Nova Scotia Biodiversity Caucus

 

The Nova Scotia Holiday Bird Bioblitz is easy to join and open to all ages and experience levels. It’s a great way to slow down, notice what’s around you, and contribute to meaningful community science, even in the heart of winter!

Nova Scotia Holiday Bird Bioblitz

December 15 - January 5
Hoo Hoo Hoo! The Holiday Bird Bioblitz is on now!

This winter, the Nova Scotia Biodiversity Caucus is inviting folks across the province to take part in the Nova Scotia Holiday Bird Bioblitz - a fun, community science event focused on observing and recording winter birds.

A bioblitz is a shared effort where many people observe and record wildlife over a set period of time. For this bioblitz, the focus is on wild birds seen anywhere in Nova Scotia, from backyard feeders and neighbourhood streets to parks, trails, and coastal areas.

Participation is easy and open to everyone. You don’t need to be an experienced birder: if you see a bird, you can take part!

From December 15 to January 5, participants are encouraged to:

  • Join the Nova Scotia Holiday Bird Bioblitz project on iNaturalist

  • Watch for wild birds anywhere in Nova Scotia

  • Take a photo or audio recording (audio works especially well for birds)

  • Upload your observations

Each observation helps build a clearer picture of which bird species are present across the province during winter, and where they’re being seen.

Join the Bioblitz on iNaturalist!
 

2025 Summer Bioblitz

This summer, the Biodiversity Caucus hosted a province-wide Bioblitz to engage communities in exploring and documenting local wildlife. The 2025 Bioblitz Outcome Report highlights what we discovered together: from rare species to community champions, and celebrates the growing network working to protect biodiversity across the province!

Click here to view the report.

 

What is the Biodiversity Caucus?

A caucus is simply a recurring series of meetings between those who share a common environmental priority, in this case biodiversity. One of the most effective ways for NSEN to connect members of the environmental community is to facilitate the formation of environmental caucuses.

Caucus members join monthly meetings with those working in, volunteering in, or interested in issues related to biodiversity. At a caucus meeting, you can expect to network and learn about current and upcoming biodiversity-related projects, programs and events from across the province. The main purpose of these meetings is to share information, promote collaboration, and advance biodiversity work in Nova Scotia.

Click here to view a PDF summary about the Caucus.

American Marten (Photo: Seventh Day Photography)

Mission:

To connect organizations and individuals to foster collaboration to protect, strengthen and enhance biodiversity in Nova Scotia.

Vision:

A collaborative community of people working and advocating to protect, strengthen and enhance species at risk and Nova Scotia's biodiversity.

Who can join the caucus?

Anyone who is passionate about protecting biodiversity can join! Whether you are an NGO representative, an academic, or an individual eager to make a difference, you are welcome to participate in the group. Send us an email at biodiversity@nsenvironmentalnetwork.com and we’ll be happy to share more information about the Biodiversity Caucus!

Already convinced? Please complete our short form to express your interest in the caucus and we’ll connect with you as soon as possible.

Complete the interest form
 

Adult Piping Plover (Photo: Pauliina Saarinen)

 

Current Events/Opportunities

Biodiversity Caucus Meeting: February 11, 2025

Are you passionate about biodiversity? Join the caucus! One of the most effective ways for NSEN to connect members of the environmental community is to facilitate the formation of environmental caucuses. Caucus members join monthly meetings with those working in, volunteering in, or interested in biodiversity-related issues. The main purpose of these meetings is to create a space to network, promote collaboration, and advance biodiversity work in Nova Scotia.

The next caucus meeting will be held on February 11 from 11 AM - 12 PM. For more information and a meeting invite, please contact Kass Harris, Caucus Coordinator at biodiversity@nsenvironmentalnetwork.com

 

Resources

Canada-Nova Scotia Nature Agreement

The Canada-Nova Scotia Nature Agreement signifies a commitment to tackle biodiversity loss and climate change by safeguarding and restoring biodiversity, habitat, at-risk species, and migratory birds in Nova Scotia. The Agreement was formally signed in October 2023 by the federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change representing Canada, alongside the provincial Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and the Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables, acting on behalf of Nova Scotia.

Click here to read the full Agreement.

Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council: Grow Me Instead Garden Handbook

Gardens and yards are extensions of our local ecosystems and they represent incredible opportunities to help restore an area’s biodiversity. What we plant in them has an impact on the surrounding natural areas; in fact, many of today’s most damaging invasive plants were first brought to North America for ornamental purposes. This guide is a reference tool for New Brunswick and Nova Scotia gardeners to learn about invasive horticultural plants and their recommended native alternatives. By following the practices and growing the alternatives listed in the guide, you can achieve a vibrant and diverse garden that teams with life while helping to prevent the spread of invasive plants.

For each invasive plant highlighted in the guide, two native alternatives are recommended along with details about their characteristics and preferred growing conditions, uses in a garden, and additional interesting information.

Click here to access the guide.