When my mom first told me that we were moving, my 8 year old self was not impressed. Leaving my friends, switching school… no thanks! However, it didn’t take long for me to love our new house and looking back, I’m so grateful that I was able to spend my childhood growing up in Morden, Nova Scotia. I spent afternoons exploring our 10 acres of woods or taking walks to the ocean and every day felt like an adventure… from climbing trees to searching for creatures in the brook. I’ve always had a love of animals and nature, but it’s that wild, beautiful space that I was really able to immerse myself in it. Now, as a mom myself, I love being able to pass that same appreciation on to my kids.
I get so much inspiration from the many conservation organizations across Nova Scotia. These groups are doing incredible things such as educating the public, cleaning up our coastlines, protecting endangered species, and building more sustainable communities. Let’s take a look at some of the amazing work happening right here in Nova Scotia and how you and your family can be part of it.
If you’ve ever stood at the edge of a cliffside, looked out at the ocean, or wandered through a quiet forest, you’ll understand why places like these need protection. Nova Scotia is home to some of Canada’s most unique and diverse ecosystems. From our wetlands to the dense forests and rugged coastline, this province offers habitats that support a variety of wildlife. One of the animals that depend on these habitats is the wood turtle (currently listed as “threatened” in Nova Scotia). These turtles need clean rivers, forest cover, and undisturbed nesting areas to thrive. Others, like the piping plover and Blanding’s turtle, are also facing challenges. Their delicate ecosystems face a number of threats, including rising sea levels, habitat loss, human disturbance, and invasive species (like the green crab). If you want to learn more about the species at risk in our province check out the website: Species at Risk – Conservation and Recovery.
That’s why conservation is more important than ever! YOU can contribute to preserving these diverse landscapes and the wildlife who depends on them, by getting involved with one (or more!) of the organizations below.
Local Heroes in Conservation
1. Nova Scotia Nature Trust
Their mission is to protect the land that’s home to rare plants, animals and ecosytems, the places that might otherwise be lost to development or pollution. They work with landowners and communities, making sure these beautiful spaces stay wild.
Thanks to the Nature Trust, more people can enjoy nature whether you’re hiking, birdwatching or teaching your kids about trees and insects. Their work is helping to make those moments possible! In 2020, the Nature Trust launched their Twice the Wild campaign with a goal to protect an additional 15,000 acres. In June of 2024, they announced that they had reached their goal and now the Nature Trust has more than 30,000 acres under their protection! What makes this organization special is that they don’t just save the land and walk away, they commit to it forever. With the help of their team and volunteers, they monitor the land and continue protecting the species that call it home.
To learn more or get involved, visit the Nova Scotia Nature Trust.
2. The Ecology Action Centre
The Ecology Action Centre (EAC) has a truly all-around approach. From protecting our coasts and marine ecosystems, to community development and policy advocacy.
One of their missions is to promote sustainable energy. As we face the reality of climate change, shifting to renewable energy sources is more important than ever. EAC advocates for energy solutions that are not only good for the environment but also for our communities.
Marine conservation is another core focus. Nova Scotia is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse marine ecosystems, but they face many threats such as overfishing and pollution. Their team works tirelessly to protect our oceans by promoting sustainable fishing practices and advocating for the protection of marine habitats.
What makes EAC stand out is that they understand that real change starts at the community level. By working directly with local communities through organizing clean-up efforts or hosting educational events, they empower people to take action in their own backyards.
To learn more or get involved with the Ecology Action Centre, visit their website and explore the many ways you can make a difference.
3. Clean Foundation
This nonprofit is dedicated to promoting sustainability across the province through education, community engagement, and innovative programs. One of their many missions is to promote green energy. Their programs help individuals and businesses transition to renewable energy sources. They offer practical resources and solutions for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint, helping Nova Scotians take meaningful steps towards energy efficiency and sustainability.
One really cool project from the Clean Foundation is their youth program for schools and groups. It gives kids the chance to learn about the environment in fun, hands-on ways such as outdoor activities and experiments. These lessons help kids care about nature and learn how to protect it. By teaching young people early, they’re helping to build a future where more people take care of the planet.
Want to learn more about how Clean Nova Scotia is driving change? Visit their website to dive deeper into their programs.
4. The Nova Scotia Environmental Network
The NSEN isn’t a nonprofit that plants trees or cleans up beaches directly but it plays a key behind-the-scenes role by helping those who do. Think of it as a big group chat for environmental groups across the province. It connects local organizations, grassroots groups, and individuals who are all passionate about making a difference.
Environmental work is a team effort. When small nonprofits and local initiatives can collaborate, share resources, and support one another, their impact grows. NSEN helps make that happen by offering a platform where groups can learn from each other, share events, and find new ways to work together.
One of the best parts about the NSEN is how diverse its member groups are. You’ll find organizations focused on renewable energy, sustainable farming, protecting wildlife, environmental education, and more. They each bring something unique to the table, but together, they form a stronger, more united environmental movement in Nova Scotia.
By supporting the network, you’re not just helping one organization… you’re actually supporting dozens of passionate groups working on solutions that matter.
The Nova Scotia Environmental Network is a great place to start. You can explore more about their mission and members on their website: Nova Scotia Environmental Network.
5. Coastal Action
Coastal Action’s initiatives hit several core areas, including climate change adaptation, coastal and marine conservation, watershed management, species at risk, and environmental education. By collaborating with local communities, governments, and other organizations, they strive to develop sustainable solutions that benefit both the environment and the people who call it home.
One notable success story is their Living Shoreline Project. Recognizing the threats posed by coastal erosion and flooding, they use something called a “living shoreline.” This means planting native plants and building up salt marshes, the natural areas that soak up water and give animals a safe place to live. This helps protect the land and keeps it looking beautiful, too.
The Coastal Action team also works to protect local species at risk (like the Atlantic whitefish) and helps take care of watersheds (these are areas where all the water from rain and rivers collects).
One of the best parts? They get the community involved! Kids, families, and volunteers all help with cleanups, plantings, and learning about nature.
If you want to learn more about what Coastal Action is doing (or how you can help) you can visit their website here: coastalaction.org
How You Can Get Involved in Conservation
Helping to protect nature doesn’t have to be complicated to make a difference! All across Nova Scotia, there are amazing groups working hard to protect our forests, rivers, beaches, and the animals that live here. And guess what? You can help too!
Organizations like the Nova Scotia Nature Trust, Clean Foundation, Coastal Action, and Ecology Action Centre all offer ways for people of all ages to get involved. You might join a beach clean-up with groups like Scotian Shores, plant trees in your community, or help take care of trails and parks. Some places also hold workshops and fun outdoor learning events, where you can explore nature and learn how to protect it.
You can also support these groups by donating or by just spreading awareness about them. Telling your friendsor family about these organizations is a great way to raise awareness.
Even small actions at home make a big impact. Here are some easy ideas:
- Turn off lights when you’re not using them.
- Choose reusable
- Learn about the plants and animals in your backyard.
- Start a nature journal or garden with your family.
Want more ideas? Check out my blog post on Small Acts of Conservation Families Can Do Together for fun, easy ways to care for nature.
Spending my childhood surrounded by nature shaped who I am and now, I get to share that same sense of wonder with my own kids. That’s why I believe so deeply in supporting the local groups working hard to protect our province’s wild spaces. Whether they’re saving endangered turtles, restoring rivers, or teaching kids about the environment, these organizations are Nova Scotia’s conservation heroes.
But they can’t do it alone. Every little action matters and families like yours can make a real difference.
If you’ve been inspired by any of these groups, I encourage you to get involved and if you do, share your journey on social media! You never know who you might encourage to get outside and start caring about the environment.