Meet the Team
Hemlock Protection Program
The Town of Mahone Bay is taking proactive steps to safeguard Park Cemetery and Jubilee Park’s hemlock trees from the threat of the invasive Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA).
Eastern hemlocks are vital to Mi’kma’ki Nova Scotia’s old-growth forests. They provide shade, stabilize soil, and support biodiversity. Hemlocks store between 15-21 million tons of carbon in Nova Scotia, playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change.
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid is an invasive, aphid-like insect that causes rapid decline and death to our Eastern Hemlock. Observed since 2017 in parts of western Nova Scotia, HWA is now spreading into eastern counties.
Early detection and treatment are critical to saving hemlock trees. Research on biological control agents shows promise for long-term management, but currently chemical treatment of individual trees is the only effective control method.
Help reduce the risk of HWA spreading to our hemlock forests:
The Nova Scotia Hemlock Initiative is a good resource and provides photos to help detect HWA and recognize look-alikes.
For more information; to report sightings; or to request a list of companies that treat hemlock trees, contact [email protected].
Eastern hemlocks are vital to Mi’kma’ki Nova Scotia’s old-growth forests. They provide shade, stabilize soil, and support biodiversity. Hemlocks store between 15-21 million tons of carbon in Nova Scotia, playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change.
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid is an invasive, aphid-like insect that causes rapid decline and death to our Eastern Hemlock. Observed since 2017 in parts of western Nova Scotia, HWA is now spreading into eastern counties.
Early detection and treatment are critical to saving hemlock trees. Research on biological control agents shows promise for long-term management, but currently chemical treatment of individual trees is the only effective control method.
Help reduce the risk of HWA spreading to our hemlock forests:
- Avoid infested areas, especially between April and July, when HWA is most active
- Do not move firewood, branches, or outdoor gear between forests
- Wear clean clothing and wash it after visiting potentially infested areas
- Avoid parking near or under hemlock trees
- Place bird feeders away from hemlock trees to help limit spread
- Report suspected HWA sightings on town property to the Town of Mahone Bay
The Nova Scotia Hemlock Initiative is a good resource and provides photos to help detect HWA and recognize look-alikes.
For more information; to report sightings; or to request a list of companies that treat hemlock trees, contact [email protected].
Urban Forest Management Plan
|
The Town of Mahone Bay is interested in developing an Urban Forest Management Plan and is currently in the beginning stages of community engagement and data collection. Click here to check out our project page!
|
Mahone Bay Greenhouse Gas Reduction Action Plan
|
Adopted in March 2021, The GHG Reduction Action Plan (“The Plan”) was a result of the Town recognizing the Climate Change Emergency and amending the Strategic Plan to include priorities for climate change mitigation and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction. The Plan defines overarching goals for emission reductions and outlines actions to help realize a more sustainable and healthier future for the community. Click on the cover image to read the full GHG Reduction Action Plan, updated in 2024. The GHG Reduction Action Plan is reviewed annually by the Climate and Environment Advisory Committee. |
|
Actions to Reduce Emissions
|
Mahone Bay’s GHG inventory along with community engagement described in the Plan helps to better inform the Town on actions to effectively reduce overall emissions from corporate and community use. These actions align with an overall strategy for the Town and the utility and will help to exceed a 45% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 and put the community on track for net zero emissions by 2050.
Electric Vehicle Chargers
|
Current Projects
|
Blue Route Hubs Bikeway Project in the Town of Mahone Bay
|
Ellershouse AREA Wind Farm
|
The Town of Mahone Bay is proud to be a partner in the Alternative Resource Energy Authority (AREA) a municipal partnership that runs the Ellershouse Windfarm, a source of renewable energy that supplies power to the AREA partners, the Towns of Antigonish, Berwick, and Mahone Bay including, Riverport Electric Light Commission. The Town’s partnership in AREA means cleaner energy for Mahone Bay residents and businesses and additional revenue for re-investment in capital projects serving the community.
|
|
Community Solar Garden
|
The new solar garden, which has been producing energy since January 12th 2024 is a 1.873MWpdc facility located within Mahone Bay that will account for about 16 percent of the Town’s electricity use.
To learn more, click here. |
|
Mahone Bay Living Shoreline
|
|
The Mahone Bay Living Shoreline Project involves protecting the shoreline along Edgewater Street from flooding and erosion while enhancing coastal habitats.
The 60 meter pilot project was completed in collaboration with Coastal Action, Intact Insurance, Trans Coastal Adaptations, CBCL, CB Wetlands & Environmental Specialists, and St Mary’s University. |
|
|
Visit the Mahone Bay Living Shoreline website to access the latest information regarding the Living Shoreline Project! It also includes project updates, renderings, interactive 3D FloodMaps and more! See it at: www.mahonebaylivingshoreline.com
|
|