In the Mi’kmaw calendar, June is Nipniku's (pronounced nib-nee-goos). The name translates to “Leaves are budding time” or “Leaves in full blossom,” marking the time of year when the forests unfurl into full canopies and summer begins. Welcome, summer!
3 days left to register for the Nature-Based Solutions for Coastal Resilience Conference
Monday is your last chance to register for the 2026 Nature-Based Solutions for Coastal Resilience Conference!
This five-day gathering bringing together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders working to build stronger, more resilient coastal communities.
You’ll meet professionals from across Canada and North America working in coastal adaptation. You can also see climate solutions in action on our field trips, which will take you directly to Nova Scotia coastal sites. We can’t wait to welcome you to Halifax!
Registration closes on Monday, June 15 at 11:59 PM AT.
Meet the Marsh on our upcoming field trips
As part of the 2026 Nature-Based Solutions for Coastal Resilience Conference, attendees will have a unique opportunity to learn about our restoration sites from seasoned experts like Dr. Danika van Proosdij and Dr. Jeremy Lundholm. Check out the field trips we have planned and register for the conference to join us!
Mahone Bay Living Shoreline
To help protect Mahone Bay from flooding and mitigate coastal erosion, Coastal Action created a “living shoreline.” Witness this nature-based coastal protection solution in action along the beautiful shores of Mahone Bay. This trip offers a hands-on look at how communities are working with nature to reduce erosion and adapt to climate change.
Bay of Fundy at Truro Field Trip
Visit a 92-hectare restored tidal wetland at the Onslow-North Managed Dyke Realignment Site. On this trip, you’ll witness the power of the highest tides in the world while exploring their cultural and ecological significance.
Upper Bay of Fundy Restoration Site Tour
This trip will visit the Converse Marsh managed dyke realignment and tidal wetland restoration sites, with short stops at the Fort Lawrence National Historic Site and Masstown Market. Gain a deeper understanding of how restoration, history, and climate adaptation intersect in Canada’s most dynamic coastal region.
Minas Basin Restoration Site Tour
During this trip, we will tour several coastal wetland restoration sites around the Minas Basin, including the Wolfville and Kentville area, showcasing different vegetation communities.
New documentary explores difficult decisions for the Bay of Fundy Dykelands
Last week, we celebrated the release of a new documentary that offers a balanced look at building climate‑resilient dykelands. The film was screened at the 2026 Atlantic Canada Coastal and Estuarine Science Society Conference and the Connected Resilience: Atlantic Adaptation Conference.
The documentary was also the featured film for the Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. The event, Fundy Monday: A Tale of Two Landscapes, included a panel discussion with Dr. Elena Bennett, Dr. Danika van Proosdij, Tony Bowron, Dr. Kate Sherren, and Don Webster.
The film was part of the NSERC ResNet project and represents six years of collaborative research on dykeland futures.
Building Shared Coastal Futures
Our first Green Shores Design Charettes are underway! We met with staff at the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg and folks from the Mahone Islands Conservation Association to practice envisioning coastal adaptation projects in their municipality using the Green Shores for Shoreline Development program.
Our latest success stories
Our 2026 case studies showcase two projects within the Kespukwitk / Southwest Nova Scotia Priority Place. Learn how the Green Shores for Homes program was applied to conserve and restore Species at Risk habitat.
Free Event: Coastal Resilience Expo!
Tuesday, June 23 | 5 PM - 7 PM | Saint Mary's University
The Coastal Resilience Expo & Poster Session is an open community event held during the 2026 Nature‑Based Solutions for Coastal Resilience Conference. This evening showcase brings together researchers, community groups, practitioners, and students who are working on coastal adaptation projects across Nova Scotia and beyond. It’s designed for anyone who wants to learn more about nature‑based solutions and how coastal regions are responding to climate change.
You don’t need to be registered for the conference to attend. Everyone is welcome.
Poster Session (5:30–6:30 PM)
Explore 20+ posters from a wide range of professionals! Presenters will share new research and community initiatives shaping coastal resilience in Atlantic Canada.
Congratulations, Allison!
We are thrilled to celebrate Allison MacNeil’s successful defence of her MSc in Applied Science! Allison’s Master’s project focused on Marsh Elder (Iva frutescens), the only shrub to occur in salt marshes in Nova Scotia. Little is known about this shrub, but it has the potential to be an important species for decreasing coastal erosion.
Allison studied Iva distribution, adaptations to local environments, and ideal planting techniques to aid in the incorporation of the shrub into living shorelines and restored marshes.
Her defence presentation was outstanding, and she handled questions with confidence. The examining committee approved her thesis unanimously with minor revisions.
Allison’s work has meaningfully advanced our understanding of Marsh Elder, and we are incredibly proud of her achievements. Great work, Allison!
In the News
Fisheries and Oceans Canada released Fish Habitat Restoration in Nova Scotia: Priorities, Approaches and Resources, and TransCoastal Adaptations was featured as a key resource supporting restoration and climate‑ready coastal management. 🔗Read it here.
Jennie Graham has been awarded the 2026 Gulf of Maine Visionary Award! This prestigious award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, stewardship, and impact in the Gulf of Maine and Bay of Fundy region. Congratulations, Jennie! 🔗Meet the winners!
The Wolfville community gathered at the Al Whittle Theatre to screen a new documentary on the Bay of Fundy dykelands, followed by a conversation with local experts about the future of these iconic landscapes. 🔗Learn more.
Allison MacNeil completed her Master’s thesis on using Marsh Elder (Iva frutescens) in living shoreline projects, providing new insights into its habitat needs and planting techniques for coastal resilience. 🔗Read it here.