Event Details
- Date: –




The Celebration of Nature is the annual gathering for naturalists in Nova Scotia and symposium for all things nature! It’s also our AGM.
Each year, we partner with a NatureNS member group to organize a series of talks, guided walks, a youth program, and other activities in a new and fascinating natural area. Last year we explored the Annapolis Valley with Blomidon Naturalists Society. Before that we learned about urban nature in Halifax with the Halifax Field Naturalists.
This year, we’re headed to the North shore of the Minas Basin with friends from the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark. We have a weekend full of interesting talks and field trips planned, plus a Friday social, raffle draw, the presentation of the 2025 Conservation award, and, as per tradition, Nature Nova Scotia’s AGM on the Sunday morning.
Registration opens in February. Stay tuned for schedule updates and notification that ticket sales have opened.
Our Schedule
Friday May 23rd
6pm: Check-in for those staying at Debert Hospitality Centre
7pm-9pm: Cash bar, Raffle ticket sales, snack by Duchman’s Cheese Farm, live music with Hooligans Ruff
9pm onward: Stargazing with Pat Kelly
Saturday May 24th
8am: Breakfast by Debert Hospitality Centre
9am: Welcome & Opening Ceremony
9:40am: Nature Talk – the Endangered Mainland Moose with Bob Bancroft
11am: From Air to Earth: How Forests turn CO2 into climate solutions with Donna Crossland
12pm: Lunch by Debert Hospitality Centre, travel to Field Trip sites
1pm: Field Trips
Field Trip Option #1: Mindfulness Hike at Thomas Cove
Field Trip Option #2: Debert Interpretive Trail
Field Trip Option #3: TBD
5pm: Silent Auction
6pm: Banquet by Debert Hospitality Centre, Raffle ticket sales
7pm: Presentation of 2025 Conservation Award
Time TBD: Swift’s & Swallows, Stargazing
Sunday May 25th
8am: Breakfast by Debert Hospitality Centre
9am: Keynote Presentation with John Calder
10am: Break, Raffle ticket sales
10:20am: Nature Nova Scotia AGM
12pm: Farewell Lunch, travel to Field Trip sites
1pm: Field Trips
Field Trip Option #1: Fundy Geological Museum Visit & Behind the Scenes Tour
Field Trip Option #2: Five Islands Park with Anna Hergert
Field Trip Option #3: The Old Wife Geological Formation with John Calder
Naturalists head home. Raffle draw happens at 9pm and winning naturalist is contacted virtually shortly after.
Registration
Please note that a block of rooms has been set aside at the Debert Hospitality Centre but that booking accommodations is up to the individual naturalist and not included in the symposium ticket. There are other accommodations available in the Debert area as well.
You may register for the whole symposium (which includes all meals including the Saturday night banquet) or you can register for just a banquet ticket. This option is available in response to interest from naturalists wishing to dine with family or friends who are not attending the rest of the symposium. There is not a half-weekend option. You can attend only one or partial days if you wish, but you must purchase the full symposium ticket.
Your symposium ticket gives you access to all Celebration activities and includes all meals (but not alcoholic drinks available during Friday social hours). Each afternoon gives naturalists the opportunity to attend one of three field trips. Registration for field trips opens Friday night at the social hours venue and is first-come-first-served. Field trips may have maximum participant limits but competition for field trip spots is typically low. There may be carpooling opportunities for hikes but vehicles will be necessary for traveling to sites.
Please note: your ticket may show only the Celebration start date of May 23rd. Be assured your ticket gives you full weekend access, this is simply a formatting issue with Eventbrite. You may arrive at the Celebration any day you choose and stay for the entire event or only part of the weekend, whatever you prefer. Please remember to book your accommodations accordingly.
Pricing
Members of Nature Nova Scotia and the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark benefit from a reduced price for the full symposium. Not sure about your membership? Contact the organization directly to inquiry. For Nature Nova Scotia membership inquiries, reach out to Becky at becky.parker@naturens.ca
Non-Member Ticket
$190
Member Ticket
$150
Banquet-Only Ticket
$60