Nova Scotians preserve land and sanity by embracing Nature Trust
In a world where headlines often weigh heavy, there’s a growing sense that relief may be closer than we think — just outside, in fact. Land conservation has emerged as a beacon of hope in communities across Nova Scotia, offering not just respite for the environment but also for humans as they rediscover joy in nature’s majesty.
“We hear it all the time,” says Bonnie Sutherland, executive director of the Nova Scotia Nature Trust (NSNT), “that land conservation is the antidote to bad news.” And she’s not wrong. As Nova Scotians band together to protect their beloved landscapes, they’re also fostering a renewed sense of community.
One volunteer, Jacques Giard of Kentville, recalls a powerful realization he had while working with the NSNT: “An important thing I learned volunteering is how little of the land in Nova Scotia is publicly owned. We as a community are dependent on what nature provides, and making sure something is there for the next generation is really important.”
Twice the Wild
And it seems many Nova Scotians agree. In 2020, just before the world was turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic, the NSNT launched its “Twice the Wild” campaign. It was an ambitious effort to double the amount of protected land in the province, a goal that would require preserving an additional 15,000 acres by 2025.
Fast-forward to 2024, and not only has NSNT reached that milestone a year early, but it has also celebrated the acquisition of Cape Negro Island, the largest privately owned coastline purchase in Nova Scotia’s history. This 784-acre island off the southwestern coast will now be safeguarded for future generations, adding to a growing list of natural sanctuaries protected by the Trust.
“It’s joy,” Sutherland says, her voice bright with the kind of enthusiasm you can’t fake. “Joy at the wonder of nature, and joy knowing that your special place is being protected.” The Twice the Wild campaign has captured that sense of joy, inspiring community members to step up even in challenging times.
COVID’s silver lining
When the world slowed down in 2020, it prompted a collective re-awakening to the natural world. “It was a time of discovery — or rediscovery,” Sutherland explains. With limited options for safe outdoor activities, people flocked to wooded trails, beaches and open fields, reconnecting with the environment in ways that left a lasting impact. What followed was a wave of generosity, even amid economic uncertainty.
The NSNT set a fundraising goal of $23 million alongside the land preservation target, and with the help of a few corporate sponsors — but mostly through individual donations — they reached it. “Nova Scotians were inspired to do what they could,” Sutherland recalls. “People stepped forward, offering what they had, whether that was money, time or land itself.”
Land conservation has become more than just an environmental initiative — it’s a personal mission for many. The NSNT offers several avenues for landowners to contribute: from outright donations or sales to conservation easements, where owners retain their land but commit to keeping it undeveloped. These models make it easy for everyday people to participate in a movement with long-lasting effects.
Today, thanks to the Twice the Wild campaign, NSNT protects around 190 properties across the province, encompassing some of the most biologically and ecologically significant areas. From forests to wetlands, these places represent the best of Nova Scotia’s natural heritage, preserved for the enjoyment of future generations.
But it’s not just about the numbers or the acres saved — there’s a deeper connection at play. “Conservation really resonates with people,” Sutherland says. “It’s a tangible, immediate way to do something positive.
It satisfies a personal need deeper than just giving money. It’s about leaving a legacy, about ensuring that the places you love in Nova Scotia will remain long after you are gone.”
Volunteers like Giard and his wife embody that sense of purpose. As Property Guardians, they regularly check in on protected lands, making sure no harm has come to these precious spaces. “We play a little part in this, and combined with other little parts, it ends up being a really big part,” Giard says humbly. Their work is essential, ensuring that these lands remain healthy and thriving, whether they’re open for public use or preserved for ecological research.
The gift of guardians
For many in Nova Scotia, the NSNT represents not just a way to fight climate anxiety but a pathway to hope. In a time when good news can feel hard to come by, land conservation offers a reminder that, together, we can shape a better future — one acre at a time.
As Sutherland puts it: “It’s about ensuring that something beautiful, something essential, will be here long after we’re gone. And that’s something everyone can be proud of.”
To learn more about the Nova Scotia Nature Trust and how your organization can make a difference, explore www.nsnt.ca
