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The Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council (NSISC) is a non-profit environmental organization raising awareness and promoting a coordinated response to the threat of invasive species in Nova Scotia. The NSISC is guided by a Steering Committee of volunteers from various academic, government and non-government organizations. The NSISC is a chapter of the Canadian Council on Invasive Species (CCIS), a national non-profit organization working with partners across Canada to reduce the threat and impacts of invasive species.
Sheri MacNeil is from Halifax, Nova Scotia, spending numerous years living in Southwest Nova Scotia, exploring trails and wilderness areas, enjoying the abundance of wildlife and natural areas that Nova Scotia has to offer. A recent graduate of the Nova Scotia Community College Natural Resources and Environmental Technology program, Sheri has joined the team at Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council as the Aquatics Project Coordinator and is excited to pursue her new career in the environmental field after many years working in adult literacy and employment initiatives. Sheri is a lifelong learner, enjoys field work, and applied research projects that incorporate Etuaptmumk, (Two-Eyed seeing) and focus on conservation and stewardship.
Hughstin Grimshaw-Surette is from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia and from an early age has had a strong interest in insects and plants. He holds a B.Sc. in Environmental Science and a M.Sc. in Applied Science from Saint Mary’s University. During his master’s degree, Hughstin researched the influence of green roof characteristics on pollinator communities. Before joining the NSISC team he instructed environmental science classes and labs at Saint Mary’s University. As the Terrestrial Project Coordinator for the NSISC, he is involved with invasive plant and insect surveys, invasive plant management, and outreach activities. He is passionate about working with communities to engage in discussions about invasive species and what we can do to protect native biodiversity.
Ken Donnelly has worked on behaviour change programs for 32 years and has applied behaviour change specifically to the human dimensions of invasive species prevention for 12 years. He has also worked to establish the Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council. As a consultant, he has worked extensively with the British Columbia Invasive Species Counsil and the Canadian Council on Invasive Species and has worked on programs to conserve and restore habitat for species at risk. His invasive species clients include the Manitoba AIS Unit, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. He volunteers on the North American Invasive Species Management Association’s Play Clean Go Advisory Committee and the US Aquatic Native Species Task Force Outreach Subcommittee. Ken is an international speaker, lecturer, and trainer on applying behavioural psychology to sustainability programs. He also publishes an electronic newsletter on Behaviour Change, distributed to subscribers around the world.
For as long as he can remember, Evan has held a strong fascination and appreciation for the natural world. This led him to pursue a Bachelor of Community Development with Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Acadia University, where he fostered his passion for environmental education, community engagement, and sustainable development. Now based in K’jipuktuk (Halifax), Evan works as the Aquatics Projects and Outreach Coordinator, supporting the NSISC’s Zebra Mussel campaign and overall social media presence. Outside of work, you can find Evan working on his latest craft, playing board games, and observing the local birds.
Chris Lord, a recent Dalhousie University graduate with a B.Sc. in Marine Biology and a minor in Statistics, serves as the Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator for the Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council. With extensive research experience in data collection, analysis, and science communication, Chris actively engages in community outreach and is certified in first aid, CPR, and advanced open-water diving. Chris grew up all over the world, with his family originally from Toronto, ON, and he now resides in Halifax, NS. He brings a strong passion for marine biology to his work, focusing on mitigating the impacts of invasive species.
For as long as he can remember, Evan has held a strong fascination and appreciation for the natural world. This led him to pursue a Bachelor of Community Development with Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Acadia University, where he fostered his passion for environmental education, community engagement, and sustainable development. Now based in K’jipuktuk (Halifax), Evan works as the Aquatics Projects and Outreach Coordinator, supporting the NSISC’s Zebra Mussel campaign and overall social media presence. Outside of work, you can find Evan working on his latest craft, playing board games, and observing the local birds.
Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables
Beyond Attitude Consulting
Atlantic Salmon Federation
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
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