Upcoming webinar! Green Spaces: The Nexus of Biodiversity and Mental Well-being
Join us for a free, educational event about the intersection between nature and mental well-being. Explore the link between green spaces, biodiversity, and mental health, and dive into nature's impact on our well-being!
We are pleased to invite you to our 2023 AGM! All NSEN members, supporters, and volunteers are welcome to join us to learn about our progress over the past year and help us make important decisions for NSEN's future. The AGM will be held online (via Zoom) for easy access.
Are you passionate about biodiversity? Join the caucus! One of the most effective ways for NSEN to connect members of the environmental community is to facilitate the formation of environmental caucuses.
Caucus members will join monthly meetings with those working in, volunteering in, or interested in biodiversity-related issues. The main purpose of these meetings is to promote collaboration and advance biodiversity work in Nova Scotia.
The next caucus meeting will be held on September 26th from 1-2 PM. For more information and a meeting invite, please contact the Caucus Coordinator at biodiversity@nsenvironmentalnetwork.com
Welcome to the network, Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council!
NSEN is pleased to welcome the Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council (NSISC) to the network! NSISC aims to raise awareness and promote a coordinated response to the threat of invasive species in Nova Scotia. They host regular meetings with their three working groups focused on research, reporting and mapping, and outreach and communication. They take a broad approach to encourage Nova Scotians to change their behaviour in a way that helps prevent the introduction and reduce the spread of invasive species.
On August 21, the Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council (NSISC) organized an invasive species weed pull that targeted Dog Strangling Vine (DSV) in Kentville. Volunteers from the Nova Scotia Environmental Network and the community came to the event to help pull out these invasive plants. Due to the hard work of the volunteers, 11 full bags of DSV were removed! This was the third weed pull organized by the NSISC at this site. Areas that were once dense mats of DSV have seen a reduction in DSV growth in the following year. However, there are still several years of management required before DSV can be fully eradicated.
Why is the removal of DSV important? DSV is a highly invasive vine that forms dense mats of vegetation that choke out native plants and impede recreational activities. In addition, they are a threat to the endangered Monarch butterfly by displacing milkweed plants, its caterpillar host. Field evidence also suggests Monarchs may mistakenly lay their eggs on DSV plants resulting in caterpillars that do not develop into adults.
Currently, there are only two known populations of DSV in Nova Scotia. To identify DSV look for a twining stem with opposite glossy leaves with smooth edges. It produces star-shaped flowers that range from pale pink to dark purple that develop into pod-shaped fruit. If you think you may have seen this plant, do not remove it. Improper disposal can lead to further spread! Instead, please report your observation to the NSISC at the following link.
During our field season, the Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council (NSISC) attended various fishing tournaments throughout the province to educate anglers and watercraft users about our “Clean Drain Dry" program. Aquatic invasive plants, animals, and diseases can spread through water-based recreation when they cling to our watercrafts and gear. These species spread alarmingly fast and threaten Nova Scotia’s waterways including recreational areas, aquatic habitat and species, drinking water, and drainage infrastructure we rely on. Following the Clean Drain Dry steps and best practices to protect water resources and stop the spread of aquatic invasive species in Canada:
1. Clean: Inspect and clean plants, animals, and mud from watercraft, trailers, and gear (fishing gear, waders, boots, etc.). 2. Drain: Drain all water from your watercraft, trailer, and gear (e.g. buckets, well, bilge, ballast, etc.). 3. Dry: Dry all parts of your watercraft, trailer, and gear completely between trips.
Coastal Restoration Society (CRS) and partners have been leading shoreline clean-ups and dive debris removals throughout Nova Scotia - the unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq people – since June. Thanks to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Ghost Gear Funding allocated to address the damage and fishing gear loss resulting from Hurricane Fiona in September of 2022, these funds are making historic restoration work progress possible. Alongside partners Scotian Shores, Glooscap OH&S contractors, municipalities, and community members, CRS is excited to be a part of one of the largest ghost gear removal projects to date! Through the summer and running into the fall, CRS has been targeting debris on and off the beach – polystyrene/styrofoam, nets, ropes, and commercial traps - with the goal of reducing hazards to vessels and limiting the risk of entanglement to wildlife.
In August, CRS focused efforts on shorelines close to Acadia First Nation and the coastlines of Unama’ki Territory (Cape Breton). They will be working on Long Island, the Tusket Islands, Cape Sable Island, and Unama’ki Territory in September. As of August-end, CRS and partners have removed 72,170kg of debris from across shorelines, including 2632 traps, 575 buoys, and 37 ropes. As operations run into October, CRS and partners are incredibly excited to share the final metrics of debris removed as this project wraps.
Leave No Trace Workshops in NS Hike Nova Scotia is offering Leave No Trace Awareness Workshops to groups interested in learning more about the seven Leave No Trace principles to encourage a stronger environmental ethic across our province. Please contact us for more information and to schedule a workshop.
Nature Nova Scotia is excited to announce the launch of our Mainland Moose Research Project. Our primary objective is to gain a scientific understanding of public knowledge, appreciation, and desires surrounding the mainland moose.
Thanks to the incredible support from our dedicated followers and generous donors, we have successfully raised $20,000 for our species at risk fund over the past year. These funds will be instrumental in closing the significant knowledge gap that currently exists.
As part of this project, we will be organizing a series of Moose Meetings across Nova Scotia, where we will share valuable information and insights. Stay tuned for updates on meeting dates and times. We sincerely appreciate your participation in answering the provided questions, as your input will greatly contribute to our understanding of public desires and foundational knowledge regarding the mainland moose. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the conservation and preservation of this magnificent species. Thank you for your continued support and engagement with Nature Nova Scotia.
The Anglican Church has church parking lots throughout the province. The Diocesan Environment Network (DEN) has been engaged in research on the possibility of installing EV charging stations in our church parking lots. We have also offered our church parking lots to municipalities throughout the province as locations for the installation of the charging stations. Any information that readers have to offer on this endeavor would be appreciated - please contact us!
Are you wondering what it’s like to live without a connection to the electric grid and with no electric bill? Then this 2-hour presentation and discussion is for you. Topics covered will include types of off-grid systems, off-grid for new construction vs. a retrofit for existing houses, components of off-grid systems, energy use reduction techniques, cost of some sample off-grid packages, and a general discussion of off-grid living. The primary presenter at this workshop will be Cam Farnell, who has been living happily off-grid for a decade and will share his experience with building and living in his own local off-grid home.
We are hosting a one-day housing symposium on November 4th, building on our successful 2018 Housing Outside the Box event.
Our focus for this program will be home sharing: the benefits and hurdles, building personal comfort, bringing those with excess housing together with those in need of housing, and determining what ongoing supports are needed. Join us for expert discussion panels, community sharing, and exploring new connections.
This program is free but does require registration. If you would like to attend, please fill out this form. We will use this information to better understand the needs of attendees, and ensure we are prioritizing SMB residents. After our initial sign-up, we will provide a general admission link through Eventbrite to fill any remaining spaces. We anticipate this program filling fast, so encourage everyone to fill out the form to express interest in attending.
Help save Sandy Lake - Sackville River Regional Park!
"There’s a lot afoot with regard to the future of Sandy Lake and the Sackville River area.
Here are just a few, time-sensitive updates…
1. We have signs! Lawn, yard, window, or balcony signs... however you prefer to call them, they are here! Request your free sign through the campaign website or download a printable PDF copy at www.sandylakecoalition.ca/take-action. There is a pop-up opportunity to get a sign coming up: on Sep. 24 at the Agricola Open Street Festival.
We would like to see these signs across the province to convey to the Provincial Government that what happens at Sandy Lake is a Nova Scotian concern, not just a local concern. We have multiple pick-up locations but are still looking for people to give out signs. Please get in touch if you can help in this way - we would greatly appreciate your help!
2. Social Media. We're on Instagram! Find our account by searching "@sandylake.sackvilleriver". On Facebook, we are sharing campaign news through one of our founding member organizations, the Sandy Lake Conservation Association. Follow us to keep up to date, and please share with your friends. Use "#savesandylake" in your own posts about the Sandy Lake area to further spread the word.
We must gain traction now on a province-wide scale. The point of no return is quickly approaching for irreversible development actions within the "Sandy Lake Special Planning Area," designated by the Nova Scotia Provincial Task Force on Housing. HRM's website currently lists the area as "shovel ready" for Spring 2024. This land west of Sandy Lake is a highly valuable ecological area and includes the headwaters of Sandy Lake. What happens there will not only affect our vision of an expanded Regional Park, but it will also directly affect the health of Sandy Lake, the Sackville River, and the wildlife corridors that connect the area.
Please speak up to make sure that decades of work to protect this special area is not lost now."
Nova Scotia biologist adapting COVID-19 technology to detect oyster disease
A biologist at Cape Breton University is hoping a piece of technology used to keep people safe in the pandemic can help protect Nova Scotia's oysters against the effects of warming waters.
Perkinsus marinus, or "dermo" disease, is a single-cell organism that has contributed to significant oyster declines in the southeastern United States. It has been detected in the northeastern U.S.
Though dermo is not yet found in Canada, researchers say that could change as ocean temperatures around the province reach record highs. This summer, biologist Rod Beresford adapted a testing technology — the same one that helped detect COVID-19 in wastewater — to monitor for the threat.
Students demand climate justice during Halifax rally
Students from around the Halifax region held a rally outside City Hall and marched through downtown on Friday to call for urgent action on the climate crisis.
Nova Scotia Power to provide detailed carbon reduction plan
Nova Scotia Power has been ordered to spell out exactly how it intends to get off coal by the end of the decade.
It comes as more questions are being raised about its preferred option for decarbonization — the proposed Atlantic Loop regional transmission system. By 2030, the company must retire its coal-fired plants and achieve 80 per cent renewable electricity.
More coastal wetlands to be restored in Nova Scotia to reduce damage from climate change
Several coastal areas on the Bay of Fundy where dikes were built to stave off the ocean tides are set to be restored to tidal estuaries. The aim of the project is to protect the land from potentially disastrous flooding and erosion.
Danika Van Proosdij, a professor at Saint Mary's University in Halifax, is at the forefront of wetlands restoration research in Nova Scotia and has already overseen the restoration of over 400 hectares.
Nova Scotia's lobster fleet well-suited to go electric, study finds
An environmental group has concluded that about 2,300 lobster boats operating off Nova Scotia are suitable candidates to switch from diesel to electric motor, a change that would slash the industry's emissions.
The province's lobster fishery is positioned to lead the way toward zero-emission fishing — if governments assist the boat building sector in developing the new technologies, says a report released Thursday by Oceans North.
$9M from Fiona recovery fund to equip comfort centres for future storms
One year after post-tropical storm Fiona ravaged parts of Atlantic Canada, the federal government is using some of its recovery fund to prepare comfort centres for future storms.
Up to $9 million will be dealt out to communities hit hardest by Fiona. Groups in those areas can apply for money to buy generators and other emergency equipment including communications systems, blankets and cots.
Every Wednesday we share a Nova Scotia Nature Photo on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Have you taken photos of beautiful places around the province? Share them with us for a chance to be featured on our page!
This photo of a Lesser Yellowlegs was captured by Brogan Bentley in Nova Scotia.
Green Job Opportunities
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!
Ecology Action Centre: Community Climate Activator
As a Community Climate Activator, you are eager to use your community engagement skills to catalyze climate action, leadership, and commitment. You are ready to apply a creative and collaborative lens to co-create and deliver public engagement sessions and training workshops that empower people to take climate action in their lives and spheres of influence. You are passionate about climate justice and believe in the power of community-led approaches to transformative change.
Nature Nova Scotia & Young Naturalists Club: Education & Outreach Programs Assistant
This role coordinates and implements programming for two prominent natural history not-for-profit organizations. Nature Nova Scotia and the Young Naturalists Club recently entered into a partnership to collaborate on the delivery of natural history-focused educational events – talks, walks, writing, and other content – for youth and families across Nova Scotia. The shared Education & Outreach Programs Assistant role will support both organizations in delivering on their mission by coordinating educational events for various audiences, assisting with outreach goals for advocacy initiatives, contributing to strategic growth goals, and acting as a face of the natural history community.
Candidate must be a BIPOC youth under 31 years old at the time of hiring.
Clean Annapolis River Project: Agro-Ecosystems Technician
The Agro-Ecosystems Technician will primarily support CARP’s role in the Living Labs project, an agricultural research partnership aimed at promoting and investigating beneficial management practices (BMPs), specifically shelterbelts / windbreaks and forested riparian buffer zones. They will work collaboratively under the leadership of the Living Lab Coordinator and Terrestrial Program Manager. The role will include diverse and ongoing scientific monitoring and maintenance of existing agricultural research sites, as well as planting of native vegetation and other restoration actions. The Agro-Ecosystems Technician will additionally support private land stewardship and ecological restoration projects and programs under the leadership of the Agro-Ecosystems Stewardship Coordinator.
Clean Annapolis River Project: Living Labs Project Coordinator
The Living Labs Project Coordinator will have leadership over CARP’s role in the Living Labs project, an agricultural research partnership aimed at promoting and investigating beneficial management practices (BMPs), specifically shelterbelts / windbreaks and forested riparian buffer zones. They will work collaboratively under the leadership of the Terrestrial Program Manager. The role will include collaboration and coordination with project partners from government, academia, and the agricultural sector, diverse and ongoing scientific monitoring and maintenance of existing agricultural research sites, as well as planting of native vegetation and other restoration actions. The Living Labs Project Coordinator will support private land stewardship and ecological restoration projects and programs under the leadership of the Terrestrial Programs Manager.
Hemlock Conservation Nova Scotia: Hemlock Conservation Strike Team
Staff learn how to safely administer small amounts of systemic chemical products designed for tree injection and basal bark treatments, conduct tree health assessments, tree marking, and monitoring. Use of technical skills/knowledge including Survey 123, Field Maps, Avenza, and compliance with regulations and safe work practices applicable to administering systemic pesticides. Work frequently on an integrated team with trained volunteers (‘Hemlock Heroes’) who assist with tree marking and tree injections. Several overnight wilderness stays may occur. Successful candidates travel to/from Caledonia, NS.
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!
Annapolis Waterkeepers are looking for volunteers to support the organization's advocacy efforts by helping with sign campaign distribution. They seek to fulfill positions not only in the Annapolis Valley but in as many areas as possible throughout the province.
Diocesan Environment Network: Communications Admin & Web Design
DEN is looking for volunteers to maintain their contact list and assist in other office duties as needed. Necessary skills for this position include computer literacy, organizational skills, and social skills.
Earthub is looking for volunteers to support the "Items to Keep Out of the Landfill" program through collection and distribution of items. Potential duties include drop-off location/transportation coordination, sorting and counting of items, cleaning of items, and promotion of the program.
Nova Scotia Environmental Network: Blog Contributor
NSEN is always looking for skilled volunteers to contribute environmental blog posts to feature on our website, newsletter, and social media platforms. Potential duties include conducting online research on topics of interest, writing op-eds on topics you are knowledgeable in, and interviewing environmental experts for Q&A-style posts.
CLIMAtlantic & Evergreen: Smart Climate Resilience for Atlantic Canada
In partnership with CLIMAtlantic, Evergreen’s Community Solutions Network is delivering an innovation workshop for municipal city staff and Indigenous leaders from across the region of Atlantic Canada who are interested in climate adaptation and resilience, using data and technology approaches.
Join us in Moncton or online to hear from presenters in Atlantic Canada from 1-3 PM. After 3 PM, Evergreen will present on AI and we will have networking opportunities for both in-person and virtual attendees. From 3:30-4 PM, in-person attendees will have an informal opportunity to share climate resilience work with other attendees and presenters.
The in-person event will take place from 1-5 PM at MO-Event Room at Workspace Moncton, 795 Main Street Moncton, NB E1C 1E9. The virtual event will take place from 1-3 PM. Click here for more information and to register.
Environmental Health Association of Quebec: Legal Aspects of Multiple Chemical Sensitivities
EHAQ is pleased to invite you to upcoming events tailored to reflect each province’s unique legislation and legal procedures for people with disabilities. These workshops are designed for legal professionals, academia, health care advocates, unions, workers with a disability, employers, or simply people interested in housing issues, human and women’s rights in your province, and the duty to accommodate. The Nova Scotia event will be held on October 10 from 6:30-8 PM. Click here to register!
Solar Nova Scotia: 2023 Atlantic Solar Summit
Solar Nova Scotia is pleased to launch the website for the 2023 Atlantic Canada Solar Summit. This year's event will include a solar industry training day at the Hampton Inn in Halifax on December 5th followed by the Solar Summit and Solar Mixer at the Halifax Convention Centre on December 6th.
This event will bring together industry professionals from across Atlantic Canada for learning, networking, and celebrating the success of the ever-growing solar industry. We welcomed 300 delegates to the 2022 Atlantic Canada Solar Summit and are hoping to build off that this year, making the 2023 Summit the best one yet! We have great opportunities for sponsors, exhibitors, and presenters. Click here to visit the website.
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