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NSEN News & Updates
Member Updates
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Nova Scotia Environmental News
Green Job Opportunities
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NSEN Updates
Upcoming Webinar! Mining Critical Minerals in Nova Scotia: Clean Energy, Community Impact, and the Just Transition
Are you curious about how the mining of critical minerals could shape Nova Scotia's future? As the demand for electric vehicles, carbon-free electricity, and energy storage grows, so does the need for critical minerals. Nova Scotia is stepping into this global conversation with new strategies for mining these essential resources. But with new opportunities come complex challenges, especially when it comes to environmental protection, community impact, and long-standing questions around uranium mining in the province.
Join us for an evening of insight, discussion, and forward thinking. This free online event brings together experts from across the environmental and legal landscape to explore how mineral extraction fits into a just and sustainable transition. You'll hear about Nova Scotia’s emerging critical minerals strategy, the potential benefits and challenges of expanded mining, and what it all means for the people and ecosystems of the province. Stick around afterward for optional networking and Q&A to connect, ask questions, and share ideas.
Nova Scotia Water CaucusShow Your Support for Lakes Appreciation Month
There is an ongoing effort to gather support for a letter to Minister Tim Halman, encouraging him to champion the proclamation of July as Lakes Appreciation Month in Nova Scotia.
Organizations and individuals working on water-related issues are invited to sign on by June 3rd to help demonstrate the strength and unity of the sector.
This letter underscores the value of lakes across the province—for drinking water, recreation, biodiversity, and climate resilience—and aligns Nova Scotia with a North America-wide initiative to recognize and protect these vital ecosystems.
If you have questions or would like more information, please reach out to water@nsenvironmentalnetwork.com. Thank you for supporting healthy lakes in Nova Scotia!
NSEN is growing and we want you to be part of it! With new members, exciting events, and stronger collaboration across the province, there's never been a better time 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 including water, biodiversity, and environmental education; ✅ Participate in our annual meeting with the Minister of Environment and Climate Change; ✅ Share your events, projects, job postings, calls to action, etc. 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!
Coastal Action’s Coastal & Marine team invited crafters and upcyclers to gather reclaimed rope and netting from our materials pile, working together to turn ocean waste into creative treasures. It was estimated that almost 300 kgs of rope were repurposed into local art! If you are an artist or know someone who would be interested in upcycling marine rope and netting, please contact our Program Manager (kelly@coastalaction.org).
Along with our Material Recycling Program, the Coastal & Marine Team has planned several cleanups on islands found along the South Shore of Nova Scotia. If you are interested in joining our Islands or Litter clean-ups, check out our schedule https://www.nsadoptahighway.ca/events/ or send an email to litterprograms@coastalaction.org to learn more.
We are always looking for keen volunteers to join us!
Young Naturalists Club: Nature Guardian Garden Installation Event
Help us kick-off outdoor events for the season in our Outdoor Library space.
We'll have some outdoor play and games happening for families, community booths promoting nature conservation, and a youth-led naturalization garden for urban birds and pollinators being installed by the Young Naturalists Club.
The Young Naturalists Club (YNC) offers natural history-based programming that connects youth and families to nature while fostering curiosity, exploration, and conservation. On June 7, the YNC will lead the planting of native plants and shrubs to create Halifax’s first designated bird-friendly garden. Participants will get hands-on experience contributing to this exciting conservation project, helping to establish vital habitat and food sources for urban birds and pollinators. Along the way, we’ll learn how to identify native plants, practice planting techniques, and learn how you can create your own bird and pollinator-friendly garden at home.
Our “Adaptation Essentials” bilingual webinar series is happening this summer! This 3-part monthly series will introduce you to:
Climate change in Atlantic Canada: Unique impacts in each province and what's expected to change
Foundations of climate change adaptation: How it's different from mitigation, how ALL job sectors play a role in adaptation, and the essential role of equity
Climate data, tools, and services: Where to find resources and how CLIMAtlantic can help
Collaboration: How strong stakeholder and project partnerships further adaptation in our region
And much more, including Q&A sessions with experts
Through this series, we hope to share critical information with you, bring like-minded people together, highlight existing networks, and share further opportunities for collaboration. Whether you’re a landowner, government staff or elected official, work with municipalities, non-profit, a newcomer to the region, or a community member who wants to learn more about adaptation, this series is meant for you - and we hope to see you there!
Here’s everything you need to know:
June 18th - 12pm Atlantic: Climate Change Impacts in Atlantic Canada
July 9th - 12pm Atlantic: What is Climate Change Adaptation and Why It Matters
August 13th - 12pm Atlantic: Climate Adaptation in Atlantic Canada: How CLIMAtlantic Can Help
For more details on each webinar, check out our events page. To register for some or all of the webinars, click here. Please note that the webinar will be recorded. Unable to attend but still want to listen in? Keep an eye out for the recordings on our website.
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!
Nature Trust saves Johns Island, in time for World Migratory Bird Day
On May 9th, the Nova Scotia Nature Trust announced good news just in time for World Migratory Bird Day: 168 acres of newly protected habitat, on Johns Island.
Birds are a critically important part of nature – but they are suffering devastating losses in every part of the world, including Nova Scotia. One of the main drivers of this drastic decline is habitat loss, making the Nature Trust’s focus on conserving critical bird habitat particularly important to their survival. Protecting the entirety of Johns Island is a perfect example of the kind of conservation success that makes a real and immediate difference to Nova Scotia’s beloved birds.
"We have had very bad news, but there is a good window to still win this fight. We need to win in the court of public opinion. We need to convince the Premier and his MLAs that Sandy Lake is not ordinary.
The Premier must see Sandy Lake as the special case it is. It is not just land that is owned by developers during a time when the Province needs to build more houses, mostly affordable houses. It is more than that. If we don’t return all of the surrounding land to its original P-park zoning, the outstanding environmental and recreational assets of the area will be ruined.
The park will degrade; the lakes and river will degrade. This is because the development is planned for the headwaters of the entire park area, 4 tributaries. The lakes (Sandy and Marsh) are already showing clearly that they can not tolerate more challenges to their health. Their stability is at a tipping point. Like dominoes.
The Land Suitability Assessment does not show this fact because, as one example, it focuses on the Special Planning Area predominantly. It does not take into account all available research and factors that impact the entire picture including the park and lakes. Its scope is limited.
All of the lands around Sandy Lake, through to the Sackville River were once zoned P-park, and for a good reason. They function as a unit. But the area had the misfortune in 1982 of having half of its P-park zoned land rezoned for housing without biologists weighing in. No-one impressed upon the decision-makers what the consequences would be, despite the years of hard work by community. Here we are at the crossroads.
We need the people of Nova Scotia to rise up and tell their government that this place has a higher value, a higher purpose, that we must actively choose to save for all time.
Biologists from several perspectives tell us over and over that Sandy Lake-Sackville area is ecologically head and shoulders above any place you can think of in Nova Scotia. It is equal to the power of Niagara Falls. It is just that you can’t hear and feel the rumble. The Federal biologists who chose it in 1971 to save for all time knew what they were doing. A 1982 political decision put it all at huge risk. We need a political decision now to put it back on track - for the good of all.
Ask the Premier and MLAs to save the park. Put houses where they make sense."
Invasive fish species reported in Nova Scotia for first time, DFO says
An invasive fish species has been found in a small waterway north of New Germany, N.S., according to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. A single egg-bearing Oriental weatherfish, also known as pond loach, was discovered in Morgans Falls last month.
The fish originate in East Asia, and this is the first time the species has been reported in the Maritimes. DFO said the fish was likely introduced after being released from an aquarium.
Ken Donnelly, the supervisor of the Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council, said when an invasive species makes its way into ecosystems, it's often due to human activity.
"There are good intentions by people when they let animals go into the wild," Donnelly said, "but they should never, never do it. It's just a recipe for disaster."
Nova Scotia chiefs say province needs to improve consultation on natural resources
The Nova Scotia Assembly of Mi'kmaw Chiefs says the provincial government needs to do a better job of consultation as it pushes to develop the province's natural resources.
Chief Tamara Young of Pictou Landing First Nation told the legislature's natural resources committee Tuesday that the chiefs have "serious concerns" over how recent decisions have been made without advance notice.
"We should not hear about important developments that Nova Scotia is making from the evening news," said Young. "This includes when policy or legislative changes are being proposed in the mining sector."
How this big wheel is tracking young salmon in Cape Breton
A new contraption on the Chéticamp River is keeping tabs on juvenile salmon as they head out to sea. The Atlantic Salmon Federation installed what looks like a cement mixer to help catch the fish.
Environmental lawyers tell court Ottawa's protections for piping plovers flawed
Environmental groups argued in Federal Court this week that Ottawa's plans for protecting the habitat of the piping plover are too vague to provide adequate protection to the endangered species.
The migratory shorebirds build their nests along coastal beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, where the animals are increasingly at risk from human activities.
Lawyers for East Coast Environmental Law and Nature Nova Scotia presented their case on Tuesday, arguing that the approach approved by the federal minister in 2022 for protecting specific parts of beaches has unclear language and is weaker than Ottawa's prior conservation strategy from a decade earlier.
Halifax launching dual-fuel hydrogen bus project this year
Halifax will convert four city buses to be powered by hydrogen and diesel for a pilot project aimed at finding out whether the technology could be a good fit to expand into the fleet.
Regional council approved the funding for the hydrogen-diesel demonstration on Tuesday. The city is spending about $122,500 with $367,500 coming from the province's Clean Fuels Fund.
Cities across Canada have started experimenting with hydrogen for their vehicles and buses, but Halifax staff said the dual-fuel system is much cheaper than pure hydrogen fuel cell buses that can each cost about $2 million.
Norman Hendry, fleet director of Halifax Transit, said testing has found hydrogen-diesel buses could bring 69 to 74 per cent reductions in carbon emissions, and a 70 per cent decrease in diesel use.
Paqtnkek fishers call for unity in Mi'kmaw nation to address elver fishing
Often the first meal given to babies transitioning from their mother's milk and the final meal for elders making their journey to the spirit world, the eel has significance in the Mi'kmaw culture.
Kerry Prosper, an elder and councillor from Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation, roughly 240 km northeast of Halifax, is among those concerned for the future of the eels with the surge in elver (baby eel) fishing.
There's been increased Mi'kmaw involvement in the industry, but not all Mi'kmaw fishers support elver harvesting.
"People need to make a living but we have to really decide how we're going to make a living and what are the consequences to our seven generations, your grandchildren, your great grandchildren," said Prosper.
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!
Are you interested in working with communities to advance adaptation to climate change in New Brunswick? Would you like to be part of a dynamic team working across Atlantic Canada towards better decision-making towards becoming more resilient to climate change? Then this position may be for you.
Farmers' Markets of Nova Scotia Cooperative: Administrative Officer
FMNS is seeking a detail-oriented and organized Administrative Officer to join our team for an 8-week full-time contract (with intention of extension). This position will be filled by a dynamic, focused, self-motivated individual and team player who is passionate about our local economy, food security, local producers, and farmers’ markets. This position is based in Nova Scotia with the ability to work from home on a flexible schedule.
In this role, you’ll support the day-to-day operations of our cooperative—helping to keep our organization coordinated and on track. If you’re a natural multitasker who enjoys collaborative work and thrives in a flexible environment, we’d love to hear from you. The ideal candidate is a self-starter capable of handling and prioritizing multiple tasks at a time, combined with a passion for local food.
Canadian Climate Institute: Research Lead, Mitigation
Reporting to the Director of Mitigation, the Research Lead is responsible for leading major Institute research projects including overseeing the work of senior research associates and research associates on the Mitigation team. With oversight and guidance from the Director, they will lead scoping, research and analysis, and writing for major projects and reports and will represent the research team in Institute engagement and communication activities. The Research Lead is accountable for maintaining regular contact with the Director to ensure that key project scoping, methodological and content production decisions are consistent with the strategic priorities of the Research Team and the Institute.
Calling all farmers! We're looking for a farmer to join our team this season (now through December). For the right person, this would transition into a supervisory role (fall 2025 or spring 2026), and, for the right person, a co-management position with responsibilities growing with experience beginning as early as 2027.
Button Brook Farm is a growing operation, focussed on high-volume year-round ecological salad greens production for wholesale markets from the Annapolis Valley to the HRM. We have prioritized scalability in our infrastructure development. We have a clean and well-run packhouse, soon to be certified under Canada GAP, multiple greenhouses, and a tractor-based production system. We keep careful records and constantly improve our systems in terms of both efficiency and quality. We are also Certified Naturally Grown.
Application Deadline: Open until filled, as soon as possible.
OceanSafe Harvest Solutions (OSHS) is a pioneering social enterprise startup that will be based in Atlantic Canada, established to provide full-service support for crab and lobster fisheries harvesters transitioning to ropeless gear.
The General Manager (GM) of OceanSafe Harvest Solutions (OSHS) is responsible for overseeing strategic planning, execution, and day-to-day operations of this pioneering social enterprise. As a startup, the GM must carefully plan and implement foundational strategies to ensure operational efficiency, sustainable growth, and market positioning. The GM will lead all aspects of business operations, including procurement, sales, customer relations, equipment management, and personnel.
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.
Commitment: 2 flexible hours per week, onboarding to start in May through Summer 2025.
Halifax North West Trails Association: Communications Officer
The Association is seeking support with managing email communications, including reading incoming messages and forwarding them to the appropriate board members. Key responsibilities would include coordinating website email traffic and working closely with the Newsletter and Membership officers to ensure that email distribution lists are kept up to date.
The Association is looking for a new Treasurer to manage our modest annual budget. This is a board-level position, and training will be provided to ensure a smooth transition. The Treasurer’s responsibilities include preparing brief financial reports for monthly board meetings, compiling more detailed statements for final grant reports and year-end summaries, paying regular bills and expenses, and advising the board on financial matters. Attendance at monthly board meetings is also expected.
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.
Livable Cities Forum 2025: Acting on Climate Together
Join the Forum from October 6 to 8, 2025, to explore how municipal leaders, practitioners, and partners can break down barriers and act on climate together. The 2025 Livable Cities Forum will take place at the Halifax Convention Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and traditional lands of the Mi’kmaq people. Enjoy three days of engaging sessions, inspiring real-world examples, study tours, delicious meals, and plenty of opportunities to meaningfully connect with delegates and speakers during networking breaks and events. Learn more and register here.
We are very excited to announce our Project WET Canada Virtual Certification Workshops and to share upcoming opportunities from the Outdoor Learning School, including their Spring Outdoor Learning Virtual Workshops and a registration link to the 4 Seasons of Truth and Reconciliation Sessions.
Friends of Blue Mountain and Birch Cove Lakes: 2025 AGM
Friends of Blue Mountain and Birch Cove Lakes invites you to join us for our 2025 Annual General Meeting onWednesday, June 4, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Maskwa Aquatic Club, 91 Saskatoon Drive, Halifax, NS. Come connect with fellow supporters, hear updates on our work, and learn how you can get involved in protecting and enjoying this treasured wilderness area.
North American Lake Management Society: Student Poster Contest
July has been Lakes Appreciation Month for the past 27 years. To help us celebrate, appreciate, and bring attention to lakes, we are inviting elementary, middle, and high school students to submit posters reflecting on how important lakes are to all of us. Submitted artwork will be a big part of NALMS’ celebrations through July across North America. Show us your love for lakes by sending us your artwork by June 20. Learn more!
Society for Ecological Restoration: Make a Difference Week 2025
Make a Difference Week, hosted by the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER), is an annual week of global restoration action where individuals and organizations from around the world host and participate in local volunteer restoration events. Through Make a Difference Week, everyone, everywhere has a chance to positively impact their local communities by engaging in hands-on restoration projects. Click here to learn more about how you can get involved.
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