902-425-5263 (LAND)
About Us
The Nova Scotia Nature Trust was formed in 1994 by a group of Nova Scotians who foresaw the wisdom of conserving the province's increasingly threatened ecologically significant lands. We are an incorporated charitable organization and are designated as a conservation organization under the Conservation Easement Act of Nova Scotia.
The Nature Trust is operated by a skilled professional staff under the guidance of a volunteer Board of Directors. Our work could not be done without the dedicated support of many donors, volunteers, strong province-wide membership and cooperation from local landowners and land stewards. The Nature Trust is recognized throughout Nova Scotia as the province's pre-eminent conservation organization for privately owned lands.
Our Mission
To protect Nova Scotia’s outstanding natural legacy through land conservation.
Our Vision
We envision a future in which Nova Scotia’s native species, and unique habitats and natural landscapes are protected in perpetuity, and in which this natural legacy is appreciated and actively stewarded.
Beliefs that Guide Our Work:
- Conservation Commitment – Nova Scotia's natural legacy has significant ecological value and must be protected.
- Connection to Nature – Protected natural areas are essential to the quality of life of present and future generations of Nova Scotians.
- Urgency - Action is needed to protect important natural areas that are increasingly threatened by development and resource use.
- Private Land – A focus on private lands is critical because they comprise the majority of Nova Scotia and contain irreplaceable sites and features of conservation priority.
- Landowners – Landowners have a key role to play in protecting Nova Scotia’s special places.
- Service – Information and support for landowners and conservation-minded Nova Scotians is essential to protecting nature on their lands and in their communities.
Our Approach:
- Conservation Science – The best available, most up-to-date conservation science informs our work.
- Land Acquisition – We acquire land through purchase, and acceptance of donations and bequests.
- Conservation Agreements – We enter into permanent, legal conservation agreements with landowners.
- Stewardship – We provide long-term protection and management of conservation lands.
- Co-operation - We partner to implement creative conservation solutions.
- Engagement – We work at the grass roots level to create opportunities for community engagement.
- Leadership – We enhance capacity for private land conservation by developing, applying, and sharing forward-thinking policies and programs.
- Education – We foster appreciation and understanding of the natural environment and the critical importance of conserving natural areas.