From coordinator at blomidonnaturalists.ca Wed Jan 12 08:41:53 2022 From: coordinator at blomidonnaturalists.ca (Caroline Beddoe) Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2022 10:41:53 -0400 Subject: [BNS_members] January E-Newsletter Resend & Upcoming Events Message-ID: Hi all, We been made aware that some folks have not bee receiving our monthly e-newsletter, jam-packed with upcoming events, news and ways to get involved - oh no! While we dig into technical troubleshooting to solve this issue, I am re-sending the January newsletter as a browser link for your viewing: PLEASE READ OUR JANUARY 2022 NEWSLETTER HERE [1]. Of note, we have an upcoming monthly meeting next Monday, January 17th at 7:30 PM on Zoom. Presenter Dave Shutler will discuss Biodiversity and the Ecological Role of Parasites! Zoom registration to follow. Also, Soren has planned a Winter on Snowshoes adventure this weekend upcoming, Sunday January 16th at 10 am location TBD, weather conditions permitting. Snow transforms the landscape into one of tracks and stories, and a great way to explore nature is through a calm 2-hour snowshoe walk! Space is limited for safety, info is here. [2] And a link to our calendar of events is available here. [3] I apologize if you have already received our e-newsletter, but for those who didn't, I do heartily invite you to read it as it is a collective effort full of environmental actions, nature news, info for growing pollinator-friendly wildflowers from seeds or transplants (as we start to think about spring gardens), upcoming girls outdoor programming and much more! Link again, is here. [1] Thanks for your understanding, Caroline Links: ------ [1] https://mailchi.mp/f629b233d66f/update-from-the-blomidon-naturalists-society-5576692 [2] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/blomidon-naturalists-society/events/winter-on-snowshoes/ [3] https://blomidonnaturalists.ca/3089-2/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From coordinator at blomidonnaturalists.ca Fri Jan 14 08:56:34 2022 From: coordinator at blomidonnaturalists.ca (Caroline Beddoe) Date: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 10:56:34 -0400 Subject: [BNS_members] Sunday: Winter on Snowshoes Message-ID: <880152a9444a7fd567082a1df2a18cd5@blomidonnaturalists.ca> Hi all, With the impending winter weather, Sunday morning will likely reveal a beautiful snow-covered landscape to explore! Soren is hosting a snowshoe (or XC ski, if you prefer) walk through the woods to explore the stories and tracks revealed in the snow. Please bring your own gear! Please meet at the WOLFVILLE WATERSHED NATURE PRESERVE (Forest Hill Rd) at 10:00 AM on Sunday January 16th. There is a parking lot on the south side of the road, please meet there. This such a beautiful place to explore on the Gaspereau Mountain and I'm sure will be magical with even more snow. TO REGISTER AND MORE MORE DETAILS: SEE HERE. [1] Please dress warmly, bring a mask, and observe physical distancing. NB - We will communicate early Sunday morning if there are any changes due to weather. Caroline Links: ------ [1] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/blomidon-naturalists-society/events/winter-on-snowshoes/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From coordinator at blomidonnaturalists.ca Sat Jan 15 12:54:52 2022 From: coordinator at blomidonnaturalists.ca (Caroline Beddoe) Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 14:54:52 -0400 Subject: [BNS_members] Monthly Meeting on Monday Message-ID: <07ce704798aa6dc631c22487cfa5a00f@blomidonnaturalists.ca> Good afternoon, I hope you are all faring well with the wind and snow, and for those without power that it is restored soon. After excavating ourselves out from under big drifts of snow, we found that tamping down the snow on snowshoes and skis provided far more fun than further shovelling to clear some paths by our place - so these are great conditions for those going out with Soren on the snowshoe hike tomorrow at 10am at the Wolfville Watershed! A reminder that our MONTHLY MEETING FOR JANUARY IS UPCOMING, THIS MONDAY JANUARY 17TH AT 7:30 PM. With dashed hopes for hybrid meetings happening soon, we will be as usual online on Zoom. PLEASE SEE THE LINK BELOW TO REGISTER FOR THE MEETING. Our presenter this month is Dave Shutler (Prof emeritus, Biology, Acadia), talking about biodiversity and the ecological function of parasites! I'm sure it's going to be fun and fascinating! See you Monday night, and until then happy (and safe) shovelling! Caroline -- You are invited to a Zoom meeting. When: Jan 17, 2022 07:30 PM Halifax Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqd-utqDooGNXRJbl3bOiTkIynA3NeUIwS [1] After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Links: ------ [1] http://webmail.naturens.ca/Hithere,YouareinvitedtoaZoommeeting.When:Jan17,202207:30PMHalifaxRegisterinadvanceforthismeeting:https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqd-utqDooGNXRJbl3bOiTkIynA3NeUIwSAfterregistering,youwillreceiveaconfirmationemailcontaininginformationaboutjoiningthemeeting. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: jan meeting.png Type: image/png Size: 145244 bytes Desc: not available URL: From coordinator at blomidonnaturalists.ca Mon Jan 17 10:02:19 2022 From: coordinator at blomidonnaturalists.ca (Caroline Beddoe) Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2022 12:02:19 -0400 Subject: [BNS_members] Reminder: BNS Monthly Meeting Tonight! Message-ID: Good day, A reminder of OUR MONTHLY MEETING TONIGHT, AT 7:30 PM ONLINE ON ZOOM. Presenter Dave Shutler will talk about biodiversity and the ecological role of parasites! PLEASE REGISTER IN ADVANCE FOR THIS MEETING TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE ZOOM: HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/MEETING/REGISTER/TZCQD-UTQDOOGNXRJBL3BOITKIYNA3NEUIWS [1] (After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.) If you have any trouble registering, or any questions, do not hesitate to reach out! And fingers crossed the projected winds and rains don't result in more power outages. Caroline Links: ------ [1] https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqd-utqDooGNXRJbl3bOiTkIynA3NeUIwS -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From coordinator at blomidonnaturalists.ca Tue Jan 18 17:11:10 2022 From: coordinator at blomidonnaturalists.ca (Caroline Beddoe) Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2022 19:11:10 -0400 Subject: [BNS_members] Get Involved: Environmental Initiatives Message-ID: <28c68998a279d5a3a0cbfe43784aa061@blomidonnaturalists.ca> Hi BNS folks, Thanks to all who joined the monthly meeting last night, and thanks to Dave Shutler for a great and highly informative talk! (Do we all have a credit in parasitology now? Though I suppose that might require passing some tests and spelling some of those long words!) I'm sending out this email identifying a few opportunities to get involved with regards to environmental protection, climate action, greenspace conservation and more. Most of these have a local focus, as suits the BNS, but I am sharing a national climate action opportunity in case you have not heard of or engaged with it through other channels. You may be familiar with the initiatives listed, and may have already contributed, but I figured I would round up a few initiatives that have been circulating of late, especially given prompting from BNS members, just in case! NATURE NOVA SCOTIA'S SAVE SPECIES AT RISK CAMPAIGN Nature Nova Scotia is coordinating an effort to get "Save Species at Risk" signs (see image attached) displayed across the province to show support for ecological forestry and an end of clear-cutting practices that jeopardize ecological health, biodiversity and species at risk, in particular, the mainland moose. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REQUEST A SIGN TO PUT UP IN FRONT OF YOUR HOUSE, SEE HERE. [1] I also have 70-odd signs at my place in Wolfville and will happily get them to you or arrange for a pick-up (*once I'm not isolating that is, which hopefully is soon if the tests keep coming back negative). Shoot me an email if you are keen! WOLFVILLE'S EAST END SECONDARY PLANNING STRATEGY I know there are many BNS members in the Wolfville area, some of whom are engaged in community discussions on this planning, and so I wanted to share this opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed east end planning, especially given THE OPPORTUNITY FOR DISCUSSION AROUND NATURE PRESERVATION, GREENSPACES, PLANTING OR PRESERVATION OF NATIVE PLANTS, COMMUNITY SPACES, SUSTAINABLE HOUSING, ETC. The Town of Wolfville has begun a Secondary Planning Strategy process for two large pieces of land in the east end of Town, known as the "Kenny Lands" and "Maple Ridge Lands." Many will be familiar with the Kenny Lands visible from the look-off at the Reservoir park. I think it is valuable to note that development doesn't just mean housing (though this is a very pertinent issue), but also green space, transportation options, community spaces, etc. I am wondering how BNS values and passions around biodiversity, pollination, native plants, birds, etc could be integrated into any new development protocol (e.g maintaining meadows of wildflowers for pollinators?)... There are a few ways to provide feedback on the development: 1) Go to Wolfville Blooms [2] and make an account. You can then answer the survey questions or add comments and ideas in the "ideas" section. You can see what other folks are thinking too! 2) Email Devin Lake, head planner at dlake at wolfville.ca and/or email the town council at Towncouncil at wolfville.ca PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT ON CANADA'S 2030 EMISSION REDUCTION PLAN As you may know, the Government of Canada has been accepting public feedback and consultations on the plan to achieve Canada's greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets [3]. This consultation opened on December 14 2022 and closed January 14th 2022 but they have JUST EXTENDED THE DEADLINE FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION TO JANUARY 21, 2022 (BY 11:59 P.M. PST)! This is good news because it adds to what was quite a narrow window during the holiday season. The _Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act_ commits Canada to being net-zero for GHG emissions by 2050, and as part of this act, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change (Minister Guilbeault) must establish a plan to achieve our 2030 GHG emissions reduction targets by the end of March 2022. The minister must consult with the public and publish a report on these consultation before the plan is established, so adding our voices is very important! HERE IS THE QUESTIONNAIRE FOR THE PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS. [4] Of note to BNS members, there is a category on "nature-based climate solutions" (think forest preservation, wetland restoration, conservation) and ample space to give commentary and add your own thoughts on various topics. You don't have to respond to every question, you can simply go in and respond to one issue that speaks to you if you have the time and desire to do so. I also found it useful to look at this toolkit [5] put together by a group called Climate Messengers Canada who want to help break-down the consultation questionnaire to help folks respond. ARTICLE TO READ & CLIMATE THOUGHTS ...Contributing to climate action work may seem even more important if you take a look at this BBC article on the melting of the Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica [6] shared by Ken (thanks!) As we move ever closer to 2030, I'm reflecting on the fact that the famous IPCC report on 1.5 degrees of warming came out in 2018 and called for drastic emissions reductions by 2030, and yet as we enter the third calendar year of this pandemic, I know many of us are tired and anxious. But I'm reminded that hope is an action, and that when we act through various of ways at home, in communities, in groups, in society's like this one full of people passionate about the natural world, we do have the all the tools needed to support a vibrant, liveable future. And at a time when humanity's disconnection from nature feels so desperate, it is beautiful snowy walks in the woods (like the snowshoe walk this weekend led by Soren), with curious observation and fascination in the natural landscape and its inhabitants, that help to keep us connected ... more of that to come this winter let's hope (snow permitting). Caroline Links: ------ [1] https://naturens.ca/actions/order-a-save-species-at-risk-lawn-sign/ [2] https://wolfvilleblooms.ca/secondaryplan [3] https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/net-zero-emissions-2050.html [4] https://eccc.sondage-survey.ca/f/LanguageSelection.aspx?s=4132165a-69ff-455b-9208-24be193aa656 [5] https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OYTlNHe9KM6gYDB3kKz9LYjgP_um9wV0RWYib4XP-0c/edit#heading=h.ic9tbcrx7bpf [6] https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-51097309 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: IMG_1843-1.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 108835 bytes Desc: not available URL: From coordinator at blomidonnaturalists.ca Thu Jan 20 13:45:42 2022 From: coordinator at blomidonnaturalists.ca (Caroline Beddoe) Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2022 15:45:42 -0400 Subject: [BNS_members] Settler Education Workshop Message-ID: Dear BNS members, The Board (with thanks in particular to Judy) have organized a Settler Education workshop (with funding from Nature Canada) that will be facilitated by Dr. Carolyn Campbell from Horizons Community Development Associates, on Thursday FEBRUARY 10TH, 5:30-8:00 PM, to further our work around diversity, equity and inclusion. Currently, the Kentville Recreation Centre has been booked, however we will make a call sooner to the date if a switch to a 2-hour Zoom session is required instead in light of Covid rules and safety (this is quite likely, I'd hazard a guess). As a naturalist society, we foster connection to the natural world as well as to others within our community. We are also learning and acting in Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and unceded lands of the Mi'kmaq. Hence, it is important to understand our relationship to the landscape and to Canadian colonialism, and to explore steps towards reconciliation. As individuals and as a collective, we can explore our worldviews in order to open up space for inclusion, respect, reciprocity and change. This settler education workshop will explore settler identity and Canada's colonial foundations, and will support non-Indigenous Canadians in stepping up to our reconciliation responsibilities. We are capping the registration at 20 participants, and will include board members and anyone else who seeks to join us. Please see more information and register here [1] if you are interested in participating and would like to hold a spot. Caroline Links: ------ [1] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/blomidon-naturalists-society/events/settler-education-workshop/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Settler Education Workshop.png Type: image/png Size: 5979436 bytes Desc: not available URL: From coordinator at blomidonnaturalists.ca Wed Jan 26 16:31:42 2022 From: coordinator at blomidonnaturalists.ca (Caroline Beddoe) Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2022 18:31:42 -0400 Subject: [BNS_members] Upcoming Webinar: Reaching 20% Protected Areas in Kings County Message-ID: <79920e5f77ec7a9b880158f3133f35b5@blomidonnaturalists.ca> Good evening, As you may know, the Government of Nova Scotia has made a commitment (in Bill-57 and in Hon. Tim Halman's mandate letter as Minister of Environment and Climate Change) to "conserve at least 20% of the total land and water mass of the Province by 2030 as protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, including Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas." But what does it mean to protect 20% of our lands? And how to we get there? The government needs to have a plan in place by December 31, 2023. We can help inform this plan, and Alain Belliveau has a proposal on how to reach this goal in our local Kings County. ALAIN WILL BE DELIVERING A WEBINAR, "REACHING 20% PROTECTED AREAS IN KINGS COUNTY," ON FEBRUARY 2ND AT 7:30 PM ON ZOOM. Please register for the Zoom here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYvcOChqDorEtzodgfuEE8tbrxF72Zkx-4h (We have also updated the calendar of events on the website here [1]). In this webinar, Alain will discuss his proposal for how we can achieve that 20% goal for Kings County. Currently, Kings Co has only about 4.5% of its area protected. There is an opportunity for us to push for increased biodiversity protection in our local region, and Alain will present his rigorous mapping work and what is needed to protect these areas. This is a great opportunity to learn together and discuss conservation policy, and how we can inform and shape it, in our region. I hope you can join us. Caroline Links: ------ [1] https://blomidonnaturalists.ca/3089-2/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Alain's Webinar- 20% Protected Areas.png Type: image/png Size: 1539117 bytes Desc: not available URL: From newsletter at blomidonnaturalists.ca Mon Jan 31 06:31:40 2022 From: newsletter at blomidonnaturalists.ca (=?utf-8?Q?e=2DNewsletter=20Editors?=) Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2022 12:31:40 +0000 Subject: [BNS_members] =?utf-8?q?February=2C_2022-Newsletter_from_the_Blo?= =?utf-8?q?midon_Naturalists_Society?= Message-ID: <0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9.b24cf58224.20220131123136.ecce61a6cd.e3e2cdeb@mail122.sea91.rsgsv.net> Here's what's happening this month View this email in your browser (https://mailchi.mp/3a3808c036be/update-from-the-blomidon-naturalists-society-13550232?e=b24cf58224) You are receiving this email because you previously opted-in to our e-newsletter. February 2022 Newsletter Snowy woods, North Mountain. Photo: Caroline Beddoe President's Report Soren Bondrup-Nielsen January has been nice and cold for the most part, which I love. I have been out on snowshoes and skis ? it has been a winter so far that one, certainly I, can enjoy. If I say so myself, the Winter on Snowshoes field trip that I led was excellent. There was fresh snow on the ground, the landscape sparkled in the brilliant sunshine, and there were lots of animal tracks to identify and talk about; see here (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=17e7bea150&e=b24cf58224) . I will be scheduling another snowshoe field trip for February 13, 10 am to noon (location to be determined.) The other day when I was out, I came upon a site where a coyote had caught and consumed a muskrat. It was by a small stream where there was some open water. The muskrat must have come swimming and then climbed up on the bank where the coyote happened to come by or maybe was waiting. The coyote was lucky, not so the muskrat, and all that was left were lots of tracks, a place where the coyote lay down and consumed its prey. There were only tufts of hair left. Without snow on the ground I would never have know of the event that had taken place. I am looking forward to the webinar on February 2. The Government of Nova Scotia has committed (Bill-57) to "conserve at least 20% of the province's total land and water mass by 2030 as protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, including Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas." Alain Belliveau will discuss his proposal for achieving that 20% goal for Kings County. Currently, Kings Co has only about 4.5% of its area protected. There is an opportunity to push for increased biodiversity protection in our local region. Alain will present his rigorous mapping work and what is needed to protect these areas. For the February meeting, we hope to have Mike Gill, of the NatureServe Network, speak on global biodiversity initiatives. Mike Gill, who lives in Canning (his wife, Alice, owns the Village Coffeehouse, a very popular place) was cited in an article in the Globe and Mail, as a reviewer of a newly-released international study on what needs to be done globally to preserve biodiversity. See: here (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=ba7b7c5ed8&e=b24cf58224) Well, that is it for me. Maybe a bit short but so is February. ** UPCOMING EVENTS ------------------------------------------------------------ Webinar: Reaching 20% Protected Areas in Kings County Join us for a webinar by Alain Belliveau, on Wednesday February 2nd, online on Zoom at 7:30 PM. Please register for the Zoom here (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=b3cfb3447e&e=b24cf58224) . The Government of Nova Scotia has made a commitment to "conserve at least 20% of the total land and water mass of the Province by 2030 as protected areas [...]" (Bill-57). But what does it mean to protect 20% of our lands, and how to we get there? In this webinar, Alain will discuss his proposal for how we can achieve that 20% goal for Kings County. Alain will show us his maps and visions, explain what is needed to protect these areas, and create space for discussion on how we can get involved to protect our local biodiversity. Settler Education Workshop Thanks to the Horizons Community Development Associates, and with funding from Nature Canada, the BNS is having a Settler Education workshop on February 10^th from 5:30-8:00 pm, most likely on Zoom, to further our work around diversity, equity and inclusion. The workshop will be facilitated by Dr. Carolyn Campbell, and there is still time to join. Details and registration here. (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=bd4e655c39&e=b24cf58224) Field Trip: Winter on Snowshoes Join Soren on snowshoes for a 2-hour winter walk exploring animal tracks and the nature of the snow-covered landscape. Sunday February 13th, at 10:00 am. Location TBA based on weather. If it is raining or there is no snow, the event will be rescheduled. Please register since numbers are limited. (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=4bb8e506ad&e=b24cf58224) January's "Winter on Snowshoes" field trip in the Wolfville Watershed Nature Preserve. Photo: Celes Davar. ** Monthly Meeting: Global Biodiversity Initiatives ------------------------------------------------------------ Join us for our monthly meeting on Monday, February 21st at 7:30pm on Zoom. Register here now (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=1103c9ca3d&e=b24cf58224 ) , and all details and info on joining the meeting will also be posted on the website and sent out as a reminder closer to the date. Our guest presenter this month is Mike Gill (from the NatureServe Network), speaking on global biodiversity initiatives and the International Union for Conservation of Nature. More details to come! We look forward to continuing our biodiversity focus into the year with Mike's talk. Flying Squirrel Adventures Flying Squirrel Adventures is hosting a variety of winter programming, to encourage nature connection even in winter! This includes Nature for Newcomers winter skills outings, queer/trans friendly winter hikes, and a girls outdoor adventure and leadership program! See all the information on their webpage here. (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=1b8a434ad2&e=b24cf58224) ** 2022 Calendar on our Website ------------------------------------------------------------ You can find our 2022 calendar on our website. (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=62874abf83&e=b24cf58224) It is updated throughout the months. ** BUTTERFLYWAY PROJECT ------------------------------------------------------------ Wildlife Gardening The idea of supporting wildlife in your own backyard may be new and you might be wondering how to get started this coming spring. After your snowshoe in the snow, it?s time to curl up with a book or your iPad and find out more. The Butterflyway Project on the BNS website has a section titled ?Resources? with a large list of recommendations, from web sites to library books. You can check it out here ( https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=6934f31d6e&e=b24cf58224) . If you would like an overview of how to support wildlife, the Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) has a good summary on how to garden with wildlife in mind. Link to it here (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=2cd615faf2&e=b24cf58224) . If you like a challenge, the CWF has an excellent program to register your garden as ?wildlife friendly? if it meets their criteria. Now is the time to start planning how you can make the suggested changes and additions to create a wildlife friendly garden. See more info here (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=7ea164c9dd&e=b24cf58224) . Photo: Canadian Wildlife Federation ** GET INVOLVED ------------------------------------------------------------ Save Species at Risk Signs Nature Nova Scotia is coordinating an effort to get "Save Species at Risk" signs displayed across the province to show support for ecological forestry and an end of clear-cutting practices that jeopardize ecological health, biodiversity and species at risk, in particular, the mainland moose. For more information and to request a sign to put up in front of your house, see here (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=8984a0b795&e=b24cf58224) or contact Caroline directly (coordinator[at]blomidonnaturalists[dot]ca), since she has signs in Wolfville. Save Species at Risk signs. Help support the mainland moose and demand ecological forestry by acquiring a sign, signing the petition and writing a letter to the Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables. ** IN THE NEWS ------------------------------------------------------------ February 2nd: World Wetlands Day February 2nd is World Wetland Day, raising awareness about wetlands and celebrating their ecological importance around the world. This date marks the anniversary of the Convention on Wetlands, adopted as an international treaty in 1971. This day is a good reminder to celebrate wetlands and take action to stop degradation and fight for their conservation! Wetlands are very important ecosystems that support biodiversity, climate mitigation and adaptation, freshwater availability, and much more. See more about this day at the World Wetlands Day website (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=3e7ed7d6ed&e=b24cf58224) . The Ecology Action Centre has also compiled some information and resources more specific to Nova Scotia here (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=8f1ddf9976&e=b24cf58224) , including events and webinars on wetlands. Ducks Unlimited Canada is hosting a wetlands webinar series, starting with "Wetlands 101" (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=61743df190&e=b24cf58224) on February 2nd. Sweet Marsh, Lunenburg County. Photo: Ducks Unlimited Canada. Harvest Plan Halted for Last Hope Wildlife Corridor (Annapolis Co.) Amid Discovery of Rare Lichens A 24-hectare plot of forest near Beal's Brook, Annapolis County, slated to be cut by WestFor, has received a temporary halt to the harvest plan by the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables (DNRR) amid discovery of three rare species of lichens. This forest, known as the Last Hope Wildlife Corridor or Camp Last Hope, has been defended by Forest Protectors camped out in harsh winter weather since December to protect this forest and its ecological importance. This land is significant habitat for mainland moose, pine martens and wood turtles, among other species. The discovery of the lichens (wrinkled shingle lichen, forested glass-whiskers and black-foam lichen) by a lichen enthusiast who visited the camp, seems to provide further evidence for the ecological significance of the site, and now means that the harvest is on pause until DNRR sends someone in to confirm these findings. See the story here. (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=654f9da4c4&e=b24cf58224) Hopeful sign: Monarch Butterfly Numbers Soar in California After Dramatic Losses Western Monarch butterfly populations have increased a hundredfold in overwintering sites in California after historically low numbers in 2020, per the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. Volunteers observed less than 2,000 monarchs in the state at the society?s annual Thanksgiving count in 2020. Last year, they counted more than 247,000. Read the whole story from the Smithsonian, here (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=6c67b40a41&e=b24cf58224) . Photo: USDA Forest Service ** Nova Scotia Power seeking 10% rate increase over 3 years, but solar supporters say it will discourage users from moving to renewable energy ------------------------------------------------------------ Homeowners, politicians and those in the solar industry are blasting Nova Scotia Power's proposed new charge for people who generate their own electricity and sell it back to the grid. With the expected payback period on solar investments stretching to around 30 years under the proposed changes, rather than the average 10-year span, Brushett anticipates a "giant decrease" in demand for solar panels as most homeowners will no longer find the upgrades affordable. For more information see CBC's articles here (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=94c0245123&e=b24cf58224) and here (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=2f1629bd4a&e=b24cf58224) . If you have concerns about the impact this will have on Nova Scotia's move to ecologically safe renewable energy, consider contacting your MLA with your issues. We acknowledge that we live in Mi?kma?ki, the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi?kmaq People. This territory is covered by the ?Treaties of Peace and Friendship? which did not entail the surrender of lands and resources, but recognized Mi?kmaq title. We want to recognize that outdoor education and play would not be possible without access to the natural world that has been stewarded since time immemorial by the many Indigenous peoples of this land. We acknowledge that we have a responsibility to honour and learn about their histories and current cultures and to actively work in support of reconciliation. We are committed to fostering respectful and sustainable relationships with the Indigenous Peoples of this land, with all other organisms, with the land and with the water. Renew or Join Membership (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=cef021619d&e=b24cf58224) If you enjoyed reading this, please feel free to forward it to someone you think might also appreciate it. If you would like to submit content and notices for the next e-newsletter, please email newsletter at blomidonnaturalists.ca. Thank you! As a non-profit, the Blomidon Naturalists Society relies on the tireless effort of our volunteers and the support of individuals such as yourself. If you are able, we ask that you might consider donating to further enable this work. Donate Now (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=c0f073091e&e=b24cf58224) Donate Monthly (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=c54ed27d96&e=b24cf58224) ============================================================ ** Facebook (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=e5a1d8a1cc&e=b24cf58224) ** Website (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=3e36d6d790&e=b24cf58224) ** Instagram (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=db09663c00&e=b24cf58224) Copyright ? 2022 Blomidon Naturalists Society, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: Blomidon Naturalists Society PO Box 2350 Stn Main Wolfville, NS B4P 2N5 Canada Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp http://www.mailchimp.com/email-referral/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=referral_marketing&aid=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&afl=1 This email was sent to members at blomidonnaturalists.ca (mailto:members at blomidonnaturalists.ca) why did I get this? (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/about?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=bb709aa177&e=b24cf58224&c=ecce61a6cd) unsubscribe from this list (https://blomidonnaturalists.us7.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=bb709aa177&e=b24cf58224&c=ecce61a6cd) update subscription preferences (https://blomidon-naturalists-society.mailchimpsites.com/manage/preferences?u=0dbe0d10c2ef002331c94c4f9&id=bb709aa177&e=b24cf58224&c=ecce61a6cd) Blomidon Naturalists Society . PO Box 2350 Stn Main . Wolfville, NS B4P 2N5 . 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