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Overview:
NSEN Updates
Member Updates
Calls to Action
Nova Scotia Environmental News
Job Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
Other Information
NSEN Updates
Catch up on our latest blog: Fast Fashion in Nova Scotia
Thank you to Frankie Hayman for volunteering the time to write about such a current and important topic. We courage everyone to read about how fast fashion effects Nova Scotia.
Catch a glimpse:
A polyester shirt purchased for a little more than the price of your daily coffee may only be worn a few times before being discarded, where it will likely live in a landfill for centuries. This is generally referred to as ‘fast fashion’, a global business model that produces mass amounts of clothing and encourages consumers to continuously purchase and discard garments. While it is a global issue, I’ll be focusing on how it affects Nova Scotia for the purpose of this article; specifically, our landfill composition, waste management strain, as well as exploring our rapidly rising textile disposal rates and possible solutions
Celebrating a Decade as Atlantic Canada’s Trusted Forum for Indigenous Consultation, Engagement, and Partnership Building
Join Indigenous leaders, advisors, government decision-makers, regulators, and industry partners at this milestone event as they examine the evolving realities shaping consultation and engagement across the region. From Indigenous rights and economic participation to resource development and reconciliation, explore the legal, political, and practical developments transforming projects and partnerships today.
Reasons to Attend:
Tailored Focus on the Atlantic Region
Get region-specific insights and solutions tailored to the unique challenges of Atlantic Canada that you won’t find anywhere else.
Holistic Perspectives and Strategies
Hear directly from Indigenous leaders, government officials, and industry representatives to understand diverse viewpoints and build more balanced, effective consultation strategies.
Legal Updates and Practical Implications
Stay current on the latest court decisions impacting Indigenous consultation, and walk away with tools to better support Indigenous clients and navigate evolving legal responsibilities.
This September is Go By Bike Month, a city-wide campaign from HCC to get more people cycling. Log your rides throughout the month, and every ride counts as an entry toward our prize draws, with over $2,000 up for grabs. Compete on individual and team leaderboards too, if you're feeling competitive.
Sign up solo or form a team with your organization or friends. Throughout September, look out for group rides, workshops, and a scavenger hunt across HRM with perks at participating bike-friendly businesses.
Protected Areas Week is an opportunity to celebrate Nova Scotia’s protected areas and help people connect with these special places. Throughout the week, we’ll be highlighting protected areas across the province and encouraging communities to get outside and explore them. You can view the hikes and registration details...
Hike Nova Scotia and co-hosts the Digby Area Recreation Commission, the Fundy Erratics hiking group and Our Pathways Society invite you to the Hiking Summit from October 1 to 4 in Digby. Take in workshops, hikes and more! Register early to secure your spot by September 27.
Hike NS is 20 years old in 2026. Take our 20th Anniversary Challenge in September and October to help us celebrate and fundraise for our work. Register and complete the challenge to qualify for great prize draws from MEC and earn the limited edition 20th Anniversary badge.
Public Planting Event at the Mahone Bay Living Shoreline!
Coastal Action invites you to join us on October 3, 2026, for our Public Planting event in Mahone Bay, NS!
Join us for a day outdoors, as you learn about the Mahone Bay Living Shoreline project and participate hands-on by helping us complete the final stages of installation: planting the vegetated bank! Throughout the event, we will teach you how to plant along a living shoreline’s vegetated bank, share more about Coastal Action’s work and the Mahone Bay Living Shoreline, and feature insights from our valued partners and collaborators.
The event will take place on October 3, 2026, from 10 AM to 2 PM. The rain date is set for October 4, 2026, from 10 AM to 2 PM.
This event is free, and open to all members of the public. Come join us, regardless of if you are an experienced planter, are getting your hands dirty for the first time, or just want to learn more and support us.
Hike, bike or whatever you like with the EAC's third annual Hike-a-Thon. Register today for free!
From now until Sept 23, challenge yourself to walk, climb, paddle, roll, dance or participate in your own way as you collect support from your friends & family.
It's all about connecting with the outdoor spaces you love while raising critical funds for the EAC's fight to protect them. This is your environmental movement.
PLUS, participants gain access to special events, discount codes and have the chance to win grand prizes!
Join us for the 3rd Annual Sustainable Blue Economy Summit hosted by Ocean Alliance Canada, a national ocean sector initiative of ECO Canada, and connect with the leaders shaping the next phase of the global blue economy.
This year's focus reflects where the ocean economy is headed, moving from strategy to execution. One day bringing together leaders from ocean technology, Indigenous communities, government, and investors to connect the systems that drive sustainable progress.
When: September 18th 2026 | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Where: The Westin Nova Scotian, Halifax, NS
Our staff have been busy making meaningful improvements to our on-site infrastructure this season. We've added a new stage for live music and theatre performances, and broken ground on new play infrastructure designed for youth. Perhaps most excitingly, we've begun construction on a new natural building, incorporating a range of techniques and materials including hempcrete, straw and clay panels, and strawbale construction. This project got its start thanks to a collaboration with School of Architecture students from Dalhousie University.
Sealight Skylight Festival
On August 15th, we hosted our annual Sealight Skylight festival — and it was a smash hit! The night brought together six amazing bands, astronomers offering telescope views of the sun and stars during the Perseid meteor shower, marine biologists, art installations, and a magical swim in our beach's bioluminescent waters. Guests camped out in a tent village overnight and greeted the morning with yoga and a community pancake breakfast.
Garden Bounty
Our gardens have been flourishing, and we're now harvesting a wonderful bounty of fresh vegetables. We're looking forward to stocking our recently renovated community pantry with these homegrown goods.
Upcoming Workshops
We're planning several exciting workshop series in the coming months, including eco-friendly photo film development, safe and sustainable food canning, carpentry, and our ever-popular stained glass courses.
Looking Ahead: Natural Building East
We're in the early planning stages for Natural Building East, a major upcoming event that will bring together natural builders and experts from across the continent. Stay tuned for more details!
Calls to Action
Vast majority of Nova Scotians are opposed to private development in Parks and Protected Areas, new poll confirms
Only 4% of respondents were completely in support. And yet, this is an issue that just won't seem to go away.
“Four times in the past nine years, Nova Scotians have made it clear they won’t stand for a government selling or leasing Provincial Parks or Protected Areas for private development," said Lindsay Lee, Wilderness Community Outreach Coordinator for the Ecology Action Centre. "But it seems like the government still hasn’t gotten the message.”
Tell your MLA to strengthen the Provincial Parks Act, so Nova Scotians don't have to keep going through this again and again.
Help protect more nature in Nova Scotia
Right now, you can help protect 5,100 more hectares of nature in Nova Scotia by participating in the province's fall protected areas consultation.
In just 5 minutes, you can help ensure that 11 wild areas will be protected for years to come, simply by filling out question #1.
To meet the province's legislated commitment to protect at least 20 per cent of the province by December 31, 2030, the provincial government would need to legally protect an average of over 5,000 hectares every month. There's still a lot of work to do, but every response in favour of more protected areas can help.
Charges laid following investigation into alleged illegal landfill outside Halifax
Department of Environment has alleged debris, litter were buried at Upper Hammonds Plains site.
Nova Scotia’s Department of Environment has laid charges following an investigation of an alleged illegal landfill on a 10-hectare property on the outskirts of Halifax, a probe that included drone surveillance and the seizure of equipment.
Ministerial Order Issued to Demolish Pictou County Pulp Mill Buildings
Environment and Climate Change Minister Timothy Halman has issued an amended Ministerial Order allowing for the decommissioning, abatement and demolition of buildings and other infrastructure at the former Northern Pulp mill site in Abercrombie, Pictou County. Abatement means safely removing and disposing of any hazardous materials that may be inside the buildings before they are torn down.
The amended Ministerial Order was issued today, August 27, to Northern Timber Nova Scotia Corp. The company has informed the Minister that it expects to begin this work as early as September.
Just a breeze machine: Art project turning heads and fan blades on the Halifax waterfront
A stationary bike attached to a giant fan? Well, these kids just had to stop and try it out.
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“With kids you stop everywhere and it was interesting, but we don’t know what it is used for,” said Marilyne Bujold, visiting Halifax from Quebec City this week. Her kids — Charles, 5, and Ellie, 7, Dompierre — were thrilled with the odd device on the Halifax waterfront.
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The mystery behind this kinetic public art piece is part of its charm.
Unlocking a 400-year old mystery in a Nova Scotia marsh
On a river in southwest Nova Scotia, an investigation by a historical sleuth is uncovering long-lost traces of North America’s past.
Allains River (formerly Lequille River) is a winding tributary of the Annapolis River, flowing from the interior of the province to what is now Annapolis Royal.
Four hundred years ago, the river was home to one of the earliest industrial operations established after colonization: a flour mill built in 1607 and destroyed by fire in 1643.
Underwater AI data centre proposal concerns Peskotomuhkati leaders in Canada, U.S
Peskotomuhkati people on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border say a proposed underwater AI data centre in Maine threatens a waterway central to their food, culture and identity.
Aaron Dana, a tribal representative to the Maine Legislature, said he is worried environmental impacts of the proposed data centre in Eastport, Maine, could extend into surrounding waters.
He said the fundamental concern for Peskotomuhkati leadership is the waterways that sustained their people for generations.
Looking for someone to join your team? Have a job opportunity?
NSEN Members (both organizations and individuals) can submit Job Opportunities for our Eco-Connections Newsletter every month.
Volunteer Opportunities
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!
The Western Mining Action Network is hosting a conference for Indigenous and mining-affected communities from across Canada and the U.S.
The conference is September 27 - 30, 2026, at Inn on Prince in Truro and in Millbrook First Nation. The theme: “Water is Life Past, Present and Future: Flowing Together to Protect the Next Seven Generations from Extractivism”
This is an excellent opportunity for mining resistance and water protection activist to:
Meet folks working in legal aid, scientific support, environmental NGO's, and Indigenous communities
Gain insights into specific mining resistance movements and training in environmental advocacy and democratic organizing
Enjoy cross-cultural knowledge sharing, elevating Indigenous voices, and leadership development in a safe space
Workshops and talks will include critical minerals, nuclear, policy, lessons from tribal professionals, successes, and more.
Conference Fees: $180 USD for all 3 days, $70 USD for one day.
Usability testing for an energy efficiency customer engagement platform.
Thinkwell Shift is looking for a small number of people to take part in a short research session to help us understand what’s clear, what’s confusing, and how we can make the experience better. We are looking to conduct the testing in the n
Before scheduling a session, we have a quick screener to ensure we speak with the right mix of people. It should only take a few minutes
If you’re a fit for this round of research, Thinkwell Shift will follow up with the details and next steps.
Online Introductory Mi'kmaw Language Course
6 x 90min Online Classes: September 16 – October 21
Mi’kmaw is the language of the Mi’kmaq. Reclaiming Mi’kmaw language is an act of liberation for Indigenous people and allyship of community peace for non-Indigenous people.
This course is open to everyone –Indigenous and non-Indigenous adults who wish to learn to uplift language revitalization. If you are a non-Indigenous language learner, we invite you to review these reflections on what it means to be a non-Indigenous learner in an Indigenous language learning course.
Reconciliation Course With Elder Albert D. Marshall
4 x 1 hour online classes: Wednesdays, September 9, 16, 23, and 30
When we walk together in a good way, we learn to see and know the world through two eyes.
This series honours Two-Eyed Seeing, the gift of multiple perspectives also known as Etuaptmumk in Mi’kmaw. Through interactive storytelling with the children’s book ‘Walking Together’, teachings, and playful experiences, we will playfully co-learn together, applying Two-Eyed Seeing to nurture spirit, heart, mind, and body, and foster respectful, reciprocal relationships in and with nature. Applicable for educators in the early learning and primary years (though great for all ages, and including those teaching future early childhood educators).
Building Community through resilience in a changing climate
Building Community Resilience in a Changing Climate is an 8-week blended online course designed for Canadian and international practitioners working in community development, NGOs, local government, social justice, climate adaptation, and community leadership.
Through practical learning and peer exchange, participants will explore how communities can strengthen resilience, assess risks, mobilize local assets, and respond to climate challenges in equitable and community-centred ways.
Dates: September 14 to November 6, 2026
Format: Online blended learning (Thursday class sessions)
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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