7 innovative projects shaping ecological forestry in Nova Scotia
Forests play an important role in Nova Scotia’s environment, economy and communities. As expectations for sustainable forest management continue to evolve, researchers, land stewards and industry partners are exploring new ways to better understand forest ecosystems, protect biodiversity and make responsible use of forest resources.
Below are 7 NSCC-funded projects and research initiatives that highlight this work in action. The recordings feature the researchers and practitioners behind the work and provide a closer look at how these ideas are being applied across Nova Scotia’s forests.
1. Conserving species at risk through incentives
Laura Carter from the Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute introduces the Woodlands for Wildlife program and its work supporting landowners who want to protect species at risk in Nova Scotia. Through incentives and personalized forest management plans, the program helps private land stewards maintain biodiversity while continuing to manage their forests. The discussion highlights how partnerships with landowners can support wildlife conservation while maintaining productive forest landscapes.
2. Advancing green manufacturing through biochar-based pots
Anneke Santilli and India Saunders from RDA Atlantic share research on compostable, carbon-negative planting pots made using biochar derived from forest by-products. Their work explores how forestry residuals can be transformed into sustainable materials that support plant growth while reducing reliance on plastic and peat. The project also considers how innovations like these could support greener manufacturing and create new uses for forest resources.
3. Assessing Hurricane Fiona’s impact on Acadian forest sites
Forest ecologist Peter Neily presents early findings from assessments of six late-successional forest sites affected by Hurricane Fiona. Using drone imagery and site analysis, the research examines how wind disturbance influences canopy structure, tree fall patterns and forest development. The work provides insight into how natural disturbances shape Acadian forest ecosystems and contribute to long-term forest resilience.
4. Ecology and succession of White Spruce in Nova Scotia
Peter Neily discusses the ecological role of white spruce within the Wabanaki–Acadian Forest region. Drawing on regional research and field observations, he explains how the species can occupy different roles in forest succession depending on site conditions. The discussion also considers how climate change may influence the future distribution and behaviour of white spruce in Nova Scotia’s forests.
5. Measuring the climate performance of biomass heating
Shawn McGrath, CEO of ACFOR Energy, presents a case study from NSCC’s Lunenburg Campus examining how forest biomass used for heating can be tracked across the supply chain. The Forest Ledger system connects data from harvesting and transportation through to on-site energy use to improve transparency and emissions reporting. This approach helps organizations better understand the climate performance of renewable heating systems.
6. Using LiDAR to map habitat for at-risk bird species
This session showcases a collaborative project led by Port Hawkesbury Paper with Dalhousie University and NSCC’s Applied Geomatics Research Group. Using LiDAR data and forest inventory information, the team developed habitat models for six bird species at risk in Nova Scotia. The resulting map-based tools help forest planners identify sensitive habitats and integrate ecological information into forest management decisions.
7. Conserving working forests through carbon offset sales
Shayla Nickerson from the Nova Scotia Working Woodlands Trust discusses how carbon offset sales can support the conservation of working forests. The Trust is developing a carbon project designed to combine ecological forestry practices with long-term forest protection. The session highlights how carbon financing can strengthen land stewardship while maintaining productive forest landscapes.