The YNC has been providing excellent programming about the natural history of Nova Scotia since 2006.

“The Young Naturalists Club of Nova Scotia is a club for youth and families that promotes the appreciation and conservation of nature. The Club creates opportunities to develop natural history skills and knowledge through interactions with adult naturalists and hands-on learning experiences. The organization connects members of the adult natural history community with young people interested in nature in order to foster youngsters’ passion for nature. Positive experiences in nature, and a shared excitement about the natural world, lead to the development of a life-long conservation ethic.”

The Club delivers on its promise through offering monthly meetings and field trips in 5 communities in Nova Scotia. At monthly meetings, members hear from fascinating guest speakers about Nova Scotian wildlife and natural resources. On monthly field trips, members get out into nature on guided walks, lead by local natural history experts.

The Club focuses developing natural history observations skills, such as using binoculars, and taking field notes. Members also learn to make the important connection between observing and understanding this province’s extraordinary natural assets, and what actions they can take to help conserve them.

The YNC fills a vital niche in Nova Scotia. Much of the knowledge about our natural world is being lost, and is often not taught in schools. By connecting adult naturalists with expertise in natural history with today’s youth, we are passing on important, age-old wisdom, as well as inspiring excitement about nature in a new generation. Instilling a passion for nature at a young age will help cultivate a sense of caring and connectedness to our natural world, and will encourage a love of being active outdoors. Youth that attend the YNC and similar nature clubs may go on to careers in the natural sciences, and/or develop a life-long interest in natural history. Families that attend YNC events often learn about natural areas in their communities that they can visit in the future, and for years to come.

The YNC is a not-for-profit organization, and a registered charity. It is guided by a board of directors, and managed by a provincial coordinator. Each Chapter is lead by one or more local volunteers leaders. 

...

Here are some of the awesome things we did in our 2024/2025 program year:

- Birds and Babies Walks

- City Nature Challenge contest

- Christmas Bird Counts 4 Kids, across NS

- Youth-led Conservation Action: Bird Friendly Garden Installation in Halifax

- Naturalization Garden at Shubie Park

- Guided Hikes for New Canadians

- Wildlife and Tree ID Workshops

- Beach Clean Ups

- Winter Wildlife Tracking and Bushcraft

And here are some of the things we hope to do in 2025/2026!

- Youth-led Wildlife Conservation Initiatives 

- Youth-led Research on Post-fire Forests

- More Christmas Bird Counts

- Host Tree ID Workshop for new Canadians

-Nature Meets Art Event

- Host events at Nature Nova Scotia's Celebration of Nature