News
These are older Posts - for more recent posts, please lookunder Issues, Events, Workshops on our Home Page.
Williams Lake Backlands - Big decision by Regional Council on Sep. 20, 2016
Halifax council will be presenting a recommendation Sept 20 on whether to approve a proposal by the Nature Conservancy of Canada to acquire almost 400 acres of land in the Williams Lake backlands and set it aside indefinitely as a wilderness preserve.Please visit the Urban Wilderness Park Website for more about the proposal and how to support it by writing to Mayor and Councillors. You can view a letter written by David P here.
2016 Fall Natural History Science Workshops at
the Eagle Hill Institute on the Maine Coast
Mosses 7 Liverworts, Lichens, Trees and shrubs in winter are amongst the fall workshops Oct to November. Check it out
Green Network Maps are now available online - until ~mid May only (2016) The Green Network Maps are now available online. Please leave positive comments for the natural areas you care about that the maps have recognized as valuable. ItÕs a big, interactive map so you will want to use a good internet connection. Here is the map: http://engage.o2design.com/halifax/engagemap2/ There are seven maps, but the most impressive is the Indispensable Patterns & Highest Ecological Values. Our HRM Alliance is hosting a session to help anyone give input on the Green Network Online Map at the Ecology Action Centre on Thursday May 5. They will also be offering pizza :) 4:30-7:00. (Drop in anytime at your convenience.) Ecology Action Centre, 2705 Fern Lane, Halifax
Nature Conservancy of Canada Protects Important Nova Scotia Coastal Habitat for Waterfowl and Rare Plants
From the Press Release (Roberts Island, Nova Scotia. April 15, 2016):
As part of National Wildlife Week, the Nature Conservancy of Canada is pleased to announce it has finalized the acquisition of a 20 hectare (50-acre) site on Roberts Island, located on the west side of Lobster Bay in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia. The property contains critical salt marsh used year-round by black ducks and seasonally by long-tailed duck and green-winged teal. The salt marsh is also home to the Eastern baccharis (Groundseltree), a rare plant in the group of Atlantic Coastal Plain Flora. Lobster Bay is the only place in Canada where Eastern baccharis is found. There are 20-30 of these plants on the property, out of a total Canadian population of approximately 3000 plants. Read more
Check Programme for upcoming NSWFS meetings and field trips.
Anti-Biomass Petition
March 5, 2016:
An Anti-Biomass Petition ("Stop destroying Nova Scotia's forests for biomass power generation") has garnered more than 25000 signatures in less than 10 days. Started by a St. Margaret's Bay resident, it elicited a Bruce McKinnon editorial cartoon in the CH. Read more in CH. The petition remains open.
Native Plant Ecology Research TalksSlides from the five, 15 minute presentations to NSWFS meeting on Oct 26, 2015 are posted under Articles on this web site. Many thanks to the presentors Emily Walker, Logan Gray, Natasha Daze Querry, Amy Heim, Jeff Barrelland, and to Caitlin Porter for this well attended, informative evening on plant ecology!
Seaweeds of Gaff Point/Hirtle's Beach
7 Oct 2015: We have recently posted a wonderful set of photographs by Catherine Pross on the seaweeds of Gaff Point/Hirtle's Beach on the south shore of Nova Scotia. She made collections between 2002 and 2004 with the collaboration of seaweed expert Carolyn Bird. View seaweeds
Eagle Hill (Maine) Fall Weekend Workshops 2015 14 Sep 2015: "The Eagle Hill Institute is pleased to announce its series of Fall Weekend Workshops for 2015....Workshops begin with a Friday afternoon arrival and dinner at 6:00 p.m., followed by
an introductory lecture. Saturdays and Sundays are full workshop days that combine field trips, lectures, and lab studies, with meals serving as relaxed settings for informal discussions. Evenings are set aside for discussions by the fireplace in the dining hall's comfortable lounge or for follow-up classroom activities. Each workshop concludes about 4:30 p.m. on Sunday to allow for travel time home. Participants are invited to extend their stay in order to study, relax, browse the InstituteÍs 7,000 volume natural history library, or explore our stunningly beautiful coastal region of Maine." Lichens, Mosses, Woody Plant ID amongstnthe topics. View details. Hike, Bike & Paddle the Greenbelt
A focus on The Chebucto Peninsula in the final days of Hike the Greenbelt:
Sunday, August 09, BIKE: OLD SAINT MARGARET'S BAY ROADWednesday, August 12, RUN OR HIKE: THE BLUFF TRAILS
Saturday, August 15, BIKE: HALIFAX URBAN GREENWAY-CHAIN OF LAKES TRAIL-BLT TRAIL
Sunday, August 16, HIKE„MCINTOSH RUN
Monday, August 17, PADDLE: INGRAM RIVER
Please come out to as many of these events as you can to show support for the Halifax Green Network initiative.
Sat. July 25: Guided hike on the St. Marys River
Join the Nature Trust, Halifax Field Naturalists and special guest Bob Guscott (forest ecologist) for a guided hike to explore this beautiful, newly-protected property on the St. Marys River, north of Sherbrooke. Learn about the endangered bird and turtle species that depend on this river and its habitats, and experience rare and unique old-growth and floodplain forests. Please note that this property has no trail so the hike will be moderately challenging.
When: July 25, 2015 (1-4 pm)
Where: Glenelg, Guysborough County (St. Marys River) contact us for directions.
For more information and to RSVP email nature@nsnt.ca or call (902) 425-5263.
Contribute to Online Map for Halifax Green Network - by June 30, 2015Wild flora folk are are encouraged to provide input to the Halifax Green Network Plan (HGNP) by adding pins/descriptions to the HGNP online mapping tool to identify lands are that important for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services. Read more
Some Highlights of the Nova Scotia Flora NSWFS prepared a five-slide Power Point presentation for the New England Botanical Club's 120th Anniversary celebration in June. They want to promote and highlight activities of botanical clubs in the northeast. This presentation with those of other botanical organizations will be combined "into a single show that will rotate automatically during check-in and breaks at the conference."
View presentation (as PDF).
Conservation LinksSee our recently updated page of Links: Conservation/Species at Risk for a comprehensive list of online sources of information related to plant and habitat conservation in Nova Scotia.
Norris Whiston's Index & Keys for Trees & Shrubs of the Maritimes by Todd Boland (2012)
As a follow-up to Norris's presentation to the NSWFS on Identification of Forest Flora in the Field (Monday November 24, 2014), Norris is making his index and keys available here. Read more
Nova Scotia Plants e-book launch Thurs. Oct 30, 2014
Oct 25, 2014: NS Wild Flora Members & friends are invited to the launch of Nova Scotia Plants, an e-book by Marain Munro, Ruth Newell and Nick Hill at the NS Museum Thurs. Oct 30, 2014 at 2PM. See Poster
Mushroom Foray Sep 26-28, 2014
Why not have an outdoor WILD MUSHROOM experience? The Nova Scotia Mycological Society is holding its 4th annual foray in Wallace, NS beginning Friday, Sept 26 through Sunday, Sep 28. All are welcome. This event is geared to anyone interested in mushrooms and/or natural history. See the full program, registration and accommodation details at nsmushrooms.org.
DNR and the disappearing science
Aug. 29, 2014: A Halifax Media Co-op article by Robert Devet asks if our forests are "not a renewable resource after all" and highlights nutrient supply issues as a matter of concern. "Poor soils, acid rain and a history of clearcutting make Nova Scotia's forests vulnerable to aggressive harvesting practices, a biologist argues. Yet the Department of Natural Resources is not releasing a scientific report that identifies where not to clearcut." View Article
SMU plans would destroy precious woodland
June 21, 2014: According to the SMU Campus Master Plan, St. Mary's University plans to construct a large buildling (the "Oaks Complex") in the red oak woodland by The Oaks in south-end Halifax. This remnant natural woodland with elements of old growth forest (multiaged oaks, snags, decaying fallen trees) & abundant witch hazel, indian pipe, mocassin orchid and bird life would be decimated... View PhotoWed. May 14, 2014: Flora study of Williams Lake Backlands featured at WLCC AGM
May 7: 2014:
The Annual General Meeting of the Williams Lake Conservation Company will be held at 7:00 on Wednesday, May 14th at the Captain Spry Centre, 10 Kidston Rd, Spryfield. NSWFS member David Patriquin will present highlights of the Ecological Assessment of the Plant Communities of the Williams Lake Backlands that he and Dr. Nick Hill recently completed on behalf of the WLCC. The AGM is also an opportunity for us to review the year's activities and for you to bring forward your concerns and observations. Everyone is welcome. |
Daphne mezereumon April 28, 2014Better late than never! From our Acadian heritage, but strictly ornamental (all parts very poisonous). Read more |
Sat. May 3, 2014: Backlands 360 Walks
The Backlands Coalition invites Nova Scotians to participate in an afternoon of guided walks in the Backlands on Saturday May 3, organized as part of the annual Janeês Walk events across Canada and around the world. The NS Wild Flora Society is one of the founding members of the Backlands Coalition. More about the walks
May 3, 2014: Native Plant Sale at
Irving Botanical Gardens
9 a.m. to noon. See website
An exceptionally beautiful film about spring in Nova Scotia's vanishing Old Forests
Feb. 24, 2014: We were asked to post a YouTube Version of this film produced by Henri Steeghs & colleagues in 2005. It expresses so well the beauty of spring in our old forests, with scenes that will be very familiar to members of the NS Wild Flora Society. Thanks to David Garbary of St. Francis Xavier for forwarding the film and to Henri Steeghs & colleagues for producing it and sharing it so generously. We hope it will be viewed by all Nova Scotians.Details and YouTube Link
NS Wild Flora Society joins Backlands Coalition
Feb 24, 2014: We became one of nine initial members of the Backlands Coalition which was officially launched on Feb 21, 2014. The Coalition seeks to protect as much land as possible in the Purcell's Cove Backlands, a popular trekking area for NS Wild Flora folks. See Backlands Coalition
Plan Your Home Rain Garden Workshop
Feb 13, 2014: Got the Mid-Winter Blues? Start your spring rain garden planning with EAC on Tuesday February 18th, 2014 in the Ecology Action Centre kitchen from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Read more
A Rare Plant Community in the Backlands
Feb 13, 2014: The Williams Lake Conservation Company has issued a report which documents the plant communities of the Williams Lake backlands. Prominent amongst them: the rare, Jack Pine/Broom Crowberry barrens. These are well known to NS Wild Flora Society folks because the best stands anywhere occur on the Halifax mainland, but they are nationally unique, ocurring only in a handfull of windswept, exposed barrens along the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia and at a few sites in Maine and nowhere else. Read more
New Field Guide to Sedges of Maine
Sep 3, 2013: This 712 page field guide by Matt Arsenault et al. (6 authors) contains "an informative introduction, extensive keys, a glossary of botanical terms, a thorough index, and numerous color photographs of each species." Purchase from the Maine Natural History Observatory. It covers a high proportion of the sedges of Nova Scotia, and indicates regional distribution of each species. A copy will be available for inspection at our Sep. 23rd (2013) meeting.See News for older posts.
Request for native perennials for Ecology Action Centre/Dalhousie Rain Garden Demo
Aug 14, 2013: From coastaloutreach@ecologyaction.ca:Dear avid gardeners and native plant enthusiasts!
If you have native perennials that are getting too large and would like to donate your cuttings to an excellent cause, keep reading! The Ecology Action Centre and Dalhousie University are partnering on a project to build a rain garden to demonstrate stormwater best practices which are fun, affordable and accessible for homeowners to try on their own properties. The plan is to install a rain garden at the corner of Oxford and Coburg on the Dalhousie campus in a way that encourages hands-on learning for interested in homeowners. We'll need to build quite a large garden to capture the stormwater from this challenging site, so we'll need as many plants as we can get. Please contact Emily LeGrand at coastaloutreach@ecologyaction.ca if you have plants on offer, or would like to attend the volunteer event, which will be scheduled for sometime in the next month and a half. Please forward to your members and other gardening friends as you see appropriate.
Thanks and happy summer!
Emily LeGrand
NSWFS President writes letter to NL Premier about loss of Burnt Cape Guides
July 25, 2013: From the letter: "The landscape appears barren to the uninitiated and this may further endanger the rare species if tourists do no where to park their cars ,where to walk ,without damaging delicate plantlife . Signage is no substitute for the knowledge and skills of these well trained guides. All of our members who have visited that site over the past 7 years have taken the tour offered by the guides, at least once. " View letter | Read about Burnt Cape Ecological Reserve
New field guide to mosses
May 12, 2013: 'Just picked up at Bookmark on Spring Garden Road: Common Mosses of the Northeast and Appalachians by Karl McKnight et al. (2013), "the first book to help general readers recognize 200 common mosses of the Northeast and the Appalachian Mountains". Read morehttp://press.princeton.edu/titles/9971.html
Province releases Our Parks and Protected Areas: A Proposed Plan for Nova Scotia
Feb 28, 2013: "This plan advances Nova ScotiaÕs efforts to protect and conserve the natural landscape, potentially adding 221 properties and more than 245 000 hectares (ha) - a combined landmass equal to nearly one-quarter the size of Cape Breton Island. And it proposes to protect more than 13 per cent of our provinceÕs outstanding lands. This plan will be the basis of our final consultation with Nova Scotians in 2013. Before any lands are finalized, we want to hear from you. " Read moreTues. Nov. 13th: Public Consultation for McIntosh Run Trail
Nov. 6, 2012: The upper part of the MacIntosh Run begins at the outflow from Long Lake and goes through residential neighbourhoods. The lower part goes through the backlands and flows into the sea at Herring Cove.
The McIntosh Run Watershed Association has built an active transportation trail alongside the upper part of the run. They envisage extending the trail the entire length of the run, including a wilderness trail which would be "a rugged trail across the backlands to Herring Cove; the trail will be varied, in some places climbing along bedrock ridges, and in other places hugging the river's edge." Show support by attending this public consultation session, Captain William Spry Community Centre, 6:30 -0 8:30 pm. See McIntosh Run Watershed Association
Williams Lake/Purcell's Backlands:Important meeting on Oct 29th
Oct. 23, 2012: The Williams Lake Conservation Company urges residents of and visitors to the Williams Lake/Purcell/s Backlands area to participate in discussions that will affect the future of this area: Monday October 29, 2012, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Captain William Spry Community Centre, Multi-purpose Room 16 Sussex St., Spryfield. See Announcement
Witch-hazel still in flowerOct. 22, 2012: Artilcle by a NS Wild Flora member in The Nova Scotian (insert in Chronicle Herald, Sunday ed) highlights our fall-blooming witch-hazel and the curious disjunct distribution of related species.
See Article & Species Page
NS Nature Trust Facebook Photo album
Sep. 20, 2012: On Friday August 10, 2010 the Nova Scotia Wild Flora Society and the Wildflower Society of Newfoundland and Labrador toured the Nature Trust's Jack and Darlene Stone Conservation Lands. Nature Trust staff person Cristi had a blast leading this group to see the unique and rare species of the property. Here's a glimpse from the day!
Tuesday, July 17th: Buy Back the Mersey RallyJuly 11, 2011: A Rally/Information Session to address options for the Bowater-Mersey Lands will be held at 7 p.m. at the Hubley Community Hall, 4408 St. Margaret's Bay Road. There is lot's at stake for forestry, recreation, conservation - please attend! Read more
Moonwort (Botrychium lunaria) at Conrad Beach.July 3, 2012: It's still there! We checked it out on our "summer evening meeting" on July 25th. Sincere apologies from the Programme Committee to those who arrived early & missed out because of an error in the schedule. See Moonwort
Students create Flora of NS page on Project NoahJune 30, 2012: Students in a Dal summer class on the Flora of NS created a "mission" on Project Noah for The Flora of Nova Scotia. Anyone can sign up and contribute photos/GIS info. See Project Noah: The Flora of Nova Scotia.
New Field Guide: Trees & Shrubs of the MaritimesJune 29, 2012: This popular use guide by Todd Boland is published by Boulder Publications (Newfoundland). It covers 240 native and introduced species, grouped by habitat. The book is illustrated with color photographs and is flexibound with a water resistant cover, making it suitable for field use.
Deborah Wiles' Wild Flowers of Nova Scotia
June 14, 2012: Artist Deborah Wiles has created a series of 50 paintings featuring Nova Scotia's wild flowers to raise funds for a modest International Artists' Retreat that she is building at a rural Nova Scotia site. The Wildflowers of Nova Scotia Benefit show and sale is happening on June16th, 2012 from 3-9pm @ 69 Olive Avenue, Toronto, Ontario. They can also be purchased online. See
Beaked Hazelnut, Jack in the Pulpit, Painted Trillium and many more beautiful paintings on her website.
N.S. Wetland Courses
March 10, 2012: The Fern Hill Institute for Plant Conservation in assocation with the
K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre is offering four practical 3-4 day wetland courses in 2012. Details
The True Spring Ephemerals in Nova Scotia
Apr. 5, 2012: A photo-essay by JackPine posted in the Articles section of our website cites 5 species in N.S. as belonging to the guild of spring epehmerals. They are found in rich hardwood forests and intervales. The exotic and invasive garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) poses a threat to these species. See article
Roland and Smith now available online
Feb 15, 2012: The Flora of Nova Scotia by A.E. Roland and E.C. Smith, published originally in the Proceedings of the Nova Scotian Institute of Science, is now available on DalSpace. Read more
Beetle on the move, but is it responsiblefor declines in health of red spruce?
Feb. 10, 2012: The exotic brown spruce longhorn beetle (BSLB) was reported in Kouchibouguac Park, N.B. in Aug 2011, the first report for a site outside of N.S. It was first discovered in Point Pleasant Park (Halifax) in 1999. An article by entomologist Chris Majka in the current (Jan/Feb 2012) issue of Rural Delivery provides a good overview of the spread of BSLB and of the relevant issues. Read more
Dorcas Copper butterfly at Black River Fen, Inverness Co.
Jan 30, 2012: John Klymko et al. recently reported occurrence of the rare Dorcas Copper butterfly (Lycaena dorcas) in a rich calcareous fen at Black River, Inverness County. It's typically associated with shrubby cinquefoil (Dasiphora fruticosa ssp. floribunda). Read more about this butterfly and its habitat at Black River in the Journal of the Acadian Entomological Society. 
Angevine LakeDec. 8, 2012: Angevine Lake is the largest lake in Cumberland county, Nova Scotia and the closest to the Northumberland Strait. It has the highest documented biodiversity for herpetological species in the province (salamanders, frogs and snakes) and is the only crown owned site for the endangered Ram's Head Lady Slipper. Read More .
Native Plant Talk SeriesJan 18, 2012: Six talks (March 1 to May 10th) at North End Library, Halifax, on gardening with native plants & pollinators, medicinal uses, permaculture, soil management, plant identification. Organized by Ecology Action Centre.
Read more
Jan 1, 2012: Landscape painter Mark Brennan shares scenes and sounds from the Acadian Forest in this and other video and audio recordings. The Acadian Forest, The Story So Far includes some wonderful scenes of spring ephemerals.
Strathgartney Provincial Park in PEI: Good News.Dec 20, 2011: Strathgartney is a protected area because it contains the last example of pure beechwood. The provincial government was considering rerouting the Trans-Canada highway through Strathgartney Provincial Park. Sharon Labchuk wrote on Dec. 15th that 2,748 people signed the petition (prv. posted here). GOOD NEWS DEC 20th: The Guardian reports
After public consultations, the province will move ahead with new plans to re-align the Trans-Canada highway in Churchill, New Haven and Bonshaw without paving a portion of Strathgartney Provincial Park, says Transportation Minister Robert Vessey. "Islanders spoke, and we listened," said Vessey. "The new alignment we plan to build not only addresses safety concerns in all three communities, but it also steers clear of Strathgartney Provincial Park and nearby protected lands. We believe this new alignment greatly improves safety and efficiency, and strikes a balance between the goals of the Atlantic Gateway and the wishes of residents."
Avon Peninsula
Nov. 15, 2011: Plans for a gypsum mine in a hotspot for species at risk stalled in 2010 but were not off the table. On Nov 14, 2011 Fundy Gypsum announced it is permanently closing the mine. It's time to pursue truly sustainable alternatives! Read more
More News (Jan 4, 2012) : A new trail at Avondale will showcase lady's slipper orchids.
See Nova News.
Sept. 12, 2011: The N.S. Dept of Natural Resources recently completed a ten year study of 1500 Forest Ecosystem Classification plots in N.S. and has published a comprehensive set of guides which are available as PDF documents: Part I: Vegetation Types, Part II: Soil Types and Part III: Ecosites.
Rosa rugosa as an invasive species on coastal sand dunes in Nova ScotiaSept. 8, 2011: A study published in 2010 by Nicholas Hill and colleagues documents invasion of coastal dunes on western Cape Breton Island and the mainland of northern Nova Scotia by Rosa rugosa, a common ornamental rose of east Asian origin, and provides evidence that the native dune communities are being negatively affected. They note that "In general, heavily colonized beaches were found adjacent to communities where extensive domestic planting and hedges of R. rugosa occurred and where escapes onto roadsides had occurred." See article.
New Guide to Atlantic Coastal Plain Flora
Aug 28, 2011: A newly released Identification and Information Guide for the Atlantic Coastal Plain Flora in Nova Scotia is available online in English and French versions.
The Guide, produced by produced by Megan Crowley (Parks Canada) and Lindsey Beals (MTRI), provides photos, descriptions and distribution maps for 87 species. See Guide.Indian Path Common: Its Flora, Fauna & History
Jul. 26, 2011: This well illustrated guide to Indian Path Common near Lunenburg will be of interest to naturalists and others who enjoy the south shore of Nova Scotia. Copies will be available at our AGM on April 28, 2011. It includes chapters on Mosses by Anne Mills, Lichens by Frances Anderson, Fungi by Catherine Pross, the Rock Record by Barrie Clark, Birds by James Hirtle and the species lists for vascular plants, fungi, lichens, mosses & liverworts. Read more
August 2011: Natural Resources Strategy released. Two documents, released on Aug. 16th August 2011, outline the province's long awaited Natural Resoucres Strategy: The Path We Share: A Natural Resources Strategy for Nova Scotia, 2011-2020 is a 10-year plan for Nova Scotia's natural resources. From Strategy to Action cites 32 early actions. See Press Release and Download Documents
April, 2011: Nova Scotia Environment announcements about new wilderness areasBoundaries have been released for Proposed Wilderness Areas in Cumberland County and a consultation concerning addition of 23 areas recently purchased from individual landowners, forestry companies, and the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Read more
March, 2010: Western Common Wilderness Common: Feedback and Open House
HRM is seeking feedback on on its recently released Draft Master Plan for the Western Common Wilderness Common by April 14th, 2010. It is also holding an open house on Wednesday, April 14 from 6:30-9:00 pm at Brookside Jr. High School, 2239 Prospect Road. See HRM Website for the plan, where to submit comments and details of open house. March, 2010: Consultations for Candidate Wilderness Area
Mar. 8, 2010: Public consultation for the Five Bridge Lakes candidate wilderness area is now underway. A page on the N.S. Environment's website provides a consultation newsletter, background documents, dates of open houses (March 10, 24, 27th), locations of information displays (available March 1 to 31). See NSE website. See pages under the Five Bridge Lakes Wilderness Area tab at left for some background.
May '2009: Cape Split Provincial Park Reserve Management Plan
DNR has posted a preliminary management plan for Caoe Split and is is hosting two open house events to encourage public participation in the development of this plan. The first is being held on Thursday May 28 at the Scots Bay Community Hall, Highway 358, Scots Bay. The second open house is on Thursday June 4 at Clark Commons, University Avenue, Acadia University, Wolfville. Both open houses will run from 4 pm to 8 pm. More details
Oct. 18, 2008. Point Pleasant Park restoration plan
HRM council gave formal endorsement to the Point pleasant Park Comprehensive plan for restoring and improving PPP after the ravages of Hurricane Juan. The plan can be downloaded from the PPP website. This 312 page document, with numerous photographs, summary tables and maps, is a treasure trove of information about the natural and human history of the Park and lays out very clearly the principles and details of the proposed management for the next 50 years. "The goal of the Comprehensive Plan for Point Pleasant Park is to achieve a balance: a distinctive landscape with clearly presented historic features in an Acadian forest setting. A landscape where cultural heritage and natural resources enhance each other and are balanced with recreational uses that respect the Park's sustainability principles." (From the Preamble to the Comprehensive Plan).
Oct. '08. Lichen workshop at Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute
As a follow-up to one-day workshops held earlier this year, Josie Todd announced in October '08 that "We are in the process of organizing a 4-5 day course on lichens to be held in southwest Nova Scotia some time in the coming months. The course would include accommodations and offer more in- depth training on lichens, with a special focus on the environmentally sensitive cyanolichens. " If interested, please contact Josie via josie.todd@merseytobeatic.ca.
July '2008. Designation of the Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area. Public input sought by Aug 22, 2008. Details
Dec. 8, 2007. New Wilderness area in the works for the Ship Harbour Long Lake area of HRM. Details
Oct. 30, 2007: Blue Mountain - Birch Cove Lakes : New Wilderness Area
Nova Scotia Environment and Labour and the Department of Natural Resources announced today that the province will designate a new wilderness area on Crown lands of the Blue Mountain - Birch Cove Lakes area of HRM, between Kearney Lake and Timberlea. Details
Oct. 10, 2007: Rockrose and Ram's-Head Lady's-slipper added to Nova Scotia's Engdangered species list
See Canadian Press article and DNR's List.
July 26, 2007: Purchased Bowater Mersey lands to become protected areas. Details
June 1, 2007: Blandford Game Sanctuary, Lunenburg County
On May 11, 2007 the Minister of Environment and Labour announced that a new Nature Reserve would be established on the Crown lands within Blandford Game Sanctuary, Lunenburg County. Details
May 22, 2007: Gypsum flora on the Avon Peninsula (N.S.) threatened by new Gypsum Mine. Details