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NSEN News & Updates
Member Updates
Calls to Action
Nova Scotia Environmental News
Green Job Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
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NSEN Updates
Upcoming Event: NSEN Community Bingo Night Fundraiser
Join us for Community Bingo Night to compete for locally donated prizes while supporting a great local cause!
Calling all Bingo buffs and environmental enthusiasts! We have a fun Friday evening planned for you!
Join us on April 4 from 6 - 9:30 PM for 12 rounds of classic Bingo with fun and increasingly challenging patterns! Win local Nova Scotia prizes worth $30–$100, and don’t miss the final cash round with a $250 prize! Buy in for just $3. Visit the event page for full details.
On top of the wonderful prizes to be won, this event will be the launch of our Online Auction! Bid on amazing items and experiences from across Nova Scotia and support NSEN’s network of 50 local environmental organizations.
Our Team is Growing! Welcoming NSEN's New Board Members
We’re excited to welcome 5 new board members to our team! Their expertise and passion will help NSEN continue to grow and make an impact. To learn more about our new and existing board members, click here.
Nova Scotia Biodiversity Caucus: Bimonthly Meeting
Join the Nova Scotia Biodiversity Caucus for our bimonthly online meeting on April 9 from 11 AM - 12 PM! Caucus meetings are a great opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations dedicated to protecting Nova Scotia’s biodiversity. Whether you’re an ENGO representative or a concerned citizen, this meeting is your chance to collaborate, network, and advance shared priorities.
The Back to the Sea Centre will be open the last weekend of April for the City Nature Challenge (CNC). Join us on Saturday April 26th and Sunday April 27th between 9:30am and 12:30pm to visit our animals and contribute to the CNC!
The CNC is an international effort for people to find and document plants and wildlife in cities across the globe. It’s a bioblitz-style competition where cities are in a friendly contest with each other to see who can make the most observations of nature, who can find the most species, and who can engage the most people. Take observations of animals in and around our centre, including the Shubenacadie Canal right outside our doors!
The Deanery Project is pleased to announce that registration for presenters, attendees & sponsors at Natural Building EAST 2025 is now OPEN!
Join us for our second landmark ecological design forum from May 9-11, 2025. This event brings together designers, builders, planners, researchers, students, and homeowners to explore sustainable design and to network in an inclusive community of practice.
This year’s conference builds on the radical success of the Deanery’s 2019 Natural Building EAST colloquium. We are tremendously excited to offer this event again amidst these tides of change.
Participants in Natural Building EAST will explore innovative and sustainable construction materials, energy systems and community design opportunities that can change how we address our housing, climate, and ecological needs now and in future.
Please visit our Natural Building EAST page for attendees, presenters, and interested sponsors to register and learn more information!
We’re excited to announce two career opportunities for passionate individuals dedicated to environmental stewardship and community engagement:
1. Climate Change Project Coordinator: Lead initiatives in coastal restoration, implement nature-based solutions like living shorelines, and collaborate with communities across Nova Scotia to enhance climate resilience. This role combines hands-on fieldwork with strategic project planning and public engagement. Deadline to apply: April 7
2. Communications Coordinator: Drive our storytelling and outreach efforts by managing communications strategies, creating compelling content, and fostering relationships with media and stakeholders. Your work will amplify Coastal Action’s mission and impact throughout the region. Deadline to apply: April 21
Both positions are based in Mahone Bay, with travel to various project sites across the province. If you’re enthusiastic about making a tangible difference in environmental conservation and possess the skills to lead projects or craft impactful communications, we encourage you to apply.
Canada is holding a federal election on April 28, 2025, and the Ecology Action Centre has published a Voter Toolkit to help you talk to friends and family and engage with your political candidates on the issues you care about!
While many of us may be feeling anxious, frustrated or exhausted, this election is an important opportunity to help shape the priorities of our country. We need solutions that recognize how the crises facing our world can be addressed together, in ways that work for diverse, everyday people and the ecosystems that sustain us.
Join us and put climate, nature and environmental justice in the election conversation!
Join the Ecology Action Centre for the second annual Hike-A-Thon fundraiser! Take part in a group hike Saturday, June 14 in the Halifax Backlands or hike anywhere from June 8-14 and help raise much needed funds for crucial environmental work here in Mi'kma'ki and beyond.
Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island receives 2024-2025 Low Carbon Communities Grant
The Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island is one of the 2024-2025 Low Carbon Communities grant recipients. The grant will be directed towards bringing Electric Vehicle charging to Nova Scotia’s faith-based communities. The project funding will directly support outreach and engagement initiatives to 30+ diverse faith organizations, their congregations and councils, to generate awareness about EV charging opportunities at our places of worship, information brochures and digital resources to engage community members and sessions on the benefits, concerns, and logistics of owning EV chargers, to name a few.
The Low Carbon Communities (LCC) Program supports community-led, innovative solutions to create long-lasting greenhouse gas reductions. The program provides funding for projects that support low-carbon solutions in buildings, electricity and transportation. Project funding helps communities complete the preparatory work required to implement their projects.
A Celebration of Sable Island’s Past, Present and Future
Please join us for our sixth celebration of all things Sable Island! The main goal of the event is to build awareness and educate people on the need to protect Sable Island's past, present and future. Topics will address natural history/science, cultural history, visitor experience, and park management.
Free admission in-person at the Halifax Central Library (5440 Spring Garden Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia) or virtually using Zoom.
Please register by sending an email to conference@sableislandfriends.ca and indicate whether you're attending in-person or via Zoom.
Several Sandy Lake-Sackville River Regional Park Coalition groups have assisted the Kingswood Ratepayers Association in a project to place large 4x4 Save Sandy Lake road signs in Lower Sackville and Hammonds Plains Road. See the picture for the new messaging.
Many thanks especially to Twan of the Kingswood Ratepayers! Also to the Lucasville Community members, Uplands Park community and Walter of the Sackville Rivers Association. Also to groups, such as the Halifax North West Trails Association and Fort Sackville Foundation and more, who are featuring Save Sandy Lake issues in their Annual General Meetings. Thank you all!
Did you post a Save Sandy Lake sign last year? Please check to see if it/they are still up, and please post signs where MLAs across the province may pass by.
Please visit the Save Sandy Lake website where you can easily send a letter to the Premier, or request, or print, a sign. Suggested points to make in a letter:
The Province must listen to science and good urban planning. Housing at Sandy Lake is unsustainable urban sprawl and comes at a very high cost to environment, to the people’s park, and city’s long-term servicing costs. Put actually affordable housing and the connector road elsewhere.
Please visit the Save Sandy Lake website where you can easily send a letter to the Premier, or request, or print, a sign.
Government bill to lift fracking moratorium, uranium mining ban in N.S clears final reading
The Nova Scotia government's plans to lift bans on uranium mining and exploration and a moratorium on fracking took a big step forward when Bill 6 cleared third reading at the legislature.
The moratorium was established by a former Liberal government following extensive work by an independent review panel. That panel found that there was more work to do before fracking should be considered in the province — work that still has not been completed years later.
The decision to lift the fracking moratorium, in particular, has faced stiff public pushback. Read more here
Who pays for recycling in Nova Scotia is set to change
The current Nova Scotia recycling program is funded by municipalities, which means some of the cost is drawn from taxpayers.
The province is switching to an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), a policy shift that puts recycling responsibility of packaging, paper and single-use products onto the producers. These producers include the brand holders, importers and retailers of those materials.
The program is being implemented in Nova Scotia by Circular Materials, a national not-for-profit organization that represents the producers.
Lack of consent stalls plans for North America's first whale sanctuary in Nova Scotia
The proposal site, located near Wine Harbour, N.S. has yet to secure approval from all of the five owners of property adjacent to where the nonprofit plans to build a large, floating net enclosure for belugas and orcas retired from marine theme parks.
Executive director Vinick highlighted documents showing support from Nova Scotia's Mi'kmaw First Nations and what he described as widespread community support earned through an ongoing series of public events and online meetings.
Vinick stated that with all the effort, time and money invested into this project, he believes that progress will continue. He expresses the organisations value of this project for the importance to the whales.
Nova Scotia court dismisses citizen challenge to Fall River development
A group of residents had raised safety concerns about a Fall River development due to the lack of emergency egress given it was on a dead-end road, and had a CN railway passing through the site.
The judge dismissed the court challenge on the province's decision to approve the development because it was filed after the required 25-day window.
The situation highlights the need to move quickly for anyone thinking of challenging future developments in special planning areas.
Researchers share lessons on science, friendship on Nova Scotia's wild Sable Island
Sable Island is 290 kilometres southeast of Halifax, and vulnerable to vast weather changes that can leave its researcher inhabitants at the mercy of mother nature.
Through the long days of field work in all weather conditions, and life on a remote island, the group of researchers were able to build strong and meaningful connections to one another.
"On the island we worked and lived with people who were all so excited about different parts of that environment and we were often inspired with new ideas and research questions by casual conversations over dinner," Andres shared.
At the riverside, a Mi'kmaw fisherman will defy DFO's elver plan
Matthew Cope plans to fish for baby eels in the coming weeks, but the Millbrook First Nation man will do so without authorization from the Department of Fisheries. He expects to be stopped and even arrested by fisheries officers, but maintains he has a treaty right to fish for elvers. He spoke to the CBC's Richard Cuthbertson.
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!
Lead initiatives in coastal restoration, implement nature-based solutions like living shorelines, and collaborate with communities across Nova Scotia to enhance climate resilience. This role combines hands-on fieldwork with strategic project planning and public engagement.
Coastal Action and the Clean Annapolis River Project are looking for a creative and passionate storyteller!
The Communications Coordinator will help amplify our voice, create engaging content, and connect with diverse audiences. The Communications Coordinator will be responsible for creating and implementing integrated marketing and communications strategies for external and internal audiences. This includes understanding the desired impact of our organizations, developing engaging content for multiple audiences, supporting community outreach and engagement, organizing events, and managing communication activities.
Community Eelgrass Restoration Initiative: Indigenous Student Intern
The Indigenous Student Intern at the Community Eelgrass Restoration Initiative will support research on eelgrass meadows in Nova Scotia. Open to Indigenous youth (ages 16–30), this role involves field and lab work, including snorkeling, environmental monitoring, and community engagement. The intern will assist with eelgrass restoration projects, sediment sampling, and scientific experiments, gaining hands-on experience in marine biology and climate research.
Medway Community Forest Cooperative: Ecological Forestry Coordinator
The Ecological Forestry Coordinator at Medway Community Forest Cooperative (MCFC) plays a key role in supporting sustainable forest management in Nova Scotia. This position involves coordinating research, managing outreach programs, and developing ecotourism and recreation initiatives within MCFC’s Crown land license area. The role requires collaboration with conservation and forestry partners, assisting with forestry operations, and promoting ecological forestry practices through community engagement.
The Education Program Officer at EcoSchools Canada will support the development and implementation of school-based programs and certification assessments. Reporting to the Board and District Program Manager, this role involves curriculum integration, resource development, program expansion research, and data analysis. The position also includes administrative support, responding to school inquiries, and collaborating on external communications. Proficiency in French is an asset.
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 2025.
Nature Nova Scotia is working on a new fundraising policy and strategic planning exercise to prioritize new revenue generating activities to pilot in 2025. We need volunteers to help us chart a path forward to improve financial sustainability.
Commitment: 1-2 hours per month for an expected committee term of 1 year.
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.
Internship on Parliament Hill for Young Environmental Leaders Across Canada
The Parliamentary Internship for the Environment (PIE) program places young environmental leaders on Parliament Hill for paid, full-time, 10-month internships with Parliamentarians from all national parties. Interns gain a deep understanding of the day-to-day workings of Canadian Parliament, a behind-the-scenes look at the policymaking process, and learn from some of Canada's top environmental changemakers. But that's not all, our internship program also offers a range of opportunities - interns will meet with expert guest speakers through fireside chats, attend workshops, and conferences, and engage in interjurisdictional and constituency travel.
We’re looking for young environmental leaders, aged 18-30, who are passionate about politics and the environment. This program runs from approximately September 2025 to June 2026 and comes with a stipend of $30,000 CAD. No political experience or specific level of education is required, and applications from diverse backgrounds are welcomed.
The application deadline is April 13, 2025. More information about the program can be found here, and the application form can be found here.
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