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ecologyaction.bsky.social
Ecology Action Centre
@ecologyaction.bsky.social
450 followers 39 following 150 posts
The EAC is an environmental charity in Mi'kma'ki / Nova Scotia taking leadership on critical issues from biodiversity to climate change to environmental justice. Visit us at www.ecologyaction.ca 🌱
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ecologyaction.bsky.social
“We need younger blood involved in the fishery. The bulk of the fisher harvesters in around Newfoundland is 60 plus, 90% of 'em are 60 plus” - Ernest Decker

Episodes 4 & 5 of People, Place, and the Ocean, feature Ernest Decker, a fish harvester from Rocky Harbour.

open.spotify.com/episode/07jC...
November 13, 2025 at 5:03 PM
ecologyaction.bsky.social
@sandylakecoalition.bsky.social
Square graphic with a megaphone in the bottom left corner. Text is dark blue and reads, "Take action! The Province is holding an open house: Blue Mountain - Birch Cove Lake Wednesday, November 19 St. Peter’s Anglican Church Sessions at 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. | 2 - 4 p.m. | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Go. Ask questions. Demand real answers."
November 13, 2025 at 1:10 PM
ecologyaction.bsky.social
The future of Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes is on the line. Let's be clear, this isn't planning. It's political interference & corporate influence dressed up as "housing solutions".

HRM needs affordable, climate ready housing within serviced areas. Not this.
Nov 19
engagehalifax.ca/highway-102-...
Square graphic with a megaphone in the top left corner, logos for Our HRM Alliance and Ecology Action Centre in the top right, and a photo of Blue Mountain Birch Cove Lakes (BMBCL) in a circle frame in the bottom right. Text is dark blue and reads, "Blue Mountain–Birch Cove Lakes is on the chopping block." Square graphic with an image of BMBCL in the top left. Text is dark blue and reads, "The Province has designated the “Highway 102 West Corridor” as a Special Planning Area. Clearing the way for a mega-development beside BMBCL, against the community’s vision. For over 10 years, residents, experts and the HRM have worked to protect and expand BMBCL. The Province is ignoring that public vision and overriding municipal planning authority." Square graphic with an image of sunset at BMBCL in an oval frame at the bottom. Text is dark blue and reads, "11,500 housing units = a population the size of Truro. All jammed into an area with no transit, no servicing and congested roads. This isn’t smart growth, it’s rushed sprawl." Square graphic with an image of bumper to bumper traffic in an oval frame at the bottom. Text is dark blue and reads, "This site sits outside the Urban Service Boundary. That means: Expensive new infrastructure funded by taxpayers. Car-dependency & gridlock. Less investment where density should be added. A development of this scale deserves due diligence. Not a fast-track for private interests."
November 13, 2025 at 1:10 PM
ecologyaction.bsky.social
@sandylakecoalition.bsky.social
A square graphic with a megaphone in the bottom left. Text is dark blue and reads, "Take action! The Province is holding open houses: Sandy Lake: Wednesday, November 12 Bedford United Church Sessions at 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | 2 - 4 p.m. | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Go. Ask hard questions. Demand real answers."
November 12, 2025 at 2:51 PM
ecologyaction.bsky.social
This is not a drill: Sandy Lake's future may be decided in the coming days.

If we want a say in the future of our communities, we need to show up.

HRM Open House re: Sandy Lake is TONIGHT: engagehalifax.ca/sandy-lake-s...

This is our chance to defend our right to shape the communities we live in.
Square graphic with a megaphone in the top left, logos for Our HRM Alliance and the Ecology Action Centre in the top right corner, and an image of Sandy Lake in a circular frame in the bottom right. Text is green and dark blue and reads, "This may be the last chance to save sandy lake. We need to fill the room." Square graphic with an image of people canoeing on Sandy Lake at the bottom. Text is green and dark blue and reads, "What's happening: The Province has taken control of planning at Sandy Lake - cutting out the HRM Council and sidelining public oversight. If we don’t show up now, this rushed plan could move ahead without proper studies or community consent." Square graphic with green and blue text. Text reads, "What's at stake: This development could mean: Increased flood risk for nearby neighborhoods. Severe traffic congestion on already congested roads. $130M+ in public costs for private development. A car-dependent subdivision outside the Urban Service Boundary. A dangerous precedent for bypassing local democracy." Square graphic with blue text. Text reads, "What we're asking: Pause provincial-driven expansion. Complete environmental & climate studies first. Put democratic municipal planning back where it belongs - with the community. Build homes while protecting nature and people. Good planning isn’t a delay, it’s prevention."
November 12, 2025 at 2:51 PM
ecologyaction.bsky.social
Join the EAC and Our HRM Alliance for a free information webinar to help understand the threat these developments pose.

You’ll hear from people actively working to protect these areas and gain insights you can use to provide feedback at the HRM open houses.

TONIGHT ecologyaction.ca/sandy-lake-b...
Square graphic with a megaphone in the top left corner and logos for the EAC and Our HRM Alliance in the top right. Text reads, "Join the EAC & Our HRM Alliance for a free information webinar TONIGHT to help you and your neighbors understand the threat these developments pose. This could be one of our last chances to save Sandy Lake & the Bmbcl" A square graphic with a megaphone in the bottom left corner. Text reads, "Take action. Want to learn more about what’s at stake? Join the EAC and Our HRM Alliance TONIGHT, November 10 for an in-depth breakdown of these projects, their risks and how we can push for a better path forward. Registration link in caption. November 10: 7 - 8 p.m." A square graphic with a megaphone in the bottom left corner. Text reads, "Take action. The Province is holding open houses: Sandy Lake: Wednesday, November 12 Bedford United Church Sessions at 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | 2 - 4 p.m. | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Blue Mountain - Birch Cove Lake Wednesday, November 19 St. Peter’s Anglican Church Sessions at 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. | 2 - 4 p.m. | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Go. Ask questions. Demand real answers."
November 10, 2025 at 2:07 PM
ecologyaction.bsky.social
Join us for a free information webinar to help you and your neighbors understand the threat these developments pose. You’ll hear from people actively working to protect these areas and gain insights you can use to provide feedback at the HRM open house events.

ecologyaction.ca/sandy-lake-b...
Square graphic with a megaphone in the top left and the logos for Our HRM Alliance and the Ecology Action Centre in the top right. Text is green and blue and reads, "This could be one of our last chances to save Sandy Lake & the Bmbcl. Join the EAC & Our HRM Alliance for a free information webinar to help you and your neighbors understand the threat these developments pose." Square graphic with a megaphone in the bottom left. Text is blue and reads, "Take action: Want to learn more about what’s at stake? Join the EAC and Our HRM Alliance on November 9 or 10 for an in-depth breakdown of these projects, their risks and how we can push for a better path forward. Registration link in caption. November 9: 4 - 5 p.m. November 10: 7 - 8 p.m." Square graphic with a megaphone in the bottom left. Text is blue and reads, "Take action: The Province is holding open houses: Sandy Lake: Wednesday, November 12 Bedford United Church Sessions at 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | 2 - 4 p.m. | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Blue Mountain - Birch Cove Lake Wednesday, November 19 St. Peter’s Anglican Church Sessions at 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. | 2 - 4 p.m. | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m."
November 7, 2025 at 6:51 PM
ecologyaction.bsky.social
📢 Shoulder to Shoulder: We Are All Treaty People Rally - Saturday, Nov. 15

From all corners of the province, unrest is growing, and a movement is forming ✊

Rally details:
When: Saturday, Nov 15 at 12 p.m.
Where: Halifax Commons, corner of Robie and Cogswell Street

We hope you'll join us 💚
A square graphic with a dark blue background, a megaphone in the left bottom and an image of Mi'kmaw infrastructure in a circle frame in the right bottom. Text is white and yellow and reads, "Shoulder to shoulder, we are all treaty people. Rally: Saturday, Nov. 15. Halifax Commons. Corner of Robie & Cogswell. Kjipuktuk/Halifax - 12:00 p.m." A square graphic with a dark blue background, a megaphone in the left top and an image of tree cover in a circle frame in the right bottom. Text is white and yellow and reads, "Join communities from across Mi'kma'ki to stand up against the destruction of our lands and waters. We stand together in solidarity with land defenders and water protectors at Tqamuoweye'katik / Hunter's Mountain, and all resistance movements in Nova Scotia." A square graphic with a dark blue background, an image of Mi'kmaw art in the left top. Text is white and yellow and reads, ""Nature has rights - humans have responsibilities." Dr. / Elder Albert Marshall. "If you live, work, play or pray in Nova Scotia, we want you there. We want to hear your voices." Mi'kmaw land defenders Michelle Paul and Glenda Junta" A square graphic with a dark blue background, an image of Mi'kmaw art in the bottom right. Text is white and yellow and reads, "Shoulder to Shoulder: we are all treaty people. Halifax Commons - Kjipuktuk. Saturday, Nov. 15 - 12:00 p.m. Meet at the corner of Robie and Cogswell. Bring your community banners, signs, flags and regalia. Bring your drums, songs and prayers. Together, let's tell Tim Houston to stop selling our futures, and demand that he respect the Treaties, our democratic rights and our community voices."
November 6, 2025 at 7:27 PM
ecologyaction.bsky.social
A square graphic with a megaphone in the bottom left corner. Text is dark blue and reads, "Take action: The Province is holding open houses: Sandy Lake: Wednesday, November 12 Bedford United Church Sessions at 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | 2 - 4 p.m. | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m." A square graphic with a megaphone in the bottom left corner. Text is dark blue and reads, "Want to understand what’s really at stake? Join the Ecology Action Centre on November 9 or 10 for an in-depth breakdown of these projects, their risks and how we can push for a better path forward. Registration link in caption."
November 6, 2025 at 3:37 PM
ecologyaction.bsky.social
A square graphic with an image of a flooded parking lot at sobeys at the bottom. Text is green and blue and reads, "Flood risk: Sandy Lake drains into Sackville River - the same river that saw catastrophic flooding in 2023. No full flood-impact study. No climate-safety guarantee. Fast-tracking development here could put homes and lives in danger. We deserve answers before decisions, not after potential emergency evacuations." A square graphic with an image of people canoeing in Sandy Lake in the bottom left. Text is green and dark blue and reads, "Huge public cost: Estimated public cost for this sprawl is at LEAST $130 million in direct infrastructure costs to HRM & Halifax Water. Not including the additional $83 million in shared costs. That’s money that could build housing where services already exist, not subsidize a developer. Why should Nova Scotians foot the bill for unwarranted and unwanted sprawl?" A square graphic with an aerial image of Sandy Lake in an oval frame at the bottom. Text is green and dark blue and reads, "Democracy matters: There is no HRM Council vote. No public hearing. No meaningful municipal oversight. The Province isn’t ‘helping’, it’s bypassing the process meant to protect residents, safety and public money. When democracy gets sidelined, communities lose." A square graphic with navy blue text. Text reads, "What we're asking: Pause provincial-driven expansion. Complete environmental & climate studies first. Put democratic municipal planning back where it belongs - with the community. Build homes while protecting nature and people. Good planning isn’t a delay, it’s prevention."
November 6, 2025 at 3:37 PM
ecologyaction.bsky.social
This could be our LAST CHANCE to save Sandy Lake!

Show up. Speak up.

Public Open Houses:
engagehalifax.ca/sandy-lake-special-planning-area

Join one of our info sessions: ecologyaction.ca/sandy-lake-bmbcl-public-consultation
Square graphic with a megaphone in the top left, logos for Our HRM Alliance and the Ecology Action Centre in the top right, and an image of Sandy Lake in a circle frame in the bottom right. Text is dark blue and reads "Sandy Lake is on the line. This might be our last chance to stop it." A square graphic with an image of Sandy Lake in the bottom left corner. Text is green and dark blue and reads, "What's happening: The Province has taken control of planning at Sandy Lake - cutting the HRM Council and public hearings out of the final decision. They want to fast track a new suburban subdivision here, without the full studies needed to protect people or public funds. This isn’t housing policy, this is a power grab." A square graphic with a photo of Sandy Lake in an oval frame at the bottom. Text is green and dark blue and reads, "Why this matters: Sandy Lake isn’t “empty land”, it’s a place people paddle, walk and breathe. Once it’s paved, it’s gone forever. This isn’t community building, it’s a model of growth that leaves everyone paying more for less." A square graphic with an image of Sandy Lake at the bottom. Text is green and dark blue and reads, "Traffic: Already stuck on Hammonds Plains? This plan makes it worse, way worse. The Province floated a “Sandy Lake connector road” without studies or proof it would help, and it could bulldoze through treasured public land."
November 6, 2025 at 3:37 PM
ecologyaction.bsky.social
This episode features part of a conversation with longtime fisherman, Ernest Decker. Ernest opens up about the history, challenges and changes throughout the fisheries in the Gros Morne region.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts!
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/5c9pzy4...
November 5, 2025 at 1:02 PM
ecologyaction.bsky.social
A square graphic with an image of Sandy Lake in an oval frame at the bottom. Text reads, "Sprawl is the most expensive way to grow. Roads, pipes, transit routes, maintenance - it all adds up. Nova Scotians will have to pay for it. We need growth that strengthens communities, not drains public budgets." Square graphic, text reads "What we’re asking: Pause provincial-driven expansion. Complete adequate environmental & climate studies first. Put democratic municipal planning back where it belongs - with the community. Build homes while protecting nature and people. Good planning isn’t a delay, it’s prevention." Square graphic with a megaphone in the bottom left corner. Text reads, "Take action. The Province is holding open houses: Sandy Lake: Wednesday, November 12 Bedford United Church Sessions at 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | 2 - 4 p.m. | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Blue Mountain - Birch Cove Lake Wednesday, November 19 St. Peter’s Anglican Church Sessions at 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. | 2 - 4 p.m. | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Go. Ask hard questions. Demand real answers." Square graphic with a megaphone in the bottom left corner. Text reads, "Take action. Want to understand what’s really at stake? Join the Ecology Action Centre on November 9 or 10 for an in-depth breakdown of these projects, their risks and how we can push for a better path forward. Registration link in caption."
November 4, 2025 at 4:32 PM
ecologyaction.bsky.social
🚨 What’s happening with the Regional Plan is not simply “development”. It’s a stab at our democracy, and we’re running out of time to stop it.

️🏠 Public Open Houses:
Nov. 12 Sandy Lake
Nov. 19 BMBCL

Webinars: ecologyaction.ca/sandy-lake-bmbcl-public-consultation

@sandylakecoalition.bsky.social
Square graphic with a megaphone in the top left corner, logos for Our HRM Alliance and Ecology Action Centre in the top right, and an image of Sandy lake in a circle frame in the bottom right corner. Text in the center reads, “Proposed development in Sandy Lake & BMBCL: what's at stake?" Square graphic with an image of Sandy Lake in the bottom left corner. Text reads, "The Province is fast-tracking massive developments and skipping key democratic and environmental steps along the way. Municipal planning should be local. But this time? The Province is directing HRM to expand suburbs without letting the municipality lead the process or residents meaningfully participate. This isn’t collaborative governance. This is provincial overreach." Square graphic with an image of a flooded road in the bottom left corner. Text reads, "When development decisions skip public input and scientific review, communities shoulder the risks - not decision makers. Once land is developed, we don’t get it back. Planned growth areas include wetlands, forests and natural buffers that protect homes from flooding and extreme weather. Pushing ahead without climate and watershed studies could put people and ecosystems in harm’s way. We deserve planning grounded in science, not shortcuts." Square graphic with an image of bumper to bumper traffic at the bottom. Text reads, "More sprawl means more cars and congestion, not less. New highways won’t fix it. They invite more traffic, more emissions and more public cost. Smart planning means walkable communities, reliable transit and homes close to services. Not endless commuting."
November 4, 2025 at 4:32 PM
ecologyaction.bsky.social
Square graphic with a megaphone in the bottom left corner. Text reads, "Take action. The Province is holding open houses: Sandy Lake: Wednesday, November 12 Bedford United Church Sessions at 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | 2 - 4 p.m. | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Blue Mountain - Birch Cove Lake Wednesday, November 19 St. Peter’s Anglican Church Sessions at 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. | 2 - 4 p.m. | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Go. Ask questions. Demand real answers." Square graphic with a megaphone in the bottom left corner. Text reads, "Take action. Want to learn more about what’s at stake? Join the EAC and Our HRM Alliance on November 9 or 10 for an in-depth breakdown of these projects, their risks and how we can push for a better path forward. Registration link in caption."
November 4, 2025 at 12:53 PM
ecologyaction.bsky.social
🚨 This might be one of our last chances to save two crucial wild spaces in the HRM from being pushed into sprawling development.

👉ecologyaction.ca/sandy-lake-bmbcl-public-consultation

This isn’t good planning.
It’s anti-democratic and it puts people and nature at risk.
Square graphic with a megaphone in the left top corner and an image of Sandy Lake in the bottom right. Text reads, "This could be one of our last chances to save Sandy Lake and the Bmbcl..." Square graphic with an image of people canoeing on Sandy Lake in the top left corner. Text reads, "The Province is fast-tracking massive developments at Sandy Lake and the Blue Mountain - Birch Cove Lakes. Both areas have been declared “Special Planning Areas,” (SPAs) meaning the Province - not HRM - is calling the shots. That means fewer checks and balances, less transparency and less say for the public." Square graphic with an image of flooding in the bottom left corner. Text reads, "These aren’t empty lots, they’re vital ecosystems that protect nearby homes and communities from flooding, provide clean water and store carbon. Paving them over could worsen flooding risks, destroy wildlife habitat and cost taxpayers for new infrastructure. The government claims this is about solving the housing crisis, but rushed development without proper research or environmental safeguards won’t solve anything. We need science-led planning, not rushed, reckless sprawl." Square graphic with an image of bumper to bumper traffic in the bottom left. Text reads, "Adding thousands of new homes without real transit solutions means more congestion, not less. And just building more highways isn’t the answer. It only creates more car dependency and pollution. We can’t afford to lose more wild spaces to bad planning. Speak up for Sandy Lake and Blue Mountain - Birch Cove Lake, and for a Nova Scotia where people and nature both thrive."
November 4, 2025 at 12:53 PM
ecologyaction.bsky.social
Thank you to all who participated in our Hike the Greenbelt series this year!

There isn’t much better than enjoying nature with such wonderful company. 🌱

📸 from our recent hike to Fox Lake Lookout, provided by Sheetal Sawaram

ecologyaction.ca/about-us/con...
November 3, 2025 at 4:18 PM
ecologyaction.bsky.social
November is full of opportunities to learn, connect, and take action - from open houses on local development to stories of ocean stewardship across Atlantic Canada.⁠

Check out our posts on Facebook or Instagram for more info and the full list of links!

www.facebook.com/share/p/16SC...
November 3, 2025 at 1:17 PM
ecologyaction.bsky.social
People, Place, and the Ocean: Corals and Sponges at the Marine Station is out now!

The conversation with Dr. Evan Edinger continues in this episode with a focus on how community-based research projects have made a local impact.

open.spotify.com/show/5c9pzy4FuuxDod3NajdFLc?si=bdbdb7cef6cf40b4
October 30, 2025 at 1:15 PM
ecologyaction.bsky.social
A celebration for big sharks & years of persistence

After steady pressure from the Shark League, Mexico has announced long overdue bans protecting several vulnerable Atlantic shark species.

Persistence works. Let’s keep the pressure on. 🦈

📖 ecologyaction.ca/resources-me...
White text overlaid on an image of a mako shark. Text reads, "Big news for sharks! Mexico announces new protections for threatened atlantic shark species." Bottom right: logos for the Shark League and Ecology Action Centre. White text overlaid on an image of a mako shark. Text reads, "What's new: Mexico has banned the catching and keeping of these shark species: Bigeye thrasher, Oceanic whitetip, Shortfin mako, Hammerheads, Silky sharks" White text overlaid on an image of a mako shark. Text reads, "Why this matters: These bans bring Mexico in line with international agreements (ICCAT) made over a decade ago. A crucial step to help vulnerable shark populations." White text overlaid on an image of a hammerhead shark. Text reads, "What's next: Other countries still need to follow suit. Global conservation only works when everyone keeps their commitments."
October 29, 2025 at 7:30 PM
ecologyaction.bsky.social
🍎 Our Food Team is looking to grow! 🌽

The Senior Community Food Coordinator will work to grow supportive relationships with diverse organizations, businesses and researchers in the food system.

For more information and to apply before Wednesday, November 5.

ecologyaction.ca/careers
Left: image of plants in square plastic plots at a community garden. Right: black text on a light green background. Text reads, "We're hiring. Senior community food coordinator. Job description: Co-Leadership, Community & Stakeholder Engagement, Research & Report Writing. Please apply via our website by November 5, 2025: ecologyaction.ca/careers"
October 29, 2025 at 3:18 PM
ecologyaction.bsky.social
Top: aerial image of an open pit uranium mine. Bottom: text in a white box that reads, "A better path forward. Nova Scotia doesn’t need uranium. We need green jobs, clean energy and long term economic security that keeps our communities and ecosystems healthy. Nova Scotians don’t want uranium mining. We want a sustainable, just future."
October 29, 2025 at 2:45 PM
ecologyaction.bsky.social
“It wasn’t that hard to get 7,000 signatures. Nobody wants this.”

One of the largest petitions in recent NS memory was tabled, calling for the reinstatement of the province’s long-standing ban on uranium exploration & mining.

ecologyaction.ca/our-work/politics-policy/keeping-know-nova-scotia
Text on the bottom of the graphic in white and black boxes, overlaid on an aerial photograph of a tail pond by an open-put mine in Nova Scotia. Text reads, "7,000+ Nova Scotians said NO to uranium mining. A major show of public will against a dangerous and unwanted industry. Learn more." Text in a white box overlaid on an image of an uranium mine. Text reads, "What happened: Earlier this month, a petition with nearly 8,000 signatures was tabled in the Legislature (~7k tabled by NDP and ~1k more tabled by the Liberals), calling for the reinstatement of Nova Scotia’s uranium ban. The ban was quietly lifted this spring - without public consultation, scientific evidence or Indigenous engagement." Right: text in a white box. Left: Man standing holding two signs, one reads "Uranium, do not disturb" with a skull drinking a glass of water with a straw, other reads, "I draw the line at uranium mining." Text on right reads, "Why people are pushing back: Nova Scotians have said this for decades: Uranium mining is an unacceptable risk to our health, land and water. Cleanup costs can last for generations. It contaminates water and soil. It doesn’t deliver the jobs or prosperity promised." Bottom: aerial image of an open pit uranium mine. Top: text in a white box that reads, "What this petition means: At the time when the government is shutting the public out of decisions, Nova Scotians are doing democracy themselves. This petition shows people are engaged, informed and organized."
October 29, 2025 at 2:45 PM
ecologyaction.bsky.social
“ You can't be a conservation scientist without also being an advocate for biodiversity conservation” - Evan Edinger

Episodes 2&3 of 'People, Place, and the Ocean', feature Dr. Evan Edinger of Memorial University of Newfoundland.

open.spotify.com/show/5c9pzy4...

📸 AHOI NL
October 28, 2025 at 12:13 PM
ecologyaction.bsky.social
White text on a navy blue background, at the bottom of the graphic is an image of a piping plover on West Mabou Beach. Text reads, "What's at stake: West Mabou’s dunes and wetlands support at least 18 rare and endangered species, including the critically endangered piping plover. You can’t “co-exist” with a golf course here. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever." White text overlaid on an image of West Mabou Beach at sunset. Text reads, "How to take action: The government hasn’t decided yet - it’s not too late to act!! *Call, write or meet with your MLA - It's important that our government representatives hear from as many people as possible. *Get your concerns on the record - email Premier Houston & cc Minister Rushton & Minister Halman. Together, we can protect West Mabou until it’s safe for good. *contact information and links in caption"
October 27, 2025 at 4:29 PM