NSEN updates, member news and events, calls to action, green job opportunities, and more!
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NSEN News & Updates
Member Updates
Calls to Action
Nova Scotia Environmental News
Green Job Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
Other Information
NSEN Updates
Our Volunteer Hub is Expanding!
The Volunteer Hub is a great resource to help bridge the gap between organizations and volunteers!
Volunteers are a backbone that help nonprofits continue to operate and grow. NSEN members can post volunteer opportunities directly to the Volunteer Hub. It’s a simple and effective way to connect passionate people of all ages and backgrounds looking to make a difference in the environmental sector with the nonprofits who appreciate the support.
Whether you’re running events, need communications support, or need extra hands for other ongoing projects... let’s get the word out!
Together, we can build stronger, more sustainable communities - one volunteer at a time.
NSEN is growing - with new members, more events, and deeper collaboration across the province - and we’d love for you to stay connected!
If you are an NSEN member and haven’t yet renewed your membership for 2025, we encourage you to do so and continue benefiting from opportunities to: ✅ Join provincial caucuses on topics like water, biodiversity, and environmental education; ✅ Participate in our annual meeting with the Minister of Environment and Climate Change; ✅ Share your events, projects, and job postings through NSEN’s newsletter and social media; ✅ Highlight your work in free webinars organized by the NSEN team; ✅ Recruit volunteers through our Volunteer Hub; ✅ Connect with like-minded individuals and organizations at NSEN events.
If you’re unsure of your current membership status or would like to discuss your renewal, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always happy to connect!
Registration for Natural Building EAST is open and filling fast! Register here for this landmark event happening May 9th-11th, 2025.
Participants in Natural Building EAST will explore innovative and sustainable construction materials, energy systems and community design opportunities that can change how we address our housing, climate, and ecological needs now and in future.
If you are able to help support this important event, there are still main category sponsorship spots available.
Contributions, time, and materials are appreciated as well! Please share the event poster widely with your networks.
Come celebrate the workers of the green economy with the release of the Ecology Action Centre's new report, A Greener Nova Scotia: Addressing Labour Gaps for a Net-Zero Future!
When: Tuesday, April 29, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: NSCC IT campus (5685 Leeds St, Halifax)
RSVP: Click here. (This event is free and food will be provided)
Join us to learn about the growing demand for building retrofits in Nova Scotia and the thousands of jobs that could be created in our province's skilled trades workforce. Which green jobs will see the most growth? What barriers exist for workers entering the skilled trades, and what changes could help?
Speakers at this event include Mani Chakrabarty of ASBB Consulting, Montanna Labradore of Glooscap Ventures and Shaun Loney, author and social entrepreneur.
The Ecology Action Centre is excited to announce that the People’s Parade for Life on Earth is back for its third year on Saturday, June 7 (rain date Sunday, June 8)!
With everything happening in the world, it’s more important than ever to come together in community and celebration.
So join us on the Kjipuktuk/Halifax waterfront to honour the Water and Mother Earth and to strengthen our collective spirits. Our joy, our love for each other and our resistance are unstoppable!
Does your organization or community group want to join the parade?
Lace up your boots because the EAC Hike-A-Thon is BACK this June!
The EAC Hike-A-Thon, happening from June 8-14, is our major fundraising event where participants collect donations and hike for a greener tomorrow. With a goal of raising $15,000 and hiking 1,000 km as a community, we want YOU to join in on the fun!
Build It Right: Invest in a Made-in-Nova Scotia Future!
Nova Scotia is at a critical juncture - instead of doubling down on dead-end pipelines, fracking and mining that would wreak havoc on our air, water and key industries - this is a chance to build a thriving clean energy economy that supports and protects workers and communities - creating tens of thousands of good jobs every year, right here at home.
But to make this future possible, we need to fight for it. Sign the Ecology Action Centre's pledge today and get updates on how you can help support a made-in-Nova Scotia clean energy future!
Cape Breton Environmental Association Announces New President
Jessica MacSween holds a Master's degree in Environmental Science, works as an environmental scientist, and is a professional biologist. Welcome Jessica!
Did you post a Save Sandy Lake sign last year? Please check to see if it/they are still up, and please post signs where MLAs across the province may pass by.
Please visit the Save Sandy Lake website where you can easily send a letter to the Premier, or request, or print, a sign. Suggested points to make in a letter:
The Province must listen to science and good urban planning. Housing at Sandy Lake is unsustainable urban sprawl and comes at a very high cost to environment, to the people’s park, and city’s long-term servicing costs. Put actually affordable housing and the connector road elsewhere.
Please visit the Save Sandy Lake website where you can easily send a letter to the Premier, or request, or print, a sign.
New solar-powered greenhouse project aims to combat food insecurity in Shelburne County
With the help of the Department of Environment and Climate Change's sustainable communities challenge fund, the Community Garden and Foods hare Association of Shelburne County was awarded $142,158 from the province to construct a new solar-powered and geothermal greenhouse that will operate year-round.
The greenhouse will be entirely heated and cooled by energy from the sun and earth, and has the potential to produce approximately 2,000 kilograms of food per year.
This project continues to move forward with donated land from the municipality and volunteers who have spent months clearing the grounds, with the goal of strengthening the community's resilience. This is only the start of a goal to develop at least three more on the roughly one-hectare piece of land.
Nova Scotia moves forward with plan for municipalities to protect coastlines
The NS government has created a blueprint of land use bylaws to help protect the province's 13,000 kilometres of coastline.
The sample document was executed in consultation with the NS federation of municipalities in hopes to provide a well organised guide of land use planning options to regulate development along the coast to safeguard homes and communities.
Environment Minister Tim Halman was in Sydney, N.S., where he announced a new website link with examples of bylaws and other regulations municipalities can use to prevent coastal erosion. He stated, "Using science, data, and information in our respected areas of expertise and jurisdiction, I believe we can preserve our coastal way of life in a safe, sustainable and climate informed way".
The minister also announced more than $1.3 million for the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities to hire a climate change policy analyst and help its 49 members create their own bylaws.
N.S. government will oversee recovery of abandoned tidal turbine
A 1,300-tonne tidal turbine device has been abandoned on the floor of the Bay of Fundy for more than six years.
The failed device was part of the Cape Sharp Tidal Venture, which had hoped to harness the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy to generate electricity. After the project proved unsuccessful, the removal of the turbine was the responsibility of tidal energy company Occurrent Power as part of its berth conditions at FORCE. The company, however, has since filed for bankruptcy last fall.
Nova Scotia Energy Minister Trevor Boudreau says his department will take the lead on finding a way to recover a long-abandoned tidal turbine from the floor of the Bay of Fundy.
Nevertheless, Boudreau said he remains optimistic that someone and some project could come along to chart a new course, stating, "We still have proponents who are very interested and want to work with us on solving this challenge. So, you know, this is the type of thing that test sites are required for. This is what it's about, it's about learning from past failures and building on those."
N.S. announces clean energy funding for new Black business hub
The Nova Scotia government is investing in a new facility for African Nova Scotian businesses that will use clean energy. The funding is through the sustainable communities challenge fund, which supports community efforts to reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions.
Minister of African Nova Scotian affairs, Twila Grosse, announced Wednesday that more than $100,000 has been awarded to Akoma Holdings for the space that's to be built in Cherry Brook near Kinney Place, a Black business and community hub that the non-profit opened in 2022.
Veronica Marsman, the property manager of Akoma, said the funding from the government will be used to assess the best ways to ensure the facility is keeping with the most up-to-date technology when it comes to clean energy. "We could be groundbreaking," she said. "We can come up with, maybe, the best energy efficient building around. Probably one of the best ones in the Black community, for sure."
She added that once the new space is completed, it "might look different than your traditional business hubs elsewhere," complete with "Afrocentric flair." It will also serve as a centralized space for the three historic Black communities that are nearby.
Researches at Dal have been cracking the code at what chickens are trying to communicate. This interactive app for interpreting the different calls of chickens, can help farmers understand the wellbeing and behavioural patterns of their coop. Associate professor Suresh Neethirajan with the university's computer science faculty explains how it works.
Nova Scotia wildlife centre gears up for spring arrivals
Spring brings new wildlife births and the Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is ready to help prepare the newborns for survival. A successful fundraising campaign for 2 new incubators came quickly after a generous donation from a local businessman. Learn more about the Centres upcoming plans, and get advice on what to do if you come across distressed animals.
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!
CLIMAtlantic Inc. is looking for a Climate Services Intern to support climate change adaptation across Atlantic Canada. This 8-month, full-time virtual role involves helping design workshops, engaging with stakeholders, supporting adaptation projects, and building community connections. The ideal candidate has a degree in environmental science or a related field, experience with climate change or community engagement, strong communication skills, and is comfortable using tools like Google Suite, Slack, and Canva.
Efficiency Canada is hiring a Coordinator, Engagement role to support their mission of advancing an energy-efficient economy across Canada. This remote position involves engaging supporters on key issues like building codes and clean heat, managing stakeholder databases, coordinating follow-ups from events, connecting with nonprofits and industry partners, mapping political contacts, and supporting Communities of Practice. Ideal candidates are strong communicators with CRM experience, attention to detail, and a passion for energy efficiency advocacy.
Environmental Leadership Canada: Program Coordinator
Environmental Leadership Canada (ELC) is hiring a Program Coordinator for an 8-week summer position focused on engaging youth in environmental politics and civic participation. Working remotely, the coordinator will help plan and deliver workshops and events as part of ELC’s Future Leaders in Politics (FLIP) series, which aims to bridge rural-urban divides and empower young Canadians to engage in democratic processes.
Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship: Research Assistant
COVE (Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship) in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, is hiring a Research Assistant – Indigenous Opportunity. This role supports marine technology research and innovation, with a focus on Indigenous engagement and collaboration. The position is part of COVE’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the ocean tech sector. Applicants should have a strong interest in marine science, research, or community-based projects, and must identify as Indigenous. The role offers a chance to contribute to meaningful work in Canada’s growing blue economy.
Brunswick Street Mission in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is seeking two Garden Assistants for 8-week summer positions through the Canada Summer Jobs program. These roles involve hands-on gardening tasks such as planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting vegetables, herbs, and flowers, as well as engaging with the community and supporting the organization's kitchen operations. Ideal candidates are between 19 and 30 years old, physically fit, enthusiastic about working outdoors, and committed to the mission and values of Brunswick Street Mission.
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!
To promote KAIROS Halifax 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.
Duties:
1. Make KAIROS Atlantic Facebook and other social media platforms more accessible to members and supporters. 2. Link KAIROS Halifax to campus events related to shared social justice interests, events and activities.
Skills: Computer and communication skills including social media; networking skills with other social justice groups within the university.
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.
Commitment: 2 flexible hours per week, onboarding to start in May 2025.
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!
Nova Scotia Biodiversity Caucus: Steering Committee Member
The Nova Scotia Biodiversity Caucus is a collection of ENGO representatives and individual citizens who meet regularly to network, collaborate, combine resources, and advance shared priorities.
The Caucus is seeking enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to join our Steering Committee and help shape impactful biodiversity initiatives in the province.
As a Steering Committee member, you will collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations to strengthen efforts to protect and educate about biodiversity, guiding the Caucus' work and ensuring meaningful change in conservation efforts.
2025 is gearing up to be a year of change in Canada, and with change comes opportunity! To meet this opportunity head on, Nature Canada is organizing regional training opportunities to support nature organizations as they navigate the political landscape and hone their campaigns for change.
Join Nature Canada in Fredericton, NB, on May 13, 2025 for our first Advocacy Incubator! We are partnering with Nature NB to deliver an event that has a lasting impact on your efforts to protect nature. Learn more and register!
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