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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
Nova Scotia Biodiversity Caucus
In Case You Missed It: Wetlands Appreciation Week Webinar Recording Now Available
On August 13, the Nova Scotia Biodiversity Caucus hosted a free webinar in collaboration with East Coast Environmental Law and Birds Canada as part of Wetlands Appreciation Week. The session explored key legal tools for wetland protection in Nova Scotia, conservation options for private landowners, and ways to get involved in national monitoring efforts.
If you missed it, you can watch the recording anytime and access resources shared during the session by visiting the event page.
Learn how you can support wetland conservation on your land and in your community!
There’s still time to take part in our annual Bioblitz running until September 2! Don’t miss this final opportunity to contribute to community science by recording your wildlife observations on iNaturalist. Your observations help support the work of conservationists, researchers, and member organizations across Nova Scotia.
Get outside, explore, and make your sightings count before the Bioblitz ends!
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!
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
Member Updates
Make One Last Splash at the Back to the Sea Centre Before Summer Ends!
Looking for a fun and educational ocean adventure? The Back to the Sea Centre, located at 140 Alderney Drive in Dartmouth, is open for regular summer hours: Wednesdays from 1–6 PM and Thursday through Sunday from 10 AM–4 PM — now through Labour Day, so don’t miss your chance before summer slips away!
Stop by to explore the incredible diversity of marine life found in Nova Scotia’s coastal waters! You’ll encounter fascinating marine invertebrates like sea stars, rock crabs, sea urchins, scallops, and many more... all native to our region and ready to spark curiosity and wonder!
Perfect for families, tourists, and ocean enthusiasts of all ages, the Centre offers hands-on experiences that bring you closer to life beneath the waves. Don’t miss your chance to dive into discovery this summer! Learn more about the Centre here.
Important Announcement – Cancellation of Our 2025 OpenHouse, Aug 30, 2025
We have made the very difficult decision to cancel our annual OpenHouse, scheduled for August 30, 2025.
This decision was made after careful consideration and in close consultation with the Department of Natural Resources. With the province restricting travel and activities in forested areas due to drought conditions and many wildfires burning across Nova Scotia, we believe this is the most responsible choice and is in alignment with Hope for Wildlife’s mission.
Also, the local access trails leading to our property are closed, creating additional road safety concerns. Given these factors, and many others, holding an event of this size would pose unacceptable risks to the community, wildlife, and their habitats that we work so hard to protect.
We know this announcement is disappointing, and we feel that disappointment right alongside you. Our OpenHouse has become a cherished tradition for sharing our work. It’s a special opportunity to connect with our community, celebrate local wildlife, and thank you for your support. We will deeply miss welcoming the thousands of you who attend each year.
There are still many ways to contribute to our work, even if we can’t gather for one of our biggest fundraisers of the year. You can learn more at www.hopeforwildlife.net/support.
If you have questions or concerns, or if you had planned a special trip to attend, please contact us at openhouse@hopeforwildlife.net.
Thank you for your continued support and for standing with us through sunshine, rain, and now through drought as well.
The Hope for Wildlife Team
Halifax North West Trails Association is Seeking Volunteers!
HNWTA is currently seeking volunteers to fill two key positions: Membership Chair and Treasurer. These roles are vital to the success of the organization and offer a great opportunity to get involved in your community, support active transportation, and help shape the future of local trails!
More details can be found under Volunteer Opportunities below, or by visiting the Volunteer Hub.
New Birds- and Protected Areas-Focused Education Initiative From Nature Nova Scotia!
We often hear from educators in Nova Scotia who struggle to find locally-relevant natural history learning resources or who want to get their students outside but don't know where to start. Nature School is our response to that need and intended to be a living initiative that improves with teacher feedback over time. Over September 2025 to end of March 2026, we're delivering free in-school and in-field programing for elementary grades looking to learn more about birds and protected areas in Nova Scotia.
Our programs are available to public, private, and homeschool classes and focus on curriculum-aligned activities related to birds, their lifecycles, and habitats.
Our 2025-2026 programs include:
Grades P-3: Bird Form & Function
Grades 4-6: Bird Habitats & Population Trends
Both programs can be delivered either in school or on-site, are free, and include both Nature Nova Scotia staff facilitation and a resource package for teachers. For classes who want to explore an important site for bird conservation in Nova Scotia, we will also fund class travel to either a National Wildlife Areas or Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, up to a maximum of $300 per class - and we'll help you decide which protected area might be the best fit for your class!
We’re taking expressions of interest from teachers over the summer and will be in touch in September, when our Education staff return, to schedule field trips for September through March.
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)
A larger DRAW THE LINE event, with many more people involved in the planning, is set for Saturday, September 20th. There can be multiple events.
Join us to shape a bold, creative action in Halifax. Prime Minister Carney’s early actions are intentionally designed to overwhelm the public and make it difficult for us to keep up—let alone hold the government accountable. Part of the goal of this day is to organize events that expose Carney’s dangerous agenda and prepare us to fight back when Parliament resumes in September. We aim to build a broad coalition and grow solidarity to make that possible.
This weekend also comes just before the start of the fall sitting of the Nova Scotia legislature.
Local teams are asked to acknowledge agreement with and put this Basis of Unity into practice:
Put people over corporate profit. Fund our families and communities.
Individual Submission: Wider Roads Make Worse Cities—Help Save Robie Street's last historic neighbourhood (North to Cunard).
Write Mayor Fillmore & Council: Do Not Spend $200m to Widen Robie Street. You can prioritize transit, save 50-70 homes and protect 80 trees if you use public money for signalized lane changes, transit priority signals, more buses, drivers, shelters and lower fare. Widening roads, even for public transit doesn't reduce traffic or congestion. Planning for the future requires protecting the present. clerks@halifax.ca.
Individual Submission: Take Back the Wanderers Field
HRM Council has ordered a financial feasibility study for a $116 - $122 redevelopment of the Wanderers Block, a part of the Commons deliberately left out of the Halifax Common Master Plan. It is currently occupied by the Halifax Lancers, Wanderers Lawn Bowlers Club, HRM equipment depot, Power House, Halifax Public Gardens greenhouses, and, for the last few years, a temporary ‘pop-up stadium’ on the Wanderers Field.
Prior to Sports Atlantic taking over the Field for its private, for-profit, professional soccer team, the Field was 100% used by amateur players. Putting public money into stadiums has no economic benefit, expenses would require a huge increase in property taxes, condone the continued replacement of facilities for amateur sport by professional sport and private use of public open space. Everyone enjoys a good soccer match but if the private club needs a stadium now is the time for it to buy its own land.
Please sign the petition to take back the Wanderers Field here.
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
Nova Scotian blueberry industry hit hard by lack of rain
The multi-million-dollar blueberry industry is being hit hard this year due to dry conditions and a lack of rain.
The drought conditions have been so persistent that the quality of this year’s crops has been badly affected and is not salvageable.
What will it take for Nova Scotia's drought to finally end?
It's been a dry summer across Canada and one big rainstorm alone won't be enough to recover from this drought. CBC meteorologist Tina Simpkin explains what's needed to turn conditions around.
New entity taking over control of energy grid from Nova Scotia Power
Some key responsibilities are shifting away from the utility to the non-profit Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator. Its freshly appointed CEO Johnny Johnston spoke to Taryn Grant recently about the transition.
Nova Scotia issues final approval to Goldboro gold mine project
A gold mine in eastern Nova Scotia received its final permit approval from the provincial government on Wednesday, seven years after the project was first submitted for environmental scrutiny.
Construction of the open-pit Goldboro gold mine, owned by Toronto-based NexGold Mining Corp., is expected to begin in Guysborough County in 2026, government officials said. The project is estimated to cost $1.7 billion.
The latest provincial authorization — called an industrial approval — sets environmental conditions on the operations of the mine.
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 passionate about turning complex climate data into meaningful community action? Coastal Action is seeking a skilled and motivated Project Coordinator to support its growing 3D Flood Hazard Visualization and Communication Program — a forward-thinking initiative helping communities across Nova Scotia plan for climate resilience through interactive tools.
This full-time position, based in Mahone Bay, NS, offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of climate adaptation, community engagement, and environmental communication. The successful candidate will help lead workshops, facilitate collaborative working groups, develop public-facing materials, and support the design and implementation of visual tools that make flood risk understandable and actionable.
The role requires strong organizational skills, critical thinking, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Experience in workshop facilitation, public speaking, and climate change communication is essential. A background in environmental science, geomatics, community planning, or a related field is preferred, and familiarity with GIS, mapping, or knowledge mobilization is a strong asset.
This is a great opportunity for someone looking to apply their climate adaptation expertise in a collaborative, community-focused nonprofit environment with the potential for long-term impact.
Position: Project Coordinator, Climate Change Team Location: Mahone Bay, NS (hybrid work options available)
Application Deadline: Position will remain open until filled.
As the Programs Coordinator, you’ll play a key role in supporting the Institute’s operations and helping shape its future during an exciting time of growth. Reporting to the Management Committee, you will wear many hats—from managing day-to-day administration to developing and supporting innovative programs on and off the Island.
You’ll be joining a small but passionate team, currently led by the President, and a network of dedicated volunteers. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, enjoys building systems and relationships, and is eager to contribute to meaningful work with long-term impact. You will work out of SII’s office in Halifax with the option for working remotely one day a week. The role also includes 1-2 working visits to Sable Island per year.
Application Deadline: Position will remain open until filled.
The Programs Manager will be responsible for coordinating programs to achieve YCL’s overarching organizational goals. The successful Manager will work collaboratively with the program staff, broader YCL team, and external stakeholders with strong attention to strategy,implementation, and delegation. The Manager will be involved in all stages of program development - from supporting the design and fundraising of programs to developing budgets and operating plans. The ideal candidate is passionate about furthering youth-led climate action and is excited to sustain and scale YCL’s impact.
Endangered Ecosystems Alliance: Executive Assistant and Digital Editor
Working directly with the Executive Director and at times the Administration and Operations Coordinator, the Executive Assistant and Digital Editor will draft diverse and extensive written campaign materials, help produce videos and digital images for educational purposes, organize logistics for all manner of campaign activities, help ensure effective operations, fundraising and administration of the organization, and engage with team members and diverse parties outside the organization.
Application Deadline: Position will remain open until filled.
Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment: Campaign Manager, Health and Economic Policy Program
CAPE is seeking a dynamic campaigner with strong communications expertise to lead high-impact, communications-driven advocacy campaigns within our Health and Economic Policy Program. This role combines strategic messaging leadership with direct campaigning to counter disinformation and greenwashing, support fossil fuel advertising restrictions, and mobilize public action. Working at the intersection of climate, health, and justice, the communications manager will craft compelling narratives, mobilize public support, and work with partners to advance intergenerational, economic and environmental justice.
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!
ESCOM & The Deanery Project: Social and External Communications
This volunteer role aims to increase public visibility of the Eastern Shore Citizen Science Coastal Monitoring Network's (ESCOM) mission, activities, and outcomes by managing its external communications, ensuring community awareness, and public engagement across the Eastern Shore and beyond.
Commitment: Up to three hours per week when only monitoring activities are planned. Up to three extra hours per week when special field visits or events are organised.
Halifax North West Trails Association: Membership Chair
Are you looking for a way to become more involved in the Halifax North West Trails Association? If so, perhaps serving on the Board as Membership Chair might be just the right opportunity for you!
The Membership Chair is a two-part job. The Membership Chair receives applications from new and renewing members and maintains membership records. Secondly, the membership chair assists in recruiting new members for HNWTA. The Membership
Chair is an important member of the Board team and is expected to attend about 10 Board meetings a year. If you are committed to the establishment and maintenance of trails in north-west Halifax, you are a detail-oriented person who enjoys administrative tasks, you are willing to support membership recruitment with ideas and energy, and you would enjoy working with a team of dedicated trail members, this could be an ideal volunteer position for you.
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.
This volunteer position supports the East Hants Chapter by co-leading monthly nature events, helping with planning, communication, and running engaging nature-based and conservation activities for kids aged 8–14.
Mi’kmaq (Mi’kmaw) Online Language Course – Open for Registration
We are excited to share a unique opportunity to learn the Mi’kmaq language through a 6-session introductory online course, beginning this September.
Offered by renowned language facilitator Savvy Simon, this course is free for Indigenous participants, with a modest fee for non-Indigenous participants to help support program sustainability and future offerings.
Savvy Simon, a proud member of the Elsipogtog First Nation in New Brunswick and granddaughter of residential school survivor Sarah Simon o’, brings deep cultural knowledge and lived experience to her teaching. Now based in Halifax, NS, she is a celebrated educator, Top 40 Female Change Maker in Canada, TedX speaker, Vancouver Olympics fancy-shawl dancer, and creator of the #SpeakMikmaq language movement. Her work is featured in curricula across Canada and in the book Amazing l’nu’k, recognizing her efforts in revitalizing the Mi’kmaw language.
Savvy’s sessions are a welcoming, inclusive space for learners of all ages and backgrounds to engage in meaningful language and cultural learning.
We warmly invite you to register and share this opportunity within your networks. Register now!
Citizens of East Hants for a Sustainable Future to Host Community Forum on Resource Extraction and Environmental Protection
Citizens of East Hants for a Sustainable Future is calling on residents to join a vital community forum on Thursday September 18, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the East Hants Sportsplex (Lantz). This event is a chance for the public to get informed, get involved, and make their voices heard on the future of East Hants.
With extractive industries—such as fracking, uranium mining, gold exploration, and lithium development—gaining traction in Nova Scotia, many communities are being left out of the conversation. This gathering invites residents to speak up and engage with organizations, and community leaders who are working toward a sustainable and democratic future for East Hants.
According to Pat Vinish, a local Kennetcook resident. “Living 1 mile away from a Nova Scotia fracking site, it took several years for the discolouration (and chemicals) to dissipate from my personal water supply. Even now 15 years later, I get noticeable traces after heavy rains and high water table conditions. Needless to say I never drink or cook with my own water anymore.”
The evening will feature a panel discussion with voices from environmental groups, concerned citizens, and representatives from other communities that have faced similar development. Topics will include the environmental and health risks associated with extractive industries, the long-term impacts on local ecosystems, and alternative visions for economic development.
Objectives of the event include:
Sharing credible information from local and regional sources
Providing clear actions attendees can take (petitions, contacting officials, spreading awareness)
Encouraging participation from elected officials
Discussing strong, enforceable standards that protect communities, the environment, and the public interest
Whether you're concerned about water quality, rural development, or environmental justice, this is your chance to learn more and be part of the conversation.
Event Details: What: Community Forum: “Citizens of East Hants for a Sustainable Future” When: Thursday September 18, 2025, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Where: East Hants Sportsplex - 1076 Hwy 2, Lantz, NS Who Should Attend: All concerned residents of East Hants and surrounding areas
Come and have your say. Your community. Your environment. Your future.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact: Ken Summers Email:kendsummers51@gmail.com Phone: 902 957 2317
Save the Date: South Shore Labour Day Celebration Join the South Shore Labour Council for their annual Labour Day Event on Monday, September 1, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM at Privateer Park, 94 Henry Hensley Drive, Liverpool.
This family-friendly event celebrates the social and economic achievements of workers in Canada — from paid vacation and pensions to workplace rights and safety. Expect live music, great food, and a wide range of local organizations sharing information, fundraising, and connecting with the community.
🎉 Free hot dogs and beverages will be provided by the Labour Council, with Special Olympics Lunenburg-Queens hosting the food booth.
📣 This year's theme: A Canada for Workers: Made Here! Paid Here! ☔ Rain or shine — come prepared for the weather!
Good Climate News in Atlantic Canada
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