Wetlands Appreciation Week

• What: Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute and NSECC Lunch and Learn: Nova Scotia Wet Area Mapping 

• When: 12 p.m.–1 p.m.

• Where: Online. Register here.
  Wetlands are incredibly diverse, coming in many different shapes, sizes and types, think of open grass-filled marshes compared to wet forests. This diversity makes them tricky to map and an unmapped ecosystem is difficult to conserve. Luckily some new projects are tackling this issue and helping to create a reliable and accurate map of Nova Scotia's wet areas. Join us during Nova Scotia's new Wetland Appreciation Week with John Gallop, Wetland and Water Resource Specialist at Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change. John will discuss his department's work on a LiDAR-based Wet Area Mapping (WAM) for Nova Scotia and this summer's fieldwork to verify the maps and improve the model. The event will take place online so you can sign up on Zoom, catch our Facebook livestream or watch afterwards on our YouTube channel.

• What: The Ecology Action Centre and Nature Nova Scotia Lunch and Learn: Wetlands, Adaptation and Extreme Weather Events

• When: 12:30 p.m.–1:30pm 

• Where: Online. Register for the webinar here.
  As climate change continues, the severity and frequency of extreme weather in Nova Scotia will grow, as will the need for adaptation. Dr. Danika Van Proosdij, Director of TransCoastal Adaptations Centre for Nature-based Solutions, will be discussing her work on making room for wetlands to adapt to climate change. Dr. David Patriquin, retired biology professor, will share his observations studying the wetlands in the Purcells Cove Backlands in HRM, how they’ve reacted to extreme weather events, and what this can tell us about planning for the future.

• What: Meet the Marsh!

• When: 10 a.m.

• Where: Converse Marsh - Fort Lawrence (Near Amherst) along the Missaguash River. Register here.
  Join TransCoastal Adaptations to learn about Converse Managed Dyke Realignment and Salt Marsh Restoration Project with Dr. Danika van Proosdij, Brittney Roughan Nature-Based Climate Change Adaptation on the Chignecto Isthmus.
   

• What: Virtual Town Hall for Coastal Property Owners
• When: 6 p.m.–7 p.m.
• Where: Online. Register for the town hall here.
  Join the EAC for a discussion about the Coastal Protection Act, its connection to wetlands and its impact on coastal communities and property owners. This virtual town hall is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the Act and how it affects you, and discuss what changes you want to see in your community as a result of the implementation of the Coastal Protection Act. Our staff will present key topics and answer your questions. Don't miss this chance to stay informed and engaged in coastal protection!

• What: Species at Risk: Mainland Moose Webinar

• When: 7 p.m.–8 p.m.

• Where: Online. Register here.
  Join the Nova Scotia Environmental Network and Nature Nova Scotia for a free, educational event about Nova Scotia's mainland moose! This interactive webinar will feature a short presentation about the mainland moose and the research that is being done to help improve their current status as a species at risk. The event will be led by Jess Lewis, Conservation Coordinator with Nature Nova Scotia 2023.

• What: Ecology Action Centre Lunch and Learn: Wetlands on Barrens with Dr. Jeremy Lundholm

• When: 12 p.m.–1 p.m.

• Where: Online. Register here.
  Less than three per cent of the land area of Nova Scotia consists of "barrens," but these are high priority for conservation due to the presence of rare plants and vegetation types as well as impacts from recreational activities. Dr. Jeremy Lundholm, a research associate with TransCoastal Adaptations at Saint Mary’s University, will discuss barrens landscapes, their biodiversity and origins and the presence and importance of wetlands within these landscapes. 

• What: Wetlands-themed Watershed Walk with ACAP Cape Breton & the Cape Breton Regional Municipality 

• When: 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

• Where: Pottle Lake in North Sydney, 87 Johnson Road  
  To register email at mtobin@acapcb.ns.ca or by phone at 902-567-1628 ext. 211. This event is open to people of all ages who have an interest in learning about our water sources, wetlands & environmental awareness. It's a kid-friendly event with hands-on environmental activities like water quality testing and critter dipping.
   

• What: Interactive activities at the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park 

• When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Where: Wetland Interpretive Centre, Shubenacadie Wildlife Park
  Join Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park and partners to celebrate wetlands! All activities are included with regular park admission. No registration required, however some activities (such as guided tours) have a capacity so will be first come first serve. Questions? Contact Katie at k_scott@ducks.ca. No matter the time there will be lots on the go!

• Informative and hands-on stations by partners set up at the Wetland Centre 

• Critter Dipping on the dock- join us to discover the biodiversity of wetlands by identifying the macroinvertebrates that call wetlands home 

• Guided Hike to St. Andrew’s Marsh - a 3km return hike to explore the park’s treasured wetland 

• Guided Park Tour- join an interpreter onsite to walk and discover how the park’s animals rely on wetlands 

• Borrow binoculars and stop by the Bird Blind along the wetland trail to see how many species you can find 

• Join in on crafts at the Wetland Centre  

Wetlands Survey

The Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute is conducting a survey to better understand public knowledge and awareness of wetlands in Nova Scotia. The survey takes less than five minutes and if you complete it you will be entered for a chance to win a $200 VISA gift card or wildlife guide prize pack! You must be 19 years or older to be entered into the prize draw. We are looking for input from all Nova Scotians and your participation will help us and other organizations develop wetland research and conservation programs. Enter our survey here. Any contact information you share will be stored separately from the other results and deleted once the prize draw is complete. We will not share your information with any other groups or organizations. If you have any questions, email chad.simmons@merseytobeatic.ca.