Whether you’re a long-time advocate for protected areas or simply someone who enjoys spending time in nature, you’re invited to join us for the Protected Areas Summit on July 25th!

The summit is designed to be welcoming and accessible to everyone. No previous knowledge or experience is required. Come to learn, share ideas, meet like-minded people, and connect with some of the incredible places and conservation initiatives happening across Nova Scotia. In the morning, we’ll start with learning about different protected and proposed protected areas through “Protected Area Speed Dating”, then we will get hands-on with a variety of activities, including a phone call corner, collage making, letter writing, and a map demo. Enjoy lunch (it’s on us!). In the afternoon, join a field trip to connect to these important wild spaces.

The Summit will also mark the launch of Protected Areas Week 2026 (July 25–August 1)! Protected Areas Week is an opportunity to celebrate Nova Scotia’s protected areas and help people connect with these special places. Throughout the week, we’ll be highlighting protected areas across the province and encouraging communities to get outside and explore them. If you’re part of a hiking club, community group, environmental organization, or other group that is interested in hosting a hike or outdoor event in a protected area between July 25 and August 1, we’d love to hear from you. If you already have an event planned during that time, we’d be happy to add it to our provincial schedule and help promote it through our platforms. To get involved, email Marina at education.outreach@naturens.ca