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Overview:
NSEN Updates
Member Updates
Calls to Action
Nova Scotia Environmental News
Job Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
Other Information
NSEN Updates
Thanks for joining us for Environment Bingo + Trivia!Thank you so much to all who joined us for Environment Bingo + Trivia on May 1! The Abstract Cafe was packed, and everyone brought such great energy. We were pleased to see so many familiar faces—from regular event attendees to former Board members and staff. Plus, lots of new faces too!
More than just fundraisers, events like these offer important opportunities for members of the environmental community to gather, connect and have fun.
Huge thanks again to all of the local businesses and organizations who donated incredible prizes for the evening's games.
A big thank you to all who joined our webinar: Building Community Through Climate Action
NSEN recently hosted Building Community through Climate Action, an inspiring discussion led by Kate Brooks from the Ecology Action Centre. The event focused on how communities can support meaningful climate action during times of affordability challenges and burnout by emphasizing resilience, connection, and community-based solutions rather than guilt or fear.
Kate highlighted the HalifACT/EAC Climate Commitment Badge Program, which encourages residents across the Halifax Regional Municipality to take climate action in ways that match their interests and abilities. We thank everyone who attended and contributed to the conversation.
Please explore the HalifACT/EAC Climate Commitment Badge Program and the recorded webinar below!
Upcoming events with Friends of Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes
2026 Annual General Meeting: Wednesday, June 10, at 6:30 pm, Keshen Goodman Library, 330 Lacewood Dr, Halifax
Plan to attend to learn more about the proposed National Urban Park.
We are offering a series of hikes again this spring to different parts of the wilderness area for all types of terrain for all skill levels. Our guided hikes are for those who want to explore the woods but feel more comfortable in a group with others leading the way.Spaces are limited, and registration is required.
Join CLIMAtlantic for two days of connection and sharing to grow climate resilience in the Atlantic region. This conference will bring together climate change adaptation practitioners, knowledge holders, community leaders, policymakers, engineers, academics, youth, artists, and more.
New Bilingual online session for Municipal Learning Services: "Decisions Before the Flames: How Communities Shape Wildfire Outcomes"
Join Kara McCurdy, wildfire mitigation specialist, fire service professional, and community resilience advocate, to explore how wildfire outcomes are shaped long before a fire starts, through municipal decisions around land use, development, access, water supply, public education, emergency planning, and community risk reduction. Designed for elected officials, municipal staff, fire service leaders, emergency managers, planners, and community decision-makers, the session connects real Atlantic wildfire examples with practical actions communities can take before the next event.
Learn how to:
Translate wildfire risk into municipal priorities, budget choices, prevention actions, and readiness planning.
Understand where your community may be vulnerable, what questions to ask, and how leadership decisions can reduce future wildfire impacts.
Participants can expect an engaging, plain-language session with discussion prompts and decision-making exercises. Live interpretation to French will be available throughout the call. Please note that the session will be recorded.
Applications open for English and French Fall 2026 Climate Adaptation & Resilience Training (CART) Program
The CART Program is an introductory 12-week part-time training program coordinated by CLIMAtlantic. This program is for people new to climate change adaptation who work with municipalities or Indigenous communities in Atlantic Canada. CART helps learners to understand and build skills across a range of topics:
Manage adaptation processes and projects
Understand and use climate information
Assess risk and vulnerability
Engage, facilitate, and collaborate across sectors
Centre equity and Indigenous leadership
Navigate different governance levels
Enhance community resiliency
Application deadline: June 30, 2026. Limited spaces available. Due to interest in the program, priority may be given to municipal and Indigenous Community staff and those currently working with them.
Hike NS is starting a Hiking Club for blind and partially sighted hikers in HRM. We will offer bus transportation as well as volunteers trained to assist hikers. If you are blind or partially sighted and would like to start hiking or hike more, please sign up to join our trips. Those who stick with the hiking club over multiple trips will receive free gear
Nature Nova Scotia's Celebration of Nature The 2026 Celebration of Nature is happening in Baddeck, Cape Breton! Join us for another weekend of interesting talks and guided hikes. The Celebration of Nature is the annual symposium for naturalists in Nova Scotia and Nature Nova Scotia’s AGM. Join us May 29th-31st for another weekend of interesting talks and engaging guided hikes, this year in biodiverse Unama'ki/Cape Breton at the Inverary Resort!
Saturday May 30, 1pm - 3pm. SOOF Presents... Getting Started with Nature Journaling Develop your power of observation and learn to "see" the world around you! Nature Journaling is a practice that combines science and art to create a record of something you observed in the natural world. Join Save Our Old Forests (SOOF) and lifelong naturalist and artist Bev Wigney at the Centrelea Community Hall (3495 Highway 201) as she shares some of her personal Nature Journaling tips, tricks and techniques. There will be art supplies and specimens available to practice with - or feel free to bring your own! This workshop is open to anyone who would like to learn about Nature Journaling - you don’t need to be an artist to give it a try. Free. Maximum 20 participants. Registration Required.
Saturday June 13, 1pm - 4pm. SOOF Bug Quest Workshop
Join Save Our Old Forests (SOOF) and local entomologist Scott Digweed for a buggy afternoon! We’ll start indoors at the West Dalhousie Community Hall (4868 West Dalhousie Road) learning about DNA barcodes and the hidden biodiversity of forest insects. Then we’ll take a field trip to the Goldsmith Lake Wilderness Area for a closer look at the bug traps that have been deployed. And YOU can help collect the weekly sample for the Bug Quest project and contribute to Canada’s largest ever insect survey! Free. Maximum 20 participants. Registration Required.
Saturday, June 20, 6pm - 11pm. SOOFSTOCK Presents... SOOF Rocks West Dal!
Set your amps to 11, grab your air guitars and get ready to rock out in West Dalhousie! Join Save Our Old Forests (SOOF) for a night of rock & a little country featuring performances by Inception, Rumour Has It, The Possimibilities and Hysterix. Support local musicians and a great cause by rocking out with us at the West Dalhousie Community Hall (4868 West Dalhousie Road)! Pay What You Can ($20 Suggested) - proceeds from the door go to SOOF. BBQ available with proceeds going to support the West Dal Hall.
Calls to Action
Save the Mainland Moose
In the fall of 2021, the Province of Nova Scotia released its long-overdue Recovery Plan for the Mainland Moose, nine years behind schedule. Nature Nova Scotia commends the province for finally producing a strong plan, especially for highlighting the urgent need for more research and for changes to forestry practices in moose habitat. Now, we much ensure the government follows through.
Since 2021, Nature Nova Scotia has been studying the public perceptions of the Mainland Moose and collection new reports through our trail camera program. These efforts are helping us better understand the species, its habitat use, and how Nova Scotians value moose conversation.
PRESS RELEASE: New polling shows majority of Nova Scotians want Province to protect more land
A recent Narrative Research poll found that 67 per cent of Nova Scotians support creating more protected wilderness areas, demonstrating strong public backing for conservation efforts across the province.
Environmental organizations, including the Ecology Action Centre and Nature Nova Scotia, are urging the provincial government to meet its commitment of protecting 20 per cent of Nova Scotia’s landmass by 2030 under existing environmental legislation. The survey also highlighted the economic and recreational value of protected areas, supporting tourism, outdoor recreation, biodiversity, and long-term environmental resilience throughout Nova Scotia.
Pictou County residents spreading awareness of proposed power plants
Residents in Pictou County are raising awareness and voicing concerns about proposed natural gas-fired power plants planned for the region. Community members organized public meetings to discuss potential impacts on local water supplies, the environment, and long-term climate goals. Many residents worry the projects could strain groundwater resources and increase reliance on fossil fuels at a time when Nova Scotia is working toward cleaner energy targets.
Community advocates are encouraging residents to stay informed, participate in public consultations, and engage with decision-makers as the projects move through the environmental assessment process.
Elliot Page gave $25K for a community well in N.S. It's still not running and he's not happy
Residents of the historic Black community in Shelburne, Nova Scotia have continued to raise concerns about environmental racism and long-standing issues surrounding contaminated water and inadequate infrastructure.
Elliot Page, a Nova Scotian actor and activist, contributed funding toward a new community well project aimed at improving access to safe drinking water for residents. The article also highlights decades of advocacy from community members demanding environmental justice, government accountability, and equitable treatment. The situation has become an important example of the ongoing need for investment in safe infrastructure and stronger protections for marginalized communities facing environmental inequities across Nova Scotia.
'Something smells': Citizens' group questions federal approval of Nova Scotia gas plants
Environmental groups in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick are raising concerns over proposed natural gas plants and Canada’s new National Electricity Strategy. Activists argue that governments are failing to properly assess environmental risks, including threats to Atlantic salmon habitats and endangered species such as the Canada warbler.
Critics also warn that expanding gas infrastructure could increase pollution, raise electricity costs, and delay Canada’s transition away from fossil fuels. Community organizations, including LEAP and the Conservation Council of New Brunswick, are calling for greater investment in renewable energy and battery storage, while some groups are pursuing legal action over the approval process and lack of meaningful public consultation.
Offshore petroleum bid good news for Nova Scotia— but should be just the beginning
Nova Scotia’s offshore energy regulator has approved British company Inceptio Oil and Gas Ltd. to explore two offshore areas for oil and gas, marking a potential revival of the province’s natural resources sector. Premier Tim Houston has promoted resource development as a way to increase incomes and attract investment. Supporters argue that business investment, particularly in natural resources, can create high-paying jobs and strengthen Nova Scotia’s economy, which currently lags behind other provinces in income and investment levels. The recent policy changes, including lifting bans on hydraulic fracturing and uranium mining, while calling for streamlined regulations and faster permitting to encourage future investment and economic growth are also in the works.
Friends of Sable Island: Summer Youth Job Posting- Digital Marketing Specialist
Are you a student or graduate between 15-30 years of age with a passion for creating eye-catching content and designing information campaigns to share impactful information? We’re looking for you!
The Digital Marketing Specialist will be responsible for creating a digital marketing campaign specifically for a set of on-line lesson plans for students from Primary to Grade 12. Other content and activities could include: a set of social media posts to be scheduled throughout the year; short videos/reels using our photo/video gallery; research, design and build a marketing campaign for an educational calendar using our photo gallery; a review of our existing website content to identify gaps and improvement opportunities; and, campaigns for other activities and products such as our self-published book “Sable Island Stories: Volume One”.
Friends of Sable Island: Summer Youth Job Posting- Archivist Story Teller
Are you a student or graduate between 15-30 years of age with an interest in history who loves to unearth and share stories based on real-life and lived lives? We’re looking for you!
The Archivist Story-Teller will create a collection of these maps and then write the stories of those early mapmakers and their sponsors – whether that was monarchs, entrepreneurs or military. This would include cartographers from many countries. Another topic is the people who worked on or were family members living on Sable Island prior to Parks Canada taking responsibility. The Archivist Story-Teller will start to collect names and potential story sources. The Archivist Story-Teller will create shareable stories throughout the summer and post them on social media as appropriate. Final stories created by the Archivist Story-Teller will be presented as one or more of the following: blog postings on our website; 2-3minute videos; and, presentation-ready content for classrooms.
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!
Celebrate World Environment Day (June 6) in Kentville! Join the Town of Kentville and partners for a full day of outdoor activities, environmental education, and community fun as we take a “Journey to a Greener Future.” Enjoy guided hikes, hands-on workshops, nature crafts, a free BBQ, and much more. Many, many community groups will be featured, and there will be opportunities to try bird watching, eco-crafts, and e-bikes.
Pictou County Climate Summit: Exhibitor Application
May 29-30 at the Pictou County Wellness Centre
Join the Pictou County Climate Summit, a two-day gathering hosted by the Pictou County Partnership in collaboration with the Municipality of Pictou County, Pictou Landing First Nation, and the towns of New Glasgow, Pictou, Stellarton, Trenton, and Westville.
Every activity is free to attend thanks to sponsors and is open to the public. Please note that registration is required for some of the activities so capacity, food quantities, as well as accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions can be determined.
To learn more about events and timeline, use the link below
Study on Public Water Bottle Refill Infrastructure in Canada
We’d love to hear from you about using public water bottle refill stations in your community!
With support from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Pollution Probe, a Canadian environmental NGO based in Ontario, is undertaking a study to better understand experiences, awareness, and use of public water bottle refill stations. The information gathered will support municipalities in improved decision-making and inform the development of a series of practical resources and educational materials for residents. Please press the buttons below for the survey.
The Government of Nova Scotia is currently reviewing the proposed Ocean Lake Wind Project, a major renewable energy development planned for Guysborough County. The project, led by EverWind NS Holdings Ltd and Membertou Development Corporation, would include up to 158 wind turbines capable of generating 1,264 megawatts of electricity. Additional infrastructure would include access roads, substations, electrical lines, and support buildings near the communities of New Harbour, Goldboro, Larry’s River, Lundy, and Roachvale. Construction is expected to begin in 2029, with the project operating for approximately 35 years.
Public comments on the environmental assessment are being accepted until June 22, 2026, before a final decision is made by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change on or before July 2, 2026.
This is a fabulous opportunity to share your thoughts on the Ocean Lake Winds Project!
MADW is an annual week of restoration action where individuals and organizations from around the world host and participate in local volunteer events in order to demonstrate the incredible positive impact that we can collectively have on the world's ecosystems.
You can learn more about the initiative, and see the impact of past years, on our website:
If you have any ecology-focused volunteer events planned for this week (30 May - 7 June), we encourage you to register them.
It only takes 5 minutes to register an event, and it can be a great opportunity to join an international community, and share an inspiring message with your volunteers. All organizations are welcome, as are all ecological volunteer events, including those that are already registered with other initiatives (eg. World Environment Day, Ocean Week).
Event registration will be open until the end of the day on June 7th, but we encourage you to register your event as soon as possible.
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 be connected.
As a member, you can: ✅ Join provincial caucuses on key topics like water, biodiversity, and environmental education ✅ Participate in our annual meeting with the Minister of Environment and Climate Change ✅ Share your events, projects, job postings, and calls to action through our newsletter and social media ✅ Share your work in free webinars hosted by NSEN ✅ Recruit volunteers through our Volunteer Hub ✅ Connect with like-minded individuals and organizations at NSEN events
If you're a past member and haven't renewed for 2026, we’d love to welcome you back!
If you’re unsure about your membership status or would like to learn more about joining, please get in touch.
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