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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 visiting us at Patagonia Halifax! We were happy to meet and chat with so many wonderful people on Saturday during the Halifax Brewery Market. Thank you so much to all who signed up to receive our newsletter, donated, or joined the network during the event.
Big thanks to Patagonia Halifax for hosting us and Goodmore Kombucha for their donation of delicious, locally-made kombucha!
Event: Environment Bingo + Trivia
This Friday, May 1!
Doors 6:00 pm, Event 6:30-9:00 pm, Bar 'til 10 pm
Join us at The Abstract Café in Halifax for a fun evening of environment-themed bingo. Plus! Break up the bingo with a riveting game of Nova Scotia Environmental Trivia!
➡️ $15 to play, cash or card (or buy extra cards and increase your chance to win!)
➡️ $1000 worth of epic prizes, from gift cards to local businesses to outdoor adventure experiences!
➡️ Bar open 'til 10! Stick around and mingle with friends!
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.
Blue Mountain Summit, 2km, May 9, 10:00 am
Fox Lake Lookoff, 3.2km, May 16, 9:30 am
Susies Lake Flagpole Hill, 2.2km, May 23, 10:00 am
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.
Hike NS Training Coming Up May 20: NS Walks Walk Leader Training, online May 23-24: Field Leader - Hiking course, Bedford May 30: Hiking Buddies workshop, Halifax: Learn to assist blind and partially sighted hikers May 30-31: Navigation Maps & Compass course, Bedford Learn more and register here: https://hikenovascotia.ca/news-events/
Walk Day: May 13 Mark your calendar! Wednesday, May 13 is Nova Scotia Walk Day.
We are celebrating walking and how it connects us to our communities and to each other. Lead or join a group walk in your community, school or workplace. More details coming shortly! For five years, NS Walks has supported adults in Nova Scotia to enjoy the benefits of walking. Learn more here: https://hikenovascotia.ca/ns-walks-walk-day/
This month, help us pass the 50 000lb mark for 2026. Scotian Shores is a volunteer community dedicated to keeping the shores of our great province garbage free. This year we have turned our focus to Lobster Bands, and over 225 000 have been reported this year alone. Report your cleanups on https://www.scotianshores.com/report
If you wish to join us in a group event, we have two scheduled for the month of May so far.
East Coast Environmental Law is a partner in The Atlantic Offshore Wind Coalition (AOSWC), alongside the Ecology Action Centre, and Sierra Club Canada. The three environmental organizations came together in 2024 to support the renewable energy transition by advancing responsible offshore wind development as a key part of Atlantic Canada’s clean energy future.
Book Launch: When The Forest Breathes by Suzanne Simard Nature Nova Scotia is excited to partner with Dr. Suzanne Simard and Bookmark on the Halifax launch of her new book, “When The Forest Breathes”. Forest ecologist Suzanne Simard advanced a new paradigm for what she describes as the intelligence and interconnectedness of trees. In her new book, Dr. Simard uncovers ways that nature's deep-rooted cycles of renewal can ensure the longevity of threatened ecosystems. Join us May 1st, at 7 PM at The Stage (St. Andrew’s Church, 6036 Coburg Rd, Halifax). Get tickets here!
World Migratory Bird Day Celebration As part of HRM’s commitment to the Bird Friendly Cities program, the Bird Friendly Halifax coalition invites you to an evening film screening and panel discussion in celebration of World Migratory Bird Day.
Bird Country is a 53-minute film highlighting bird research across Nova Scotia, featuring species like tree swallows, shorebirds, and owls, and exploring key conservation challenges. This film is produced by Firefly Digital Media in association with Eastlink Community TV and supported by the Nova Scotia Film & Television Production Incentive Fund. Directed by Zoe D'Amato and Tracy Bennett, Bird Country is a story of survival and belonging on the Atlantic Flyway
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!
Sunday May 3, 1pm - 4pm: SOOF Presents... Grounded in Nature Practice self-care and connect with nature in community as an act of rebellion! Join Save Our Old Forests (SOOF), local Nature Therapist, Wil Brunner and Mindfulness Meditation Teacher, Heron Payne for an afternoon of wellness practices and connection with nature and community at the Clarence East School (3337 Clarence Road). We will engage in beginner’s mindfulness and nature connection activities, while creating a safe space for sharing about our experiences. Leave this workshop feeling refreshed and supported by the land, your neighbours and yourself! Free. Maximum 30 participants.
Saturday May 9, 1pm - 4pm. SOOF Presents... The Artful Forest Discover the beauty of nature.... Join SOOF and Citizen Scientists for an afternoon of art in the forest! Help create a living art show featuring bark, lichens, mosses — whatever catches your eye — in the forest near Camp NOW in the Goldsmith Lake Wilderness Area. Participants will be given a vintage frame (or two) and sent into the woods to find the perfect spot to hang their frame — or lay it on the ground. Musicians Karen Achenbach and Carolyn Buck will be playing to inspire you. Painters will be painting here and there. You can also try your hand at lumen printing under the guidance of artist Bonnie Baker. Then we’ll tour the exhibit together to explore the art of seeing forests. Free. Maximum 20 participants. Registration Required. Register here!
Rain Date Sunday, May 10.
Saturday May 23, 8am - 10am. SOOF Presents... Birding by Ear The blackflies are back so you know what that means? The birds are back too! Save Our Old Forests (SOOF) is excited to get back out into the woods for an early morning Birding By Ear workshop with guest hosts Julie Palmer and Bonnie McOrmond. The last time Julie and Bonnie took a group through the forests of the Goldsmith Lake Wilderness Area participants were delighted to hear the “Quick Free Beer!” call of the Species-At-Risk Olive-sided flycatcher. What might we hear this time? Free. Maximum 15 participants. Registration Required. Register here!
Rain Date Sunday, May 24
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. Register here!
This event will happen rain or shine!
Calls to Action
Leading a movement? Organizing a rally? Need people to sign your petition?
NSEN Members (both organizations and individuals) can submit Calls to Action for our Eco-Connections Newsletter every month.
Nova Scotia Environmental News
N.S. environment minister approves 28-turbine wind farm in Antigonish, Guysborough counties
The Upper Afton Wind Project received its environmental assessment approval Wednesday.
The 28-turbine wind farm is set to begin construction in Antigonish and Guysborough counties in 2027, employing roughly 200 to 250 people, according to a news release from the province.
Each turbine will be over 220 metres tall and will individually produce eight megawatts of energy.
‘Alarm bells’ ring over new ‘one project, one review’ agreement between Ottawa and NS for environmental assessments
Last week in Halifax, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Tim Houston signed something called the Co-operation Agreement between Nova Scotia and Canada on Environmental and Impact Assessment, a “one project, one review” approach to environmental impact assessments for industrial and extractive projects.
Coming just after Carney’s announcement of more than $2 billion for military infrastructure in Nova Scotia, the innocuous sounding “one project, one review” agreement didn’t garner a lot of attention, as dry, technical policies often don’t.
Ecology Action Centre: Community Outreach Coordinator at Common Roots BiHi Park
Common Roots Urban Farm (CRUF) BiHi in Halifax is looking for a seasonal staff person to support creating a welcoming and vibrant space at Common Roots BiHi. The Community Outreach Coordinator will support the community gardeners, volunteers and visitors, including helping with farm tours and events, and the planting and maintenance of common gardens and spaces. This is a seasonal position, running from May to November 2026.
This position is a Job Creation Partnership with Employment NS. To qualify for this funding you must have a current EI claim, or an EI claim that ended in the last 60 months.
Ecology Action Centre: Garden Engagement Coordinator at Common Roots Woodside
Common Roots Urban Farm (CRUF) Woodside is looking for a seasonal Garden Engagement Coordinator to support community engagement activities, garden improvements and volunteer participation at the Woodside farm site, located on the grounds of the Nova Scotia Hospital. The position is designed to provide hands-on learning in community-based food growing, facilitation and public engagement. This is a seasonal position from May-November 2026.
This position is a Job Creation Partnership with Employment N.S. To qualify for this funding you must have a current EI claim, or an EI claim that ended in the last 60 months.
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 Canadian Repair Convention will be hosted in Halifax this year! Thursday, May 21, and Friday, May 22, at Dalhousie University. This is a two-day summit of talks and demonstrations celebrating and advocating for the #RightToRepair in Canada.
Pictou County Climate Summit: Exhibitor Application
May 29-30 at the Pictou County Wellness Centre
The Summit will bring together municipal leaders, businesses, organizations, and community members to explore and advance climate action across Pictou County. Highlights of the Summit include a collaborative 10 Tables Exercise, an evening Climate Social, and a full day of speakers and panel discussions.
The exhibitor showcase, located in the arena on the ground level of the Wellness Centre, will be open to the public throughout both days. This is a great opportunity for businesses to highlight their climate-focused products and services, connect with an engaged audience, and build meaningful regional connections.
To learn more, businesses can review the attached Exhibitor Package and submit an application using the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/MMTbPzBVDi
Save the date: "Connecting Communities to Ocean Science" ACCESS/BoFEP Biennial Conference
May 19-22, 2026, Mount Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick
This year's conference is co-hosted by ACCESS (Atlantic Canada Coastal & Estuarine Science Society) and BoFEP (Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership) at Mount Allison University in Sackville New Brunswick. This year our theme is "Connecting Communities to Ocean Science".
Program- Coming Soon!
Accomodation Information- Coming Soon!
Things to do and Workshops- Coming Soon!
Public consultation: 2026-2029 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS)
The 120-day public consultation on the draft 2026-2029 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) is currently underway.
As shared previously, the draft Strategy outlines the Government of Canada's proposed goals, targets, and measures to build an inclusive society, grow our economy and protect our environment through federal action. Your perspectives are essential to ensuring the final Strategy reflects a wide range of perspectives from across the country.
We welcome comments from all people and organizations across in Canada—including youth, older adults, Indigenous Peoples, business and community organizations, and individuals with an interest in sustainable development.
The consultation period closes on May 12, 2026. If you have not yet done so, we encourage you to share your views and circulate this information within your networks.
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.
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.
Join NSEN's Growing Network
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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