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
Thank you for joining us!Mining Critical Minerals in Nova Scotia: Clean Energy, Community Impact, and the Just Transition
Thank you so much to all who joined us on June 4 for an engaging and educational mining and clean energy webinar. We are incredibly grateful to our three knowledgeable guest speakers, Jamie Kneen, Tina Northrup, and Karen McKendry.
Couldn't make it? Click the button below to watch the recording on our YouTube channel!
We were thrilled with the turnout and audience participation for this webinar. The speakers were unable to answer all of your questions during the live session and volunteered to share their insights on questions from the chat. Check out their answers below!
9th Annual Conference on Indigenous Consultation & Engagement Atlantic
October 22 – 23, 2025 | Atlantica Hotel Halifax, Halifax, NS
Join Indigenous leaders, government, and industry as they come together to share insights and develop strategies to address the most pressing consultation challenges across Atlantic Canada.
This essential event tackles today’s most urgent challenges—from landmark duty-to-consult rulings and UNDRIP implementation to Indigenous-led climate strategies and cumulative effects management. Gain actionable insights to help industry, government, and Indigenous rights-holders strengthen consultation, navigate legal obligations, and build meaningful partnerships.
As calls grow louder for urgent solutions to economic, environmental, and infrastructure needs, decision-makers must carefully balance development with environmental protection and Indigenous rights. At the same time, Prime Minister Carney’s push to fast-track project approvals and position Canada as a global energy leader may create additional pressure on the consultation process—raising the stakes for thoughtful, coordinated engagement.
This is a vital opportunity to connect with consultation and engagement leaders, share strategies, and shape the future of consultation practices across the Maritimes.
Save 10% with NSEN’s discount code: D10-999-NSEN26
Nova Scotia Biodiversity Caucus
2025 Bioblitz
Our annual Bioblitz is back! Between June 25 and September 2, join us in contributing to citizen science using iNaturalist!
Your observations of native, endangered, or invasive species, and more support the work of our member organizations and other conservationists and researchers 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!
Our next open house will be held on Saturday, August 30st 2025 from 12:00PM to 4:00PM!
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 go to support Hope for Wildlife's efforts to help injured and orphaned wildlife in Nova Scotia.
Sound the alarm! Ring the bells that still can ring! Seniors for Climate Halifax are partnering with Kairos, and youth, and we are Drawing the Line on Sept. 19th!
We will have speakers outlining climate issues, and exhibitors proposing ways you can be involved in the solutions. Check Seniors for Climate - Halifax on FB for details, as we get closer to the event.
Email seniorsforclimatehalifax@gmail.com to get on our mailing list, help with planning, to speak, or to exhibit. We'd love to hear from you!
Interested in other ideas?
National call for September 9th to 21st with 350.org and Seniors for Climate)
We're thrilled to announce that we've already surpassed 140,000 lbs of marine debris removed in 2025!
We're incredibly proud of our volunteers and the impact we're making on Nova Scotia's beautiful coastline. We invite you to include your own cleanups in our reports by visiting our Facebook group.
You can find our full cleanup calendar and upcoming events on our website.
To stay up-to-date on our cleanup efforts and be notified of future events, interested individuals can subscribe to our email notifications by sending a message to scotianshores@gmail.com.
Upcoming Opportunities
Call for Fall Hike & Walk Events by August 10
Hike NS invites groups across NS to partner with it on delivering guided hike or walk events in September, October and November of 2025. The purpose of the event series is to:
Get more people in NS hiking and walking
Highlight local trails and increase their use
Promote Hike NS and local trail/hiking groups
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 hike or walk event (or already plan to host one), please register your event by August 10 for events between September 12 and November 16, 2025. Only the first 50 events will be accepted (spots might fill up before the deadline, so don't delay). Note that one organization may register only up to five events and register only one event per online form. You will be contacted soon after the deadline to confirm the details of your event. You will receive a confirmation email immediately after submitting an event (please contact us if you do not receive one).
Coastal Action and the Huntsman Marine Science Centre are joining forces to track invasive species along Nova Scotia’s coastline, and we need your help!
The target species is the oddly named but seriously damaging Sea Vomit (Didemnum vexillum). It was recently discovered in the Bay of Fundy by divers from Huntsman Marine Science Center and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). And yes, it does look like a slimy, beige blob (images A-E).
It spreads by fragmentation and can also reproduce via larvae (image F). Warming waters in the Bay of Fundy provides great environment for this species to likely thrive and spread.
Unfortunately, this species can cover extensive areas of the seabed and smother native marine life while creating a barrier that prevents predators from accessing food. It can also foul man-made structures, such as aquaculture cages and lobster traps.
You might spot this species when scuba diving, fishing, or on the bottom of your boat. Please report any records to us (fundyseavomit@gmail.com) or text us at (506) 607-9148), take a photo along with a sample and freeze it if possible, so we can confirm your identification.
If you have any other questions or would like to get involved with our marina surveys, please let us know!
Calls to Action
Support: Major new campaign aims to keep the wild In Our Nature Nature Trust announces 4X matching funds to protect Nova Scotia’s most unique, ecologically important, and at-risk natural areas.
Act: A call for help from the very tired but determined Sandy Lake-Sackville River team
Sandy Lake Regional Park and all of the richness through to the Sackville River are at risk from a housing development, but it's NOT OVER!! Sandy Lake needs your help urgently.
The Sandy Lake - Sackville River Regional Park area has been proposed for protection for over 50 years, but now we risk losing a major part of it, forever. The proposed development would irreparably damage one of the last large greenspaces in urban Halifax.
Time is running out—will you speak up for Sandy Lake?
If everyone does just one of these possible actions below, the people will be heard:
Visit the Save Sandy Lake website to send a letter to the Premier. There you will find a form letter to guide you with a few clicks. Done. (If you prefer, letters in your own words are stronger, and all you really have to say is that you want him to save Sandy Lake by not putting housing there)
Yes, Nova Scotia needs more houses, but it makes no sense to put them in an area needed to protect this precious Regional Park. Ask that the Sandy Lake Special Planning Area be removed from their housing development list, and instead be protected as park.
The facts are in. Ordinary citizens can give the political leaders the political will to do the right thing. This is a democracy, but it only works if people speak up.
We urgently ask people across the province to please take a few minutes for Sandy Lake and Sackville River.
Nova Scotia Environmental News
Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources in Cape Breton will receive $800K to help with climate initiatives
The Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources in Cape Breton is receiving nearly $900,000 from the Nova Scotia government to support Indigenous-led climate action. The funding will help develop a regional plan and promote Mi’kmaw knowledge in addressing climate change.
Rare find: Remains of large, shortfin mako shark found in eastern Nova Scotia
A rare discovery on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore: the remains of a 3.6‑metre female shortfin mako shark—one of the ocean’s fastest species—washed ashore near Port Dufferin last weekend. Experts say it’s unusual to find these offshore sharks so close to land, and the cause of death remains a mystery.
Nova Scotia's ambitious 'Wind West' offshore energy plan wins support with conditions
A bold green move in Nova Scotia: Premier Tim Houston’s “Wind West” initiative aims to scale up offshore wind energy from an initial 5 GW to a staggering 40 GW—enough to meet over a quarter of Canada's electricity demand. Environmental groups have voiced cautious support, highlighting the region’s huge economic and job potential, but stress the importance of strong community consultation and ecological safeguards.
Halifax deputy mayor seeking report on upcoming bike lane projects, costs
Halifax’s deputy mayor has called for a detailed report on the costs of upcoming bike lane projects — covering planned routes from 2026 to 2029, exploring cheaper alternatives, and seeking outside funding — after estimates ballooned past $90 million.
Nova Scotia Power is challenging a recent $10 million fine levied by the provincial Department of Energy for failing to meet Renewable Electricity Standards between 2020 and 2022. The utility is now appealing the penalty, arguing the decision was unfair.
This food network is expanding to offer more nutritious options
A group fighting food insecurity in historic African Nova Scotian communities is expanding. The Preston Area Food Network is now growing fresh vegetables and upgrading its community shed.
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!
Help communities improve their capacity to respond to climate change! Clean is looking for a GIS and Adaptation Specialist to work within a team of adaptation and mitigation experts. In this role you will support a team of Climate Leads and help deliver the Community Climate Capacity initiative across 19 communities in the Province of Nova Scotia.
The Marine Education & Cultural Knowledge Lead will support and lead initiatives as part of COVE’s Career Pathways programming which includes focused efforts in offshore wind, ocean literacy, and other areas related to marine-based industries. The Lead will aim to build engagement and capacity in pre-career groups such as school-aged youth and post-secondary.
The ability to develop partnerships and relationships will be an important aspect to this role, particularly with educators and rural, Indigenous and French speaking communities. The Lead will be impactful in promoting career pathways in communities and be responsible for creating land-based and Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing) programming, highlighting the importance of Indigenous ways of knowing.
Canadian Climate Institute: Senior Communications Specialist
Reporting to the Deputy Director of Communications, the Senior Communications Specialist is responsible for writing, editing, and creating compelling written and digital media content for the Institute’s various publications, blogs, newsletters, website, and social media channels.
This position is central to sharing our research and policy perspectives in accurate, strategic, and accessible ways to build support among priority audiences for climate solutions. Through day-to-day media monitoring, and ongoing analysis and application of strategic communications research, this position will help ensure the Institute’s communications and content are engaging and relevant, helping to expand the Institute’s profile as the go-to source of credible and constructive Canadian climate policy expertise.
Marine Stewardship Council: Senior Fisheries and Commercial Manager, Canada East
Would you like to work for a global nonprofit committed to the preservation of the oceans? If so, this could be the opportunity for you!
The MSC Canada team is currently seeking a Senior Fisheries and Commercial Manager to join our team.
Successful fisheries and commercial outreach lies at the core of the MSC program and plays a crucial role in driving participation. In this position, you will be responsible for promoting MSC certification and establishing connections with fisheries, retailers, and seafood businesses. Your goal will be to encourage sustainability and certification, ultimately safeguarding our oceans.
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.
"Bruno Marcoccio was a long-time, important member of the environmental community in Nova Scotia and across Canada. His laser, fiery focus on environmental issues and his ability to positively influence environmental outcomes is legendary. Aside from his high profile, dramatic, and successful work on forcing the cleanup of the Sydney Tar Ponds, he also worked on wilderness preservation, forest issues, energy, oil and gas, and many issues involving toxic substances in general. I had the pleasure of working with him on many of those issues over several decades. He was well informed, reliable, outspoken (arguably to a fault) but he said the tough things that needed to be heard to fight complacency and inspire action.
While his reputation was one of ferocity at the consultation table and in community meetings, those who also knew him as a friend know that he had a kind, caring side, and was often quite witty. Who can ever forget the great force of a man Bruno embodied?! Rest in peace, Bruno. You served humankind and the environment in many more ways than can be easily counted."
Submitted by Sheila Cole, Member and former Senior Policy Advisor to the Nova Scotia Environmental Network
Thriving Non-Profits: Fall 2025 Applications Open
Applications are now open for Thriving Non-Profits Fall 2025 cohorts, a unique, capacity-building program that equips nonprofit leaders with new tools and strategies to build lasting financial resilience.
Over four months, participating organizations will explore nine revenue strategies, shift organizational culture, and develop a customized revenue diversification action plan.
Backed by expert coaching, practical tools, and a vibrant community of peers, Thriving Non-Profits is rooted in the nonprofit sector's strength and creativity, and is designed to challenge nonprofit norms and spark bold new thinking.
Who should apply? The program is designed for nonprofit teams: Executive Directors, board members, and senior staff. Limited bursaries are available to organizations that face financial barriers. More detailed information about bursary options can be found in the application form.
The time to build a resilient future is now. Let’s take action together!
👉 Learn more and apply. 👉 Register for the free information session on July 15 at 10:00 AM PDT.
Call for Participants: Study on Humour in Environmental Education
Two environmental educators from Lakehead University and the University of Calgary are conducting a study on how Canadian environmental educators use humour in their professional practice. They're looking for volunteers to complete a short survey.
Please see the poster for details and consider sharing it with your network. Participation is entirely voluntary.
This study is approved by the Lakehead University Research Ethics Board and the University of Calgary Conjoint Faculties Research Ethics Board (CFREB#24-1663).
Good Climate News in Atlantic Canada
Climate Stories Atlantic is a unique online digital platform dedicated to providing people in Atlantic Canada with articles, podcasts, and columns on good news climate initiatives happening right here in our own backyard. Our free content is shareable, copyright-free and available for use by any publication. You can also sign up for free to be notified when new articles are available -- and you can unsubscribe at any time.
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