Hello everyone and a warm welcome to our new subscribers.

This is a quick update on the events and Calls to Action happening around the province. Also included are new websites and groups that have formed recently. As I am sure you are aware, there are many Nova Scotian communities that need support. So please, if you can, keep those letters coming, sign a petition or participate in an activity to let our government know how you feel.

July 7, 2026

This is the comments deadline to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) on the “new” proposed open pit gold mining project submitted by Saint Barbara / Atlantic Gold. The company has rolled the Five Mile Stream, Beaver Dam and Cochran Hill mine proposals into one project that they have dubbed “15-Mile Processing Hub”. Since this is now considered a new project, the IAAC now must decide whether the project merits a full federal assessment, or fall under the watered-down scrutiny of the province. Links to the submitted project summary (92 pages), information links and a guide to help folks write comments on this project (written by Scott Beaver) can be found on the Dirt Gang’s website here. You can download the full submission report (257 pages) from the IACC site here. Comments can be submitted and viewed via this page on the IAAC website. There’s not much time, but if you can, please submit your comments, being as specific as possible about your concerns.

July 28, 2026

The Province has published a list of proposed wilderness areas and nature reserves that are being considered for protection as part of the government’s legal obligation to protect 20% of our land and waters by 2030. Comments can be submitted for one of the proposed areas by July 28th. https://novascotia.ca/nse/protectedareas/

Saturday, July 18, 2026

Guided hike through Sandy Lake Regional Park in Bedford

The Dirt Gang is one of 35 organizations that supports the aims of the Sandy Lake – Sackville River Regional Park Coalition. SOOF and The Dirt Gang are helping The Sandy Lake Coalition promote a guided hike through the Sandy Lake Regional Park with coalition member Karen McKendry. This promises to be a very informative session and will help you hone your citizen science skills. On the hike you will also learn more about the threats to the area and who to engage with to have your say about the fate of Sandy Lake.

The hike will be held Saturday July 18 at 1:00 pm. Please email karenmckendry@ecologyaction.ca with any questions about the hike, or to confirm you will attend the hike. Karen will provide final details and directions.

Coastal Appreciation Week July 11-19

Coastal Appreciation Week July 11-19 is fast approaching. To celebrate our beautiful, fragile coasts there are activities going on all over NS. For instance, in HRM there is a shoreline guided walk on McNabs Island in Halifax Harbour. Spaces are limited for this event so get your tickets now. Most other activities are free including many different guided hikes or go to one of 5 beaches on the Eastern Shore to learn about what citizen scientists do for the Eastern Shore Citizen Science Coastal Monitoring Network or come to Cape Breton to learn about the Bas d’Or Lake Biosphere. Check out the growing events map in the link attached to see what is happening in your area or on your travels!
https://ecologyaction.ca/get-involved/events/coastal-appreciation-week-2026

July 21st Presentation:

Building Resilient Landscapes in Nova Scotia

Protected Areas Week July 25-August 1

As part of the launch of Protected Areas Week 2026 (July 25th – August 1st), we’re looking for guided hikes, walks, and outdoor events taking place in protected areas or community-nominated protected areas across Nova Scotia.

If you, your community group, hiking club, or organization are interested in hosting a hike or already have one planned during that week, we’d love to hear from you!

Reach out to Marina at education.outreach@naturens.ca to learn more or to have your event included in our Protected Areas Week schedule!

NS Public Lands (https://nspubliclands.ca/community-proposed-protected-areas/) is a collaborative website developed by the Ecology Action Centre and the Healthy Forest Coalition. The website is a wealth of information describing the community-proposed wilderness areas in the province, their significance and how to become involved in the push to have more of these areas and ecosystems permanently protected

LEAP (Living Ecosystems And Power) have taken up the fight against the 2 proposed gas-fueled “peaker plants” in the Marshdale and Salt Springs communities of Pictou County. The community response and push back have been significant, but they need help. To learn more about this issue, the concerns of community members, ecologists, scientific research and what you can do to help, visit their website: https://www.leappictou.org/

NS Forests Forever is a new website by the Hutchinson Acres maple syrup producers and the Blomidon Naturalist society and provides information on public lands in the province. Their aim is to restore the native Wabinaki forests and protect public lands for future generations. The website provides information links and suggestion to help take action.

Stop the Btk spray in Pleasant Bay /Pollett’s Cove/ Aspy Fault is a Facebook Group formed by community members of Pleasant Bay to push back against the spray of Btk against the spruce bud worm. They have received very little information regarding the spray (except from DNR staff who say it’s safe), with no indication of spray dates or exact locations. Please join their group to help support the request for information, consultation, spray times and locations.

That’s it for now folks

Thank you for all you do to protect our little province.