Our Volunteer Writer, Andrew Robinson, recently caught up with Linda Tremblay, long time supporter and volunteer of the Nova Scotia Nature Trust.

Linda, thanks so much for speaking with me today, and for your support of the Nature Trust

Oh, not at all. I’ve loved every minute of my time with the Nature Trust, and since they relocated to Dartmouth, I’ve found it so much easier to support the team at the office.

So how did you first get involved with the Nature Trust?

Well, I remember hearing about them many years ago, when they were still a very young organisation. I thought it was a great idea, and I made a few financial contributions, but then kids and life got in the way and I think I fell out of touch.

It was a few years later that a friend invited me to join her at the Annual Dinner. I thought the event was fantastic, so I approached the Nature Trust to ask about volunteering on the dinner committee. I think I did five dinners, everything from mailings to making table decorations and setting up for the big event! I am also a fibre artist and I donated a picture to the Auction a few years ago.

I also volunteer for the Annual Showcase and AGM at the Museum of Natural History, and now the office is in Dartmouth, I provide office support at times also.

Fantastic! So, what brought you to nature in the first place?

I think everyone of my generation grew up playing outdoors, so there’s that. And I worked as a Phys Ed teacher, so I spent a lot of time outdoors with the children at camps and field sports. We also had a cottage on Sherbrooke Lake for 27 years, although our holiday home is afloat in Mahone Bay these days, and we enjoy island hopping in the summer. I’ve always been passionate about the outdoors and I would love to see all the environmentally sensitive lands protected.

Actually, from the water you can see why the work of the Nature Trust is so vital. As you know, close to 90% of Nova Scotia shoreline is privately owned, and along the South Shore where we sail you can see how landowners have altered the shoreline with coastal protection measures. I’m sure they have no idea of the long-term effects they are having on the natural eco-systems. My husband John is a fisheries scientist and he can see first-hand these effects.

What would you say to people who might consider volunteering for the Nature Trust?

I’d say do it! If you have an interest in nature you will find this team is very engaging. I’ve had great fun even on the most menial of tasks like stuffing envelopes for a mailing. There are so many ways to get involved. If you love the outdoors you can be a Property Guardian. If you are an organiser you can help with the Dinner and Auction, or the events calendar. And if you prefer to enjoy nature from the warmth of the indoors, there are many office tasks to help with. Wherever you live, and whatever your interests, the Nature Trust can find a useful, meaningful job for you to do.

If you would like to volunteer with the Nature Trust, please visit our Volunteer page to find out more.