NS Invasive Species Council

Guided Invasive Species Walk - Yarmouth
2025-10-28 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Halifax) | Rail Trail, Parking Lot across from 16 Prospect Street, Yarmouth
Join the Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council and Southwest Nova Biosphere Region for a guided walk in Yarmouth!

On this walk, you will learn how to identify, manage, and report common invasive species in the area. Focus will be on Himalayan Blackberry (Rubus bifrons), a species recently discovered in Yarmouth that is a significant threat to biodiversity and recreation.

We will meet at the parking lot across from 16 Prospect Street at 3 pm and then walk along the Yarmouth County Rail Trail.

Accessibility: The section of the Rail Trail we will be on is relatively flat and considered “easy.” We will stop frequently and walk for only part of the two hours.

No registration needed. If you have any questions, please email Hughstin@canadainvasives.ca.

HortEast Conference & Trade Show
2025-11-25 09:00 - 2025-11-26 17:00 | Zatzman Sportsplex, 110 Wyse Road, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, B3A 1M2
Atlantic Canada’s top horticultural conference and trade show!

Stop by the NSISC trade show booth:Tuesday, November 25 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pmWednesday, November 26 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

NSISC Terrestrial Project Coordinator, Hughstin Grimshaw-Surette, will also be presenting on our Grow Me Instead guidebook! Attend his presentation on Wednesday, November 26 at 3:00 pm in the Wyse Room.

Register here. Cost varies.

Nova Scotia Invasive Species Forum 2026
2026-02-13 09:00 - 15:00 | NS
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Due to unforeseen circumstances with the venue, the 2026 Nova Scotia Invasive Species Forum will now be fully virtual. Thank you for your understanding!

Learn the latest about invasive species management and new emerging invasive threats to Nova Scotia ecosystems and economy.

Join us at the Fifth Annual Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council Invasive Species Forum!

Land managers and researchers will share details on exciting management and research news taking place in Nova Scotia. You will learn about current early detection and rapid response efforts, new emerging invasive threats, and what we can all do to prevent their spread. Highlights include Spotted Lanternfly, Zebra Mussels, underwater hull monitoring and more!

Registration closes on Thursday, February 12.

Atlantic Outdoor Sports & RV Show
2026-03-13 10:00 - 2026-03-15 17:00 | Halifax Exhibition Centre, 200 Prospect Road, Goodwood, B3T 1P2
The largest gathering of outdoor enthusiasts in Atlantic Canada!

Stop by the NSISC booth to learn how you can prevent the spread of invasive species and protect the outdoor spaces and activities you love.

HoursFriday, March 13 10:00 – 8:00 pmSaturday, March 14 10:00 am – 8:00 pmSunday, March 15 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Admission includes a full weekend pass! Debit and cash payment accepted at the door. Cost varies.

Migratory Bird Day Celebration: Bird Country Film Screening
2026-05-09 05:00 - 20:00 | NSCC Ivany Campus, 80 Mawio'mi Place, Dartmouth
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with the Bird Friendly Halifax coalition!Join us on May 9th for an evening of bird science, conservation, and community. Explore bird-focused booths and interactive displays featuring local organizations, researchers, and citizen science projects starting at 5 PM.At 6 PM, watch Bird Country, a 53-minute film highlighting bird research across Nova Scotia, featuring tree swallows, shorebirds, and owls. Directed by Zoe D’Amato and Tracy Bennett, it’s a story of survival and belonging on the Atlantic Flyway. A 30-minute panel discussion with the researchers will follow the screening.NSCC Ivany Campus, DartmouthPresentation Theatre & Gallery, Floor 25 – 8 PM

Free, but registration required. REGISTER NOW!If you have any questions, please contact Jess at jess.lewis@naturens.ca.

Sackville Waters Awareness Day Fish Release
2026-05-23 10:00 - 14:00 | Sackville Kinsman Park, 71 First Lake Drive, Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia
The Sackville Lions Club invites you to this family-friendly event at the Kinsmen Beach Park highlighting the environmental and educational importance of caring for our lake and the surrounding area!

Activities include draws and prizes, face painting, a barbecue, guest speakers, educational booths, live music, and more! Kids that attend will also be able to release young trout into First Lake with parental supervision.

This fundraiser helps local organizations protecting the waterways, parks, and greenbelt area. Come out to support organizations including the Sackville Lakes, Park & Trails Association, Friends of First Lake Association, and Sackville Rivers Association.

Sackville Kinsman ParkSaturday, May 23 (rain date: May 30)10AM – 2PM

If you have any questions, please contact Doug at dwgamble11@gmail.com.

Acadia Native Plant Sale
2026-06-06 09:00 - 12:00 | Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens, 32 University Avenue, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Purchase native perennials lovingly propagated by the Friends of the Acadian Forest Volunteer Society from seed collected in the wild and from the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens and from other local plant nurseries. Plus, learn how you can better care for local ecosystems from organizations including the Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council, Blomidon Naturalists Society, and more!

Proceeds from the sale of these plants go back to the non-profit society to support plant conservation and education projects at the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens.

Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens, WolfvilleLarge lawn south of the Walled Garden (enter main gates and turn left)Saturday, June 69AM – 12PM

Kentville World Environment Day
2026-06-06 10:00 - 15:00 | Miner’s Marsh, Barclay Street, Kentville, Nova Scotia
Join the Town of Kentville at Miner’s Marsh and Oakdene Park to celebrate World Environment Day!

Activities for all ages including educational workshops & tours, plant giveaways, info booths, and E-vehicle & E-bike test drives.

The NSISC will be leading invasive plant tours around Miner’s Marsh at 1:15 PM and 2:15 PM! Registration is required.Miner’s Marsh, Barclay Street, KentvilleOakdene Park, 46 Campbell Road, KentvilleSaturday, June 6 (rain date: June 7)10AM – 3PM

Annapolis River Festival
2026-07-11 09:00 - 17:00 | Jubilee Park, 228 Granville Street, Bridgetown, Nova Scotia, B0S 1C0, Canada
The Festival is a fun-filled day open to everyone, celebrating the environmental, historical, cultural, and recreational values of the Annapolis River.

Activities include:– Food and beverage tent– Skills Village– Farming, livestock, and life skills with Clarence 4H– Live music– Education Corner (where you’ll find the NSISC!)– Bouncy castle– Dragon boat races– And so much more!

Festival admission is FREE!

Mahone Bay Guided Walk
2026-07-24 13:00 - 15:00 | Mahone Bay & District Fire Department, 41 Hawthorn Road, Mahone Bay, NS, B0J 2E0
Join us for an afternoon stroll to learn about invasive species with the Town of Mahone Bay! Featuring Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, Multiflora Rose, and more.

We will meet at the Fire Hall (41 Hawthorn Rd) then spend about 2 hours walking through the Jubilee Woods and Bay-to-Bay Trail.

Fill out the form to let us know you’ll be there!

Dog-Strangling Vine Weed Pull - Kentville
2026-08-06 10:00 - 15:00 | Sesame Street, 45°05'36.1"N 64°29'18.1"W, Kentville, NS
Join us on Sesame Street in Kentville to help remove Dog-Strangling Vine; a highly invasive plant that threatens the endangered Monarch Butterfly!

Drop in any time between 10AM and 3PM and stay for as little or as long as you’d like! Parking is available along the side of the road. Just look for our truck (shown below) and you’ll find us!

What to Bring:– Sturdy, closed-toe shoes– Clothes you don’t mind getting dirty– Gardening gloves*– Trowel*– Water– Sunscreen*We have a limited quantity available to borrow

Please contact Hughstin@invasivescanada.ca to sign up to volunteer and ensure you receive any important information/updates prior to the event!
