We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to NSEN this Giving Season. Thanks to your dedication to building a sustainable future for Nova Scotia, we’ve raised nearly half of our $2,000 Giving Season goal!
These funds play a crucial role in empowering environmental action and fostering collaboration across the province.
There’s still time to contribute and support this important work—every donation makes a difference. Learn more and donate at nsenvironmentalnetwork.com/donate.
Thank you for being an essential part of this journey with us!
Congratulations to Alyssa Rose (@alyssa_.rose) for capturing the winning photo in our 2024 Bioblitz Photo Contest! Her stunning image of a Northern Leopard Frog, taken in Richmond County, Cape Breton Island, stood out among many incredible submissions from across the province.
We are also thrilled to recognize Heather Haughn for logging the most total observations (1,188) and David McCorquodale for documenting the most species (466 different species). Their remarkable contributions highlight the dedication and enthusiasm of our participants.
Throughout August and September 2024, nature lovers across Nova Scotia participated in our province-wide Bioblitz, documenting as many species as possible using iNaturalist. Together, we contributed valuable scientific data to celebrate and protect Nova Scotia’s unique biodiversity.
Join the Nova Scotia Biodiversity Caucus!Join the Biodiversity Caucus 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 or visit nsenvironmentalnetwork.com/biodiversity 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 date will be announced in January 2025—connect with us to ensure you receive the notification!
The Nova Scotia Water Caucus will be convening for our quarterly meeting in February! These gatherings bring together professionals and passionate individuals from across the water sector to discuss pressing water-related issues, share updates on ongoing initiatives, and foster collaboration on new projects and partnerships.
If you’re passionate about water and interested in becoming a regular member or contributing as part of our Steering Committee, please email us at info@nsenvironmentalnetwork.com to learn more.
Together, we can make waves in protecting Nova Scotia’s water resources!
Sign a petition calling on the Premier, the leader of the Official Opposition, and the leader of the Nova Scotia Liberals to commit to enacting a Bill of Environmental Rights and Responsibilities for Nova Scotia.
Access a template to use as a foundation for emails to the Premier, the leader of the Official Opposition, and the leader of the Nova Scotia Liberals.
Access a tool that will help you write and submit a Letter to the Editor for publication in a local paper.
Your signatures, emails, and letters will help to garner support for this important work. A legislated right to a healthy environment is crucially important to current and future generations of Nova Scotians enjoying clean water, clean air, and clean soil. Visit the campaign webpage to learn more.
Swim into the yule-tide season with a unique gift from the Back to the Sea Centre! Symbolically adopt one of our touch tank animals and directly contribute to the care and nourishment they need all season. Choose your favourite creature and you'll receive a handcrafted crochet plushie, a personalized adoption certificate, and the adopter's name proudly displayed on our adoption wall for the 2025 season. With every adoption, you'll be making a meaningful impact on our animal's well-being and sharing the joy of marine conservation. Canada-wide shipping and local Dartmouth pickups available. These cuties vary between $25 to $50.
Introducing a Powerful New Publication from Annapolis Waterkeepers
The Annapolis Waterkeepers have released a compelling new book, Zone 128 - Poisoned Village, documenting the fight for environmental and social justice in Annapolis County. This publication sheds light on the disturbing story of the Arlington Heights Hazardous Waste C&D Disposal site and its devastating impact on the surrounding community.
Through personal testimony, Citizen Science data, government communications, and expert assessments, the book uncovers troubling failures in environmental oversight, accountability, and community engagement. Zone 128 serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change to prioritize public health and environmental integrity over corporate interests.
Nature Nova Scotia is raising funds to help private landowners in southwest Nova Scotia treat their hemlock trees and prevent stand death due to the invading Woolly Adelgid. VP Donna Crossland led two teams of volunteers this past fall and treated over 200 trees with a water- and wildlife-safe pesticide, giving those trees several years of protection from the invasive insect, hopefully enough time for a biocontrol solution to be implemented. The Hemlock Conservation Legacy Fund addresses a gap in conservation options for old and riparian forests, many of which are found on private lands. You can help protect more hemlocks in 2025 by making a donation or volunteering to help with treatment events. Learn more below.
Volunteers Needed For Waterbirds Monitoring in Sydney, Cape Breton
Marine birds face many dangers in coastal waters along the Atlantic coast, especially from oil spills. Canada’s Ocean Protection Plan is working to improve our understanding of where these birds are and when they’re there, creating baseline knowledge we can use to mitigate the risks of oil spills. Our project mobilizes volunteer birders to collect data on waterbird populations in Nova Scotia’s high-risk ports, using methods piloted by friends at Nature New Brunswick, and makes that information available to biologists at the Canadian Wildlife Service.
Our volunteers conduct bird surveys at several locations around the ports, four to five times per year, and share their observations with Nature Nova Scotia staff, who then process the data into a format government can use. Volunteers are needed to monitor sites around the Port of Sydney, Cape Breton. Each site is surveyed four or five times a year during Winter, Spring, Summer, and Early Fall migration. Each survey is at least 30-minutes long. Some sites are surveyed from a single point while others can be surveyed from multiple points. During a survey, all birds within a site are documented, including birds flying over the site and birds surrounding the site, and volunteers record weather and human disturbance observations. We're also looking for volunteers to help with data entry and cleanup. Learn more and sign up to monitor a site below.
Winter is a Great Time to Earn Your Biodiversity Badge!
The Biodiversity Badge is a collaboration between Hike Nova Scotia and Nature Nova Scotia that encourages Nova Scotians to contribute to citizen science while racking up the kilometers! To qualify for the badge, you must complete at least 10 hikes and, for each one, upload 10 or more plant, animal, fungi, or other life observations via iNaturalist. To apply for your badge, you must report on the areas hiked and provide your iNaturalist username to Hike Nova Scotia to verify your citizen science contribution. Get out there and start logging those hikes!
Are you interested in a career in energy efficiency or other green trades? Already working in a green job? The Ecology Action Centre wants to hear from you!
The EAC is conducting a short survey to better understand the gaps and barriers that people - especially new Canadians, women, youth and members of the African Nova Scotian and Mi'kmaw communities - face when entering into the green jobs sector. Your feedback will help shape policies, programs and training initiatives to make these career paths more inclusive and accessible for everyone. Click the button below to take the survey! Sign up for a one-on-one interview at the end of the survey and receive $100!
Mapping Waters Path: Workshop on Dealing with Water on your Property
Water doesn’t just pass through the landscape—it shapes it. In Dealing with Water, we get into the nuts and bolts of harnessing water’s flow to build resilient environments. From the impact of overland flow on soil health to deflection techniques that protect vulnerable areas, this workshop explores how to work with water, not against it. We’ll dive into mapping runoff, weighing the pros and cons of hard versus soft surfaces, and how to use simple tools like rain barrels, weeping tiles, and swales to transform spaces. We’ll also cover plant-based solutions, from rain gardens to native vegetation that absorbs, transpires, and redirects water where it’s needed. This is about building balance—creating a landscape that thrives by letting water take its course. This workshop delves into practical strategies for managing water in your landscape.
Nova Scotia quietly advancing pursuit of critical mineral development
Nova Scotia has struck a deal with Ottawa to help with the pursuit of growing the critical minerals industry, which some say is essential for supporting clean energy goals.
Shortly before calling a snap election this fall, Premier Tim Houston's cabinet signed an order-in-council that refers to funding from Ottawa "for the development of critical mineral potential in Nova Scotia."
The province did not answer questions about the deal during the campaign. Following the Progressive Conservative win last month, a spokesperson for the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables said the province has signed two agreements with Natural Resources Canada.
Concerns raised about enforcement in baby eel fishery if licenses redistributed
Fishers are raising questions about how federal enforcement officers will cope if a proposal to increase the number of people licensed to net baby eels in the Maritimes goes ahead next year.
The concerns emerged during a meeting held Tuesday by the federal Fisheries Department at which current licence holders heatedly suggested the federal minister hadn't thought through the proposed changes.
The Fisheries Department is proposing to redistribute about 28 per cent of the allowable catch of 9,960 kilograms from nine commercial licence holders — creating about 150 new commercial licence holders — and providing half of the total catch to First Nations fishers.
Nova Scotia, still dependent on fossil fuels, drops in rankings for energy efficiency
A new national study says Nova Scotia's leadership position in energy efficiency has been overtaken by other provinces, including its closest neighbours.
The "Canadian Energy Efficiency Scorecard" has the East Coast province tumbling from second place in in 2022 to fifth this year, while Prince Edward Island is now tied with Quebec for second place, and New Brunswick has moved ahead to fourth spot.
The recently released report, produced by Efficiency Canada, bases the rankings on programs and policies that aim to conserve energy in households, cars and buildings, and reduce the use of oil and natural gas.
Blending agriculture and solar could benefit Nova Scotia, experts say
Using solar panels on farmland could yield many benefits for Nova Scotia, according to renewable energy advocates.
Agrivoltaics, a term that blends the words agriculture and voltaic cells, is the dual use of land for solar energy and farming. It's used in countries such as Germany, China, Japan, France and the United States and some believe there's potential for it here.
DFO to increase year-round lobster gear monitoring in Bay of Fundy
Enforcement officers with the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans will soon have a new tool to lift, check and seize illegal lobster fishing gear from the waters between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
The department is seeking a crew and vessel that would be contracted to take DFO officers on patrols to inspect fishing equipment.
The patrol work isn't new, but this contract represents an increase in surveillance and enforcement in an area where the fishing industry has called on officers to do more to deter illegal fishing operations.
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!
Reporting to AWN’s Director, the Program Manager will provide important networking and strategic leadership to support Community-Based Water Monitoring (CBWM) across Atlantic Canada. You will manage AWN’s existing programs, including our Equipment Bank, training programs, and online tools/resources, as well as explore and develop new programs to meet the needs of our community partners. With a strong understanding of Atlantic Canada’s freshwater resources, you will work with a wide variety of environmental
stakeholders, including CBWM groups, NGOs, academia, Indigenous organizations, science advisors, and all levels of government.
Helping Nature Heal: Ecological Restoration and Landscaping Technician (General Labour / Crew Member)
Helping Nature Heal Inc. is seeking Ecological Restoration Technicians who live in the Bridgewater area or are willing to relocate. The successful candidate will work on new and existing projects on the South Shore of Nova Scotia as well as projects that may require travel as far as P.E.I, New Brunswick and Cape Breton. They must be familiar with, or willing to learn, and consistently implement HNH’s unique methods, while being led by their Foreperson.
The Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq: Marine Liason
The CMM is seeking a Marine Liaison to represent and strengthen connections between mainland Mi'kmaq communities and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). This role involves coordinating information on programs such as Search and Rescue and Marine Environmental Hazards Response, supporting CMM’s initiatives under the Oceans Protection Plan. The Marine Liaison will enhance marine safety, response capacity, and environmental protection within Mi'kmaq traditional territories, helping safeguard community members on the water and protecting culturally significant sites and the marine environment.
Nova Scotia Working Woodlands Trust: Stewardship Coordinator
Adding to an existing team, the new Stewardship Coordinator will support engagement with woodland stewards, provide expertise in forest stewardship planning and support the execution of forest carbon inventories. This dynamic role relies on a capability to collaborate with land stewards, forest and conservation professionals; utilizing technical knowledge and experience in biodiversity, silviculture, and land management policies. NSWWT is looking for someone comfortable and skilled working independently in the field and has experience developing ecologically-focused forest stewardship/management plans.
Nature New Brunswick: Engagement Coordinator (Maternity Leave term)
Based out of our Fredericton office, the Engagement Coordinator will work closely with the Executive Director and Program Director to help our supporters take action to celebrate, conserve, and protect nature in New Brunswick. Duties for the Engagement Coordinator will be to assist in the day-to-day management of social media channels; preparing and writing blog posts, newsletters, press releases, and reports; engaging with potential supporters; assisting with event planning and managing event logistics; tracking metrics for growth and engagement; and more.
The Engagement Coordinator ultimately helps us to build and strengthen relationships with our supporters and promote the organization’s mission and values to external stakeholders.
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.
KAIROS Halifax is seeking a University Animator to help promote their 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.
Commitment: 2 flexible hours per week, attend monthly meetings if possible.
Earthub is seeking a volunteer to support their "Items to Keep Out of the Landfill" program through collection of clean prescription pill bottles from their respective communities. Potential duties include setting up a drop-off location, sorting and counting of items, cleaning of items, and promotion of program and fundraising.
The CEN is seeking passionate individuals to join our Board of Directors. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape the direction of RCEN and make a national impact on collective efforts to protect our environment and strengthen environmental policy.
Nova Scotia Adopt-A-Highway: Litter Clean-Up Volunteer
The NS Adopt-A-Highway and Great NS Pick-Me-Up Programs are looking for volunteers to register for litter clean-ups. We provide free clean-up supplies and facilitation for planning your clean-up. Clean-ups can take place on roadways, parks, trails, shorelines, and more!
Dalhousie Art Gallery's 69th Annual Student, Staff, Faculty and Alumni Exhibition
It's always great to see past and present leaders of NSEN together! Former Board Chair and Senior Policy Advisor for NSEN, Sheila Cole (left), participated in the Dalhousie Art Gallery's 69th Annual Student, Staff, Faculty and Alumni Exhibition, where she met up with NSEN's current Board Chair, Chris White (right). The exhibit features a wide range of impressive works from local artists, many featuring environmental themes. The exhibit runs until December 22!
Employer applications are open for the 2024 Indigenous Wage Subsidy Initiative!
As part of the Indigenous Energy Project, this Indigenous Wage Subsidy Initiative ("IWSI") is designed to facilitate the hiring of Indigenous individuals (15 or older) residing in Nova Scotia into qualifying positions within the clean energy or clean economy sectors. Employers can receive a subsidy covering up to 80 per cent of the employee’s salary (up to $10,000 per employee, for a period of two to eight months). Apply today!
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.
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.
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Join the Biodiversity Caucus 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.
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