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Volunteer Opportunities
As a non-profit organization, the success of the Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation is shared with a group of dedicated volunteers. Volunteering with BCAF is a great way to get a better understanding of the environment, meet new people, and have fun.
Individuals may choose to volunteer for projects that have taken their interest. In this case, the corresponding Project Coordinator will provide interested individuals with the appropriate information. If the chosen project does not require volunteers at the time of your request, you will be contacted when help is needed.
Groups and organizations have also represented a significant portion of BCAF’s volunteers. Katimivik participants assisted with the Watershed Awareness Through Everyday Reflections and Stewardship (WATERS) project on the LaHave River in 2002/03, and Bridgewater-Cuba Exchange students from Canada World Youth volunteered on the Mushamush River Restoration Project in 2003 and 2004. If you have a large group who may be interested in volunteering, please contact BCAF in advance as extra planning for equipment and travel arrangements are needed.
Anyone interested in an environmental related field or those considering work in this field will receive valuable experience by volunteering with BCAF. The experience will also be considered an asset when applying for employment opportunities with BCAF. In 2004, BCAF hosted an Honours student from Saint Mary’s University who worked on the Roseate Tern Recovery Project and was able to simultaneously compile data for his undergraduate thesis.
| BCAF is always open to comments, inquiries and new ideas. You can reach our office by phone at 902-624-9888 or via email. |
2004 International Coastal Clean-Up
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| Photo: Beach Clean-Up Crew, September 22, 2003: 23 volunteers, 18 km of shoreline cleaned, 550 lbs. of garbage removed! |
Since 2003, BCAF has taken part in the Annual International Coastal Cleanup, the world’s largest one day effort to remove marine debris. In 2003, over 90 countries participated in the international cleanup and, in Mahone Bay alone, 23 volunteers removed 550 lbs of garbage covering over 18 km of shoreline! The 2004 event brought 9 community volunteers together and over 90 lbs of garbage was removed from Westhavers and Backmans Beaches. The event is held each September and BCAF is the local coordinator. We are always looking for volunteers to assist in the coastal clean-up. If you are interested in helping with this important cause, call Heather Olivella at 624-9888 for further details.
Visit the International Coastal Clean-Up website for more information.
Help the Mushamush River Watershed!
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If you are interested in the environment, wildlife, working outdoors, and becoming involved in a great cause, then volunteering with the restoration of the Mushamush River is an ideal opportunity for you. The Mushamush River Restoration Project works to regain the natural beauty of the Mushamush River by restoring a section of the river each year. The summer 2004 objective was to restore aquatic habitat along the river above the old Nova Scotia power dam, encouraging the return of fish populations. This restoration work will be focused on correcting the remaining multiple parallel river channels, known as braids, in the Lower Mushamush River. Enter community volunteers like you.
The coordinator of the Mushamush River Restoration Project, Jennifer Stevens, is searching for outdoor enthusiasts to assist in labour intensive river work. In 2004, this involved the construction of multiple log structures to block off the braided sections of the Mushamush River. Work commences each summer and lasts intermittently until mid September. Anyone interested in volunteering or in further information, can contact Jennifer by phone, at 902-624-9888 or by email.
River Watch
The Nova Scotia River Watch Program is a unique province wide volunteer-orientated initiative that provides the opportunity for watershed enthusiasts to take an active role in protecting the natural beauty in their area.
As part of the program, local volunteers are educated on the importance of protecting fish habitat and aquatic resources, as well as how to properly observe, record and report any illegal violations in their area. The River Watch program adopts a non-confrontational approach to river monitoring that stresses building relationships between anglers, landowners, industry, and any stakeholders that have an interest in preserving valuable fish habitat in their community.
BCAF hosted their first River Watch workshop in January 2003, in which 10 new members were successfully incorporated into the River Watch program. Members were provided with a River Watch manual, hat, crest, log book, and public relation cards to help them with their monitoring.
Anyone interested in becoming a member of the River Watch program, or who would like more information about the program, please contact the BCAF office at 902-624-9888, or email.
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Visit the River Watch program website ...
Last Modified: Fri, Dec 10, 2004
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