NEW AGRICULTURAL REPORT PUBLISHED
The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture commissioned novaknowledge to produce a Report Card assessing the environmental performance of our agricultureal sector.  More information is available here.

This past week, multi-level funding to upgrade waste water treatment plants around the Annapolis Basin was announced.  This is not just an environmental coup for the region, it's an economic win for our fishery, recreation and tourism operators, as well as property owners.  Read all about it!

 

When you were a kid, didn't it seem as though something magical happened every single day? Watching a bright orange sun set over the fields on the longest day of the year ... having a butterfly land on your arm and rest awhile ... watching puppies roll each other around in those big ice cream containers:  That's the way I remember my childhood.

Sometimes, as adults, we still get those moments.  And I seem to have them more frequently here than I did when I lived in Toronto.  It's part of life here in Annapolis Digby.

Last night, I saw a flock of hundreds of birds  in a single tree, merrily chirping away to each other.  Of course, it's impossible to know what they were discussing.  But, coincidentally, a few minutes later, I heard an item on CBC Radio's 'As It Happens' -- about a gathering of birds on a series of telephone wires.  A photographer captured the event, observing how the scene resembled sheet music.  Then, a composer, upon seeing the photo, transcribed the melody that was depicted.

The Canadian Rural Research Network makes studies available that could provide invaluable information to you.  Recent reports cover a range of topics related to our natural environment, and more.

More good news for the environment!  As part of a $5M commitment by the Canadian government, the Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve Association has been awarded $285,000 to support community-based initiatives which work towards establishing a greater harmony between conservation and development.

Ingenious researchers at Kejimkujik have discovered that more than half of the culverts located in the park are impassable to fish. This is, of course, having a detrimental effect on spawning patterns and, therefore, fish populations in general.  Read how these scientists, with newly won funding, are working to remedy the situation here and in other parts of the country.

Futurist Buckminster Fuller wrote, "There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it's going to be a butterfly."  I love that quote.  It says something about unexpected potential, as well as something about the nature of ideas - that you just never know where the good ones will come from.  Here in Annapolis Digby, where the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation resides, we have many such caterpillars.  Some butterflies, too...

For the first time in recent memory, this year I've seen caterpillars in my yard and happily munching away on leaves.  These majestic creatures are under threat from the widespread use of chemical fertilizers and genetically modified crops.  Annapolis Digby is making sure that it's more butterfly-friendly.  So, in celebration of the Monarchs, join us for the Butterfly Festival!

 

After an extensive search, we were finally able to locate a supplier of biodegradable coffee cups, plates, and recycling containers.  This innovative Canadian company, Green Shift, also offers compostable take-out containers.  We'd like to hear from restaurants, event organizers, municipalities, businesses and non-profit organizations who would like to participate in a co-operative purchasing program which would enable us to order items in larger quantities and be more cost effective.  Just email us!

Apparently even Wal-Mart sees green from time to time.  Here's how the retail giant plans to become a better friend to the environment.