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Welcome! We're happy you found us. We hope you enjoy the topics we cover, find our research useful, and come to share our belief that a healthy economy and healthy forests go hand in hand.
Read on to see what we have learned along the way and where you can find us.
August 5th, 2026: In this issue, we discover fresh perspectives on the value of forests, including insights from a forestry therapist in Nova Scotia and evocative language from a poet. Plus, read about our latest fun and upcoming adventures.
July 28th, 2026: Wil Brunner, owner of Soft Pine Wellness in the Annapolis Valley, has built a business around helping people reconnect with nature through guided forest therapy, education, and wellness experiences.
July 22nd, 2026: In this issue, we ask if slowing down is more valuable than efficiency in an interview with a wood sculptor, question who is checking in on the forest, and let folks know what markets we are attending.
July 13th, 2026: Wood sculptor Adam McNamara transforms discarded wood into intricate works of art, challenging the idea that forests are valuable only for the volume they produce and revealing the cultural, ecological, and economic potential hidden in every tree.
July 8th, 2026: In this issue, we talk about the hidden economy of standing trees with Hike Nova Scotia, share learnings from the Medway Spring Forest Market, and highlight our interview with Donna Crossland.
July 8th, 2026: Janet Barlow from Hike Nova Scotia explains why Nova Scotia’s standing forests may be one of our most overlooked economic assets.
Past Event
July 5, 2026: Thank you for coming to our first Chain Lakes Wilderness Area Hike and for supporting Hutchinson Acres!
The Chain Lakes and Hutchinson Acres are top examples of how local businesses and standing forests work together to build a sustainable economy. Nature recreation is not just access to our forests, it’s access to rural communities, businesses, and supporting rural livelihoods. It’s an exchange that brings new connections, adventures, and love for our forests– things that hold infinite value.
Thank you to Ashlea Viola from Save Our Old Forests and John Brazner for showing us some amazing plant species!
June 30, 2026: Donna Crossland answers questions on fire ecology, forestry policy, and hope for future Nova Scotia Wabanaki forests.
June 24, 2026: In this issue, we mark our one year anniversary, launch a new project, report on a new medicine trail in the works, share our learnings from EAC’s press conference, and share stats from the Sugar Bush 4 Life campaign.
Past Event
June 27, 2026: Thank you to the Medway Community Forest Cooperative for inviting NS Forests Forever to take part in this year's Forest Market! It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with community members, hand out free stickers, and spark conversations about the economic case for standing forests and why Nova Scotia's public lands should be managed for the public good.
We're grateful to everyone who stopped by our table to share their thoughts and ask questions, and a special thank you to our volunteer Rowan for helping make the day such a success!
June 24, 2026: The Hutchinson Acres story is about more than maple syrup. It is about what happens when government policy leaves a homegrown industry behind.
June 24, 2026: Nova Scotia’s forests belong to everyone. But Joan Baxter says the decisions shaping them have long been influenced by a small group of powerful forestry interests.
June 18, 2026: This mythbusting article presents a deep dive into job numbers for the forestry industry, questioning policies and plans and ultimately asking - do they stand the test, or is it time to demand a better plan?
June 17, 2026: Interactive tool highlights forests, watersheds, wildlife habitat and wilderness areas proposed for protection by communities across the province.
June 15, 2026: Learn more about what Bill 198 is and how it affects our forests.
June 15, 2026: New interactive map highlights more than 30 community-proposed protected areas as organizations warn the province is falling behind on its commitment to conserve 20 per cent of land and water by 2030.
Nova Scotians who care about sustainable forestry, rural livelihoods, local food production, and small business can help make a difference. We’ve put together a simple guide for contacting your MLA, including key talking points, sample messaging, and other government officials to contact.
Over the next week, we’ll be sharing the full story behind the Hutchinson Acres situation and what it could mean for small businesses, rural communities, and the future of forest use in Nova Scotia.
The event offered guests a chance to learn firsthand from Anna and Chris Hutchinson how maple syrup is produced sustainably in healthy forests. Afterward, guests got to enjoy delicious pancakes and Hutchinson maple syrup served by the East Dalhousie Community Centre, and our amazing volunteers!
Thanks to Nature Nova Scotia and the Blomidon Naturalists Society for sponsoring this event!
Past Event
April 25, 2026: With a wonderful turnout at the East Dalhousie Community Centre, our Pancake Brunch and Sugar Bush Walk brought the community together to celebrate local maple traditions and sustainable forestry.
With over 100 attendees, we hosted this panel to engage in the important conversation on how the Chain Lakes Wilderness Area. Thank you to our lovely panelists: Chris Hutchinson, Chris O'Neil, Glen Ross and our last minute addition, Robert Brighton for showing us how sustainable industries are the way forward. Thank you to our facilitator Nina Newington for guiding the conversation and to our volunteers for the delicious pancakes! Let's continue to uplift the sectors that matter for generations to come!
Past Event
November 27, 2025: Watch the video on our Pancake Panel below to learn about how Kings County can support economic interests beyond extractive industries.