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Overview:
NSEN Updates
Member Updates
Calls to Action
Nova Scotia Environmental News
Job Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
Other Information
NSEN Updates
Another AGM in the books!Thank you to all NSEN members who turned out for our virtual Annual General Meeting on June 26th! We were pleased to share in some great discussions about the future of our network and brainstorm new ideas for bringing together environmental groups and government officials at in-person events. We look forward to seeing what 2026/2027 has in store!
Farewell to NSEN Co-Chair, Makayla Cole
The NSEN team would like to express or deepest gratitude for our outgoing Board Co-Chair, Makayla Cole, as she moves on from NSEN to pursue new career opportunities. Our entire network owes a great deal to Makayla for her dedication, skill, and leadership over the past 5 years. Some of her top achievements for NSEN include producing our documentary film, spearheading new fundraising initiatives, leading our communications work, and strengthening our board governance structure (to name just a few!). We wish Makayla the very best in her future endeavors!
Introducing NSEN's new Digital Toolbox for NSEN member organizations!
Thanks to an HRM Community Grant, NSEN is now pleased to offer our member organizations free opportunities to borrow a wide range of technical equipment that can be used for film/podcast production, social media content creation, conference meetings, fundraisers, and much more! Check out our new webpage for full details.
Catch up on our latest webinar: From Eco-Grief to Building Community
Thank you to Clinical Therapist, Ivan Drouin for leading us through a powerful workshop on eco-grief, and to all the participants who helped make it so special! You can now watch the recording of the presentation and read our full event summary on our website
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.
The Deanery Project is pleased to welcome Greg Puncher as its new Executive Director. With a background in marine biology, conservation, theatre, music, eco-activism, and event organization, Greg brings a diverse range of experience. We also extend our appreciation to former Executive Director Kim Thompson for her dedicated leadership and wishes her success in her future endeavours.
The Deanery has been enhancing its infrastructure to support a growing range of programming. A new outdoor stage is nearing completion and will provide space for concerts, theatre performances, workshops, and community events. The sound studio has also undergone major renovations, creating an improved environment for podcast recording, interviews, and musical artists.
We are currently seeking artists to contribute installations to its Healing Pathway project, which aims to create a space for reflection, remembrance, and healing related to personal and environmental loss.
Looking ahead, the annual Sealight Skylight Festival will take place on August 15, celebrating music, art, and science through a diverse lineup of performers. Planning is also underway for Natural Building East this fall, while preparations have begun for the Deanery’s first-ever Fringe Festival, which will showcase small theatrical productions and local creative talent.
On June 10, 55 groups came from all across the province to stand united about protecting Nova Scotia's wilderness and wildlife.
The Ecology Action Centre's Wilderness Team hosted a press conference where 55 conservation, community, recreation, health, faith, and seniors’ groups urged the Houston government to move forward in collaboration with the public and Mi’kmaq Rightsholders.
The groups there represented nearly every county in the province, with some group members travelling hundreds of miles to attend.
"The public should have a say in the future of public lands," says Lindsay Lee, Wilderness Community Outreach Coordinator at the Ecology Action Centre. "The future of our province and our planet are too important to leave solely in the hands of politicians. We all have a role to play in ensuring our wildlife and wilderness are protected."
Check out the new campaign website featuring an interactive map of community-proposed protected areas across Nova Scotia to learn more.
Parkbus is offering bus trips from Halifax to Keji (the main inland park) and Keji Seaside (Port Joli) again this summer. Hike NS has partnered with Parkbus to provide Parkbus Ambassadors, folks who welcome you onto the bus and make sure your trip goes well. Tickets are $30 to $45 for a day trip.
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
The Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council recently teamed up with DFO and Inland Fisheries at Lochiel Lake in Guysborough County for another successful eDNA/AIS Monitoring Workshop. Participants from our partner organizations spent the day learning about eDNA and other techniques for monitoring invasive species to support our ongoing eDNA monitoring project this summer field season. With over 50 in attendance, it was our biggest training day yet! We're so grateful for everyone involved and can't wait to share this year's findings!
Dog-Strangling Vine: Report Your Observations & Get Involved
Dog-Strangling Vine (DSV) is a highly invasive plant that smothers out native plant species and threatens wildlife, like the endangered Monarch Butterfly.
To identify DSV, look for: - Twining vine, up to 2m tall - Dark, shiny oval leaves that come to a point - Leaves that grow on opposite sides of the stem - Pale pink to dark purple star-shaped flowers - Bean-shaped pods with fluffy white seeds
Report observations of Dog-Strangling Vine to the NSISC or to iNaturalist. If found,please contact the NSISC before taking action to manage this invasive species.
The NSISC will be hosting a volunteer DSV pull later this summer! If you are interested in being involved and would like to receive more information about this event, please contact Evan at eabrahams@invasivescanada.ca.
Scotian Shores has officially surpassed the 100,000 lb mark for 2026, and we need your help to push that number even higher!
Upcoming Event: Digby Region Group Cleanup Location: Seawall Beach Date: Sunday, July 12th Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Anyone in the area who wishes to help out can meet us there and lend a hand. We hope to see you there!
Hope for Wildlife is hosting its Annual Open House!
Get a once-a-year "behind-the-scenes" look at the wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility with tours of medical facilities, access to bird and mammal nurseries, recovery units, the marine unit, and giant flight cages!
There will also be wildlife displays and demonstrations, activities for the kids, live music, barbeque, a silent auction, as well as local exhibitors, crafts, and food! It is a fun-filled day for the whole family.
All funds raised go to support Hope for Wildlife's efforts to help injured and orphaned wildlife in Nova Scotia.
Coastal Action facilitates two province-wide litter clean-up programs by providing planning support, clean-up supplies, region-specific information, and post clean-up guidance throughout Nova Scotia. These programs include:
The Great Nova Scotia Pick-Me-Up Program
This is a one-time litter clean-up initiative. You register a clean-up for an approved roadway, beach, shoreline, or more and then you complete the clean-up without an obligation to return to the same location.
The Adopt-A-Highway Program
This is a three-year commitment where an organization or group adopts a section of a highway and completes two clean-ups per year - typically one in the spring and one in the fall.
We're looking for volunteers to participate in our Weedy Wednesday events this summer. Join us every week at the Mahone Bay Community Garden to grab some fresh air and to help the garden grow - one plant at a time. You'll meet great people and keep this beautiful space thriving.
Time: Wednesdays from 9 am to 10 am
Location: 45 School Street, Mahone Bay Community Centre
SOOF is looking forward to hosting a table in the Education Corner at this year's RiverFest!
This free family friendly fun-filled festival is a celebration of the environmental, historical, cultural, and recreational values of the Annapolis River and in support of the Clean Annapolis River Project. It’s a great day of fun activities on the river (dragon boat races!) and on land (skill village!) with food & drinks & live music.
Save Our Old Forests and the Dirt Gang both recently joined the Sandy Lake - Sackville River Regional Park Coalition. We're excited to co-host a guided hike at Sandy Lake Regional Park to help our members get to know this area! Coalition member Karen McKendry will lead the hike through the park, exploring the trails and waters of this incredibly biodiverse area. On the hike, you will learn more about the threats to the area and who to engage with to have your say about the fate of Sandy Lake.
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.
The Provincial Government must soon understand the importance of protecting the province’s forests, biodiversity, and general environment. The Wildlife Division must be reinstated, along with funds to agriculture, health, schools, arts and culture, and social programs. The entire provincial budget must be rewritten before it is voted upon.
Speak to your MLA about this serious situation.
Sandy Lake’s predicament is a symptom of this. The Premier described his error of being too “clinical” in his budget creation. Does he see that he has approached all of the Special Planning Areas, including Sandy Lake, in a clinical way? At Sandy Lake, a wealth of relevant scientific, cultural, and historical information has been eliminated from the decision-making process while he focuses on a simple bottom line – more housing at all costs. Simple math may work in accounting, but it is only one part of the real, complex, world.
Ask your MLA to look for themselves at the facts about Sandy Lake, and help us all get Sandy Lake removed from the Special Planning Area development list.
Cycling Guide is a free app for iOS and Android phones which helps people find the best available low-stress cycling-oriented route to get where they are going. Combined with colour-coding of routes to show levels of traffic stress, curated recreational rides and helpful tips, Cycling Guide supports the rider who would like to ride more and become more active but lacks the experience, confidence or support to do so. More people riding means fewer cars on the road and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Cycling Guide will be launching this summer to support all of Nova Scotia.
We need beta testers to ensure that local routes are the best they can be.
Biggest wind farms ever proposed for Nova Scotia register for environmental assessment
Two of the largest wind projects ever proposed for Nova Scotia are seeking environmental approval.
Backed by the Membertou Development Corp. (the business arm of Membertou First Nation) and Everwind, the two projects proposed for Guysborough County would have a combined 265 turbines, each over 221 metres tall, and have a rated capacity to produce up to 2,000 megawatts of power under ideal conditions.
The projects would join the 54-turbine Setapuktuk wind project, which has already received environmental approval, in feeding power directly into Everwind’s proposed green ammonia/hydrogen facility at Point Tupper. That facility proposes to use renewable energy to produce green ammonia for export, primarily to Europe.
National Science Foundation reverses decision to dismantle oceans-monitoring network after outcry
The National Science Foundation on Thursday reversed a decision to dismantle a sprawling ocean monitoring network after vigorous objections from Democratic lawmakers and scientists who rely on it to track everything from ocean circulation to extreme weather.
The NSF issued a statement saying that it “appreciates the concerns raised by the range of stakeholders” and would halt efforts to remove or disable equipment. It also said it will redeploy equipment that already was removed from the water and convene an expert panel to determine the future of the network.
Sackville doctors call proposed Centre Village gas plant a threat to health and climate
A group of local physicians have added their voices to the opposition surrounding the proposed Centre Village gas plant planned for an extremely important wildlife corridor in Tantramar, urging provincial leaders to reconsider the project over environmental and health concerns.
The physicians’ concerns were presented during Tantramar council’s first regular meeting of the new term on Tuesday night.
Dr. Graeme Stewart appeared before council on behalf of the Sackville hospital’s physicians and said a letter had been sent earlier that day to Premier Susan Holt, Health Minister John Dornan, Deputy Premier René Legacy, Tantramar MLA Megan Mitton, and New Brunswick Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Yves Léger.
Below is a small sample of that letter, read to council:
New Nature Reserve Announced; More Land, Water Protected in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia has a new nature reserve protecting wetlands, forest and migratory bird habitat in Digby County.
The designation of the Toy Makers Marsh Nature Reserve was announced today, May 27, along with two expanded nature reserves and seven expanded wilderness areas. Together, they protect 836 hectares of Nova Scotia’s land and water, and 5.2 kilometres of its coastline.
The Province also opened consultation on 13 proposed new or expanded wilderness areas and nature reserves.
CarbonRun is seeking a Science Administrator to support its Chief Scientific Officer and research team. This full-time position involves coordinating research grants, managing budgets and reporting, scheduling meetings and fieldwork, supporting students and research staff, and assisting with scientific publications and stakeholder communications. Ideal candidates have a degree in science, environmental studies, business administration, or a related field, along with at least two years of administrative or research coordination experience. The role offers a hybrid work environment, competitive benefits, and opportunities to contribute to innovative environmental research.
Do you love working with children and spending time outdoors? This Camp Assistant position offers an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic outdoor learning environment. Working alongside Camp Leads, assistants will supervise campers, support games and activities, help with outdoor skills and bushcraft programming, and contribute to a safe, engaging, and positive camp experience. Ideal candidates are energetic, reliable, adaptable, and comfortable outdoors in all weather conditions. Experience working with children is preferred. Part-time and full-time positions are available.
The Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq: Housing and Infrastructure Support Technician
The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq (CMM) is seeking a Housing and Infrastructure Support Technician to assist with housing and infrastructure initiatives in Paqtnkek First Nation. The successful candidate will support data management, infrastructure tracking, housing maintenance programs, and community capacity-building efforts.
Experience in construction, property management, project management, or First Nations housing and infrastructure is considered an asset. This one-year contract offers competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, generous paid time off, and the opportunity to support sustainable community development.
The Municipal Group of Companies: Environmental Technologist
The Municipal Group of Companies is seeking an Environmental Technologist to support environmental compliance, monitoring, and reporting across its operations in Atlantic Canada. Responsibilities include environmental inspections, water and soil sampling, regulatory liaison, environmental reporting, and supporting environmental management initiatives.
Candidates should have a degree or diploma in a related environmental field, strong analytical and communication skills, 2-5 years of experience in a similar position, and a valid driver’s licence. Competitive benefits, pension, training, and advancement opportunities are offered.
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!
On June 24, 2026, EverWind NS Holdings Ltd. and Membertou Development Corporation registered the Harbour Hills Wind Project, Guysborough Countyfor Environmental Assessment (EA), in accordance with Part IV of the Environment Act.
The purpose of the proposed undertaking is to construct and operate a wind power project with up to 107 turbines capable of generating up to 856 megawatts (MW) of renewable electricity. The Project also includes other infrastructure such as access roads, electrical lines, one or more substations, laydown yards, and buildings. Each wind turbine will have a height of approximately 221.7 metres to the tip of the blade and individually produce up to 8 MW. The Project is located near the communities of Port Bickerton, Country Harbour Mines, Melrose, and Indian Harbour Lake in the Municipality of the District of Guysborough and the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s, in Guysborough County, Nova Scotia. The Project intends to begin construction in 2030 and is expected to be operational for 35 years.
Please send comments by August 3, 2026, to be considered in this environmental assessment. If possible, email the comments. All comments will be posted on the Department’s website for public viewing.
On or before August 13, 2026, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change will decide if the project can be granted conditional Environmental Assessment Approval.
The KCC is please to announce a new 94-acre conservation area and plans for public trails in the Riverport-Rose Bay area!
Over the past year the KCC has worked to acquire two parcels of land that, once added to the existing KCC properties in this area, would create a contiguous band of conservation land spanning from the Northside Road in Riverport, crossing Fish Peddler Road and connecting to the new Riverport Community Park in Rose Bay.
We intend to conserve this beautiful natural area and, with support from partners, develop recreational trails that will provide public access and linkages to the other existing parks and community features.
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).
House of Commons Petition e-7142, signed by over 47,000 Canadians, highlights remote work as a zero-cost, high-impact climate tool for reducing emissions. Transitioning eligible workers to a 3-day hybrid schedule could prevent 10.1 million tonnes of CO2e and save 4.4 billion litres of gasoline annually. Read and sign the petition to support this zero-cost climate initiative.
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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