Nature literacy is declining. Many Nova Scotians, particularly youth, lead lives that are increasingly disconnected from nature and the issues that affect our shared wellbeing. Whether because of lack of access, discomfort in new environments or in a setting largely dominated by white settler Canadians, or simply missing knowledge of the opportunities that are out there, isolation from nature carries important consequences for both human health and that of the natural world.
Nature Nova Scotia’s work engaging young people in natural history is rooted in the following understandings:
- We cannot expect Nova Scotians to take action for nature if they haven’t experienced it.
- Developing the values and behaviours that benefit nature conservation first requires some understanding of how natural things, places, and systems work.
- Nature-based learning approaches are key to improving understanding of the natural world but also for fostering the memories and emotional experiences that can turn that understanding into action.
How We're Connecting Nova Scotians to Nature
Lesson Plans
Nature learning is stippled throughout Nova Scotia’s public school curriculum but it can be difficult for teachers to make connections across goals and learning outcomes, especially where biodiversity and experiential learning are so often underrepresented. We’ve created a small selection of resources for teachers to use in class (and in the field) to integrate their goals and nature literacy.
Grades 2-5: Waterbirds
Grade 7: The Wabanaki-Acadian Forest
Grades 7-9: Mainland Moose
Naturehood: Turning Young Naturalists into Activists
Young people are understandably upset about the state of the natural world. We’re helping them find their voice and turn their knowledge into tangible action for nature. Young naturalists took on citizen science, write letters to decision makers, and created artwork that shared a wider call to action, thanks to Nature Canada’s support of our 2024-2025 Naturehood project, “Turning Young Naturalists into Activists”
Participants practiced their citizen science skills, wrote letters to provincial and federal decision makers, created artwork to share with their friends, family, and the wider community, combined forest species ID practice with Pride, and “assisted” their guardians with petition signatures.
We engaged over 300 young Nova Scotians in 2024-2025 and are hopeful we’ll be able to do more in 2025-2026. Stay tuned for updates on future education and outreach plans as we finalize our new Strategic Plan.
Celebration of Nature
Each year, we organize a gathering for naturalists in a symposium program that includes talks, guided outings, and a youth program. We explore protected areas, learn about sustainable management on working lands, and hear about new research, stewardship, and activism initiatives.
Biodiversity Badge
The Biodiversity Badge is a collaboration between Hike Nova Scotia and Nature Nova Scotia that encourages Nova Scotians to contribute to citizen science while racking up the kilometers! To qualify for the badge, you must complete at least 10 hikes and, for each one, upload 10 or more plant, animal, fungi, or other life observations via iNaturalist.
To apply for your badge, you must report on the areas hiked and provide your iNaturalist username to Hike Nova Scotia to verify your citizen science contribution. Get out there and start logging those hikes!
Check out this blog post from Hike Nova Scotia board member Jonathan Riley
Connect With Us
Questions? Have a suggestion for a new learning resource? Looking to connect with a subject expert?
Reach out to education.outreach@naturens.ca
