisory Body (NZAB).
The NZAB plays a crucial role under the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, offering independent advice on achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This includes recommendations on interim climate targets and plans.
As a member, you will participate in briefings, meetings, and engagement activities to shape advice for the Minister, contributing your expertise collaboratively with other members.
Members serve part-time for 1 to 3 years (approximately 3 to 5 days per month) and receive compensation. Interviews start in August, with applications encouraged before September 18th.
We encourage diverse candidates, including Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and youth (18-29), to apply. For inquiries, contact messages@pco-bcp.gc.ca. Apply now and spread the word!
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