Category Archives: Biophilia

Summer Solstice reflections

Posted on June 23, 2017 by admin

I try to spend June 21, the summer solstice, “in the outdoors” somewhere as a celebration of life on Planet Earth and managed to do so this year, albeit part of it traversing a 4-year old clearcut with a friend. … Continue reading →

Posted in Biophilia, clearcuts, Mi'kmaq | Leave a comment

The Rhodora

Posted on May 30, 2017 by admin

On Being Asked, Whence Is the Flower? In May, when sea-winds pierced our solitudes, I found the fresh Rhodora in the woods, Spreading its leafless blooms in a damp nook, To please the desert and the sluggish brook. The purple … Continue reading →

Posted in Acadian Forest, Biophilia, Conservation, Natural History | Leave a comment

Do economic woes lead to conservative forest use in Nova Scotia?

Posted on May 1, 2017 by admin

I recently re-visited a remnant woodland on gypsum karst near Avondale, an area slated in 2008 for expansion of the Miller’s Creek (Fundy Gypsum) mine. The expansion was approved by Nova Scotia Environment in February 2010. Then the downturn in … Continue reading →

Posted in Acadian Forest, Biophilia, clearcuts, Conservation, Economics, Natural History, Private Woodlots, Pulp & Paper | Leave a comment

NSDNR publishes A Field Guide to Forest Biodiversity Stewardship

Posted on April 19, 2017 by admin

From the NSDNR news Release (Apr 19, 2017): A new hands-on guidebook is available that describes how Nova Scotians can help keep the province’s woodlands healthy. “Three-quarters of our province is forest and preserving that rich biodiversity is a responsibility … Continue reading →

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Spring has sprung in the ravines of Nova Scotia

Posted on April 12, 2017 by admin

Yesterday was the first very warm day of 2017, reaching a temperature of 23 degrees C while there was still snow on the ground. I went to a favourite ravine to witness the spring flow and wasn’t disappointed. A torrent … Continue reading →

Posted in Biophilia, clearcuts, Climate Change, Conservation | Leave a comment

The forest tragedy continued: Margaree, Cape Breton

Posted on April 11, 2017 by admin

Sam Aimsworth of the Save the Margaree Watershed (Facebook group) has posted a moving, sorrowful video on youtube: Breath of Life-Margaree, Cape Breton. The video highlights the plight of endangered Canada lynx and pine martin after NSDNR approved logging of … Continue reading →

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Loons are back

Posted on April 11, 2017 by admin

In this fragile new world, I am always encouraged when elements of the seasons that I grew up with are repeated. Amongst them, the call of the common loon is certainly foremost. People love loons. Their haunting voice and striking … Continue reading →

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Celebrating spring in the Acadian Forest in Nova Scotia

Posted on April 2, 2017 by admin

Three short videos celebrate spring in our forests and offer some interesting insights. Treasures Of The Old Forest Produced in 2005 by Avalon & Meguma Natural History Films. “Precious as jewels, fleeting as snow-flakes, yet ancient as the forest itself, … Continue reading →

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Nova Scotia forests & forestry: birds, mosses and biophilia

Posted on March 29, 2017 by admin

As well as in op-eds and letters to the editor, more voices expressing concern about the state of Nova Scotia forests or simply a love of the Acadian forest are appearing in the social media. A few that I have … Continue reading →

Posted in Biophilia, clearcuts, Climate Change, Conservation, Ecosystem Services, Letters&Editorials, Natural History, Wildlife | Leave a comment

Call of the Forest documentary screens in Halifax tonight (Mar 24, 2017)

Posted on March 24, 2017 by admin

“Call of the Forest comments on the state of the world’s old growth forests and reminds us that trees provide emotional and physical benefits to those ever in its presence.

Posted in Acadian Forest, Biomass, Biophilia, Conservation, Old Growth | Leave a comment