News & Events

Check out important News below in addition to our Fac e book page

2 Natural Asset & Engagement Intern Positions now available!

These two Summer Internship positions will be hosted by the Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Region Association through the Clean Foundation’s Clean Leadership Summer Internship Program. In this

CLOSED: Seeking Community Engagement and Learning Committee (CEAL) Facilitator

The Community Engagement and Learning Committee (CEAL) of the BLBRA is a very active committee focused on providing opportunities for education and land-based learning with the goal of engaging all

Introducing our new ECCC PM

I am pleased to introduce the BLBRA’s new ECCC project manager, Colette Mesher. Sincere thanks to the hiring committee for their efforts in filling this position. Colette has provided a

CLOSED: BLBRA Seeking a Project Manager

The BLBRA is engaged in a new Contribution Agreement (CA) to advance the 2030 Biodiversity Goals and Canada’s Target 1 Goal to increase conservation areas within the Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere. The

Bras d’Or Watch – St. Peter’s

Our 10th anniversary Bras d’Or Watch event will be at the St. Peter’s Lions Marina on August 3rd from 10am to 2pm, sponsored by the East Coast Credit Union. We will have our usual viewing

‘Explore the Bras d’Or’ 2024

July 26 – August 11, 2024 is a special time to Explore the Bras d’Or celebrating events in various communities around the lake. Check out the special website, Facebook and Instagram

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Walk the Watershed 2024!

An exploration of Watershed Trails. The following is the schedule for the 2024 hiking season within the Bras d’Or watershed. These 5 hikes are part of the Walking Around the Bras d’Or initiative

BLBRA 2024 AGM

The Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Region Association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2024 has been scheduled for Thursday evening, 6:30 pm, June 13 at the Highland Village, Iona, Nova Scotia. Hope to

2024 Biosphere EXPO & Artisan Market

The Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Region Association (BLBRA) is pleased to invite you to join us in celebrating the Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Region during a Sunday Market Style gathering at the

Species of the Bras d’Or Sheet Collection Launched

57 information sheets were created by one of our Partners, ACAP Cape Breton, and offer a brief introduction to members of the various species that inhabit our biosphere. We will be adding 55 more

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World Wetlands Day – Feb 2 Yearly

Canada is home to one quarter of the world’s wetlands. In the Bras d’Or Lake Watershed, “the interplay of rising sea level, ice sheet recession and a diverse terrain facilitated the

International Day for Biosphere Regions – Nov 3

“The International Day for Biosphere Reserves is an invitation to take inspiration from the solutions already implemented in these spaces to build genuinely sustainable development everywhere,

Provincial Coastal Erosion Initiative and Survey

The Province of Nova Scotia is inviting people to provide their input on how to plan and adapt development along the coastline in response to climate change. Users of the coastal shoreline can

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Two-Eyed Seeing Conference – Nov 13-15, 2023

An exciting three-day experience that transcends boundaries, embraces culture, and champions collaboration. To be held in Membertou, Cape

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Atlantic Canada UNESCO Tourism Corridor Engagement Survey

Under this initiative, we’re working with 13 UNESCO sites across New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland & Labrador to develop a world-class tourism corridor. We’re excited to be

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Bras d’Or Watch & Explore the Bras d’Or 2023

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2023 AGM

The Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve Association’s 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) has been scheduled for 7:00 pm, June 15 at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site Theatre in

Hiring Administrative Assistant (Closed)

The successful candidate must have diploma or degree qualification in business administration, as well as work experience. The office location is in the Crane Cove Building 4115 Shore Road,

Join in on the Christmas Bird Count 2022

Volunteers throughout North America have been participating in the National Audubon’ Society’s Christmas Bird Count since its inception in the year 1900. It is the longest-running

Nov 3 – International Day of Biosphere Regions

2022 AGM scheduled for June 23

The Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve Association’s 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM) has been scheduled for 7:00 pm, June 23 at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site Theatre in

BLBRA Looking for a Project Manager (Closed)

Over the next two years, the Project Manager (PM) will be responsible formanaging and coordinating the work plan and budget for the CA which isbased on the ‘Pathway to Canada Target 1 in Canada’s

Celebration of the International Year of Caves and Karst

“In a combined celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program and the International Year of Caves and Karst (IYCK) it is with great excitement that the CaveMAB

AGM and Board of Directors’ Meeting Schedule

A reminder that the 2021 AGM is being held September 9, 2021 as well as the 2021 – 2022 Board of Directors’ meeting dates around the Biosphere. All meetings are open to the public.

2021 AGM Scheduled for September 9, 2021

The Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve Association’s 2021 Annual General Meeting (AGM) has been scheduled for 7:00 pm, September 9 at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site

Invitation to become a citizen scientist.

Saltwire Network, The Cape Breton Post 2021-07-29 Cape Breton organizations are inviting you to become a citizen scientist for the seventh Bras d’Or Watch. Read the article

Explore the Bras d’Or Is Here

July 24-August 8, 2021 is a special Explore the Bras d’Or time. Those who have explored the Bras d’Or Lake know how special it is. Come and enjoy our events on and around the Bras d’Or

Bras d’Or Watch 2021 Bioblitz Photo Event

With our partners again this year we are tracking the species that call the Bras D’Or Lakes (Mi’kmaq: Pitu’paq) home – including birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish,

BLBRA, CEPI and Partners Launch Explore the Bras d’Or Initiative

Explore the Bras d’Or / Wjinene’n Pitu’poq brings together Mi’kmaw and non-Indigenous communities while promoting stewardship, sustainable economic development, ecotourism. and collection of

Our 10th Anniversary – June 29, 2021

This June 29th the Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve Association is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Bras d’Or Lake Watershed’s designation as a UNESCO BIOSPHERE. We encourage all levels

Take the City Nature Challenge!

Do you love hiking and learning about nature? This is your chance to join Nova Scotia’s vibrant iNaturalist community and help one of our province’s cities win the 2021 global City Nature

Beauty and culture of Cape Breton’s Skye River Trail open to all

Susan Googoo often meditates on the bank of the Skye River during the warmer months. This time of year, she loves to walk the snow-covered path through the bare trees. Read more about the Skye River

Bras d’Or Lake Celebrates MaB’s International Year of Karst and Caves in Biospheres

Did you know that Unama’ki (Cape Breton Island) is home to some of the best remaining intact examples of rare gypsum karst ecosystems in North America? “Karst” refers to the

The Biosphere is Abuzz! New Online Book Features the Bumble bees of Unama’ki

Bumble bees of Unama’ki: A Guide to Becoming a Buzzing Naturalist is an online guide for the young (and young at heart) naturalist that is interested in learning more about bumble bees in Cape

Victoria County aims for economic boost with new mountain bike strategy

There’s a new effort focused on bringing two-wheeled thrill seekers to the Cabot Trail area. Many believe communities along the Cabot Trail have great potential for bike trails, and Victoria

Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere bird watcher shares rare sighting of 7 bald eagles in her own backyard

It’s not every day you see a single bald eagle up close, which is why one Cape Breton bird watcher is calling her newest video the capture of a lifetime. See the rest of the story, along with

Wilderness Workshop in Big Baddeck

This workshop is open to youth aged 16 to 20, and registration is limited. See the poster for

Eskasoni couple behind Mi’kmaw Chicken Run get shoutout from film’s co-director

The co-director of the British animated film Chicken Run says he was thrilled to discover his movie has been re-imagined in Mi’kmaw by a Nova Scotia family determined to keep their language

The Big Swim fundraiser comes to the Biosphere in 2021

An annual long-distance swimming event that raises money for a Nova Scotia camp for kids living with chronic illnesses will be calling Cape Breton home in 2021. Read the rest of the story

Bras d’Or Watch 2020

This year, Bras d’Or Watch is taking a slightly different direction that will allow you to participate safely and with social distancing. Participate virtually in Bras d’Or Watch

Holiday Wishes from the Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve Association!

Schedule of Board Meetings

Click here for a schedule of our upcoming board meetings (February to April

Sunday, October 13th: Hike the Hill With BLBRA and Ski Ben Eoin

PLEASE NOTE: This event is postponed to Sunday due to Saturday’s forecasted rain. The BLBRA and Ski Ben Eoin are pleased to offer Fall Colours chair rides as part of the 2019 Celtic Colours

St. Peter’s Canal Swim Links Present to Past

This year, 2019, marks the 150th anniversary of the St. Peter’s Canal. Read one reporter’s firsthand account of the St. Peter’s Canal Swim, a highlight of Nicolas Denys Days,

Oyster Populations in the Bras d’Or

During Bras d’Or Watch field day on July 14, watchers reported seeing many young oysters as they waded around the shallows with their viewing tubes. This may be good news for an oyster population

Bras d’Or Watch 2019

Bras d’Or Watch is an initiative which introduces residents and visitors to the unique Bras d’Or ecosystem. ‘Meet the residents’ is a forum on the Bras d’Or Watch Facebook page and in the

Parks Canada launches start of St. Peter’s Canal’s 150th Season

This year marks 150 years since the opening of the St. Peter’s Canal. Read more about the history of the canal and plans for their upcoming celebrations

An action-based workshop to help communities cope with climate change. Registration closes on Friday, June 14

While national and provincial government dither about how to curb carbon emissions, greenhouse gases continue their relentless build-up in the atmosphere. Even if governments take effective action

Community Information Session: Former DND Activities on the Bras d’Or Lake

The Bras d’Or Lakes Collaborative Environmental Planning Initiative (CEPI) will host a public information session to share information on the five sites on the Bras d’Or Lakes where DND operated

International Women’s Day in the BLBR

On this International Women’s Day we celebrate Dr. Teresa MacNeil, the inaugural chairperson of the Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve Association and one of its most avid champions. Teresa was

21 February is International Mother Language Day

International Mother Language Day has been observed annually since 2000 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. According to the UN, more than 40% of the estimated 6000

Public Seminar: Atlantic Salmon Conservation in a Changing Environment

On February 12th at CBU, Join Dr. Stephen Sutton of the Atlantic Salmon Federation to learn about wild Atlantic salmon. Populations of this species have experienced significant declines across the

The Great Backyard Bird Count

The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a joint partnership between Audubon and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, with Bird Studies Canada as the official Canadian partner. The GBBC is an annual

Wetlands Symposium & Workshop May 15th & 16th, 2019

SAVE THE DATE Wetlands Symposium and Workshop May 15th & 16th, 2019 – Verschuren Centre (Cape Breton University Campus) Cape Breton University, in partnership with the Cape Breton Island

2019 – The International Year of Indigenous Languages

Please join us for a celebration and feast as the Mi’kmaw communities promote the Mi’Kmaw language through the creative arts. The official launch of the Lnuta’ql project which

Biosphere of the Past: Mastodons were once part of the local landscape

In the latest Biosphere column, here, Dr. Annamarie Hatcher asks you to imagine what you would see if you could be transported thousands of years back in

Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve Association wants to keep track of unusual species

An unusual fish species has been showing up in the Bras d’Or recently. Read Dr. Annamarie Hatcher’s latest article about the Mola mola, or ocean

Bras d’Or estuary tides not as closely linked to lunar cycle

In the Mi’kmaq calendar, December is Chief Moon Time (Kesikewiku’s). In our latest Biosphere column, Dr. Annamarie Hatcher talks about the Chief Moon’s effects on the tides of the Bras

Why Nature Matters To Our Brain

On Thursday November 8th at noon, bring your lunch to the CBU Multipurpose Room and catch a lively presentation and discussion with professor Geoff Carre on some surprising benefits of exposure to

Film Screening: Climate Change and the Human Prospect

This film will be shown on Thursday, 08 November at 6:30, at the McConnell Library (50 Falmouth St., Sydney, NS). We know there are no more chances. It is not going away, and today is the time to

Breton Forest Innovation Cooperative Event

The Breton Forest Innovation Cooperative is celabrating! Coming up on Saturday, October 20th, the BFIC is offering on-site demos of horse logging, hardwood milling, and more. Check out their website

Beaver Tails and the Next Generation

In the Mi’kmaw calendar, October is Wikewiku’s, or animal fattening month. You can read all about how one of the Biosphere’s more charismatic mammals, the beaver, celebrates Wikewiku’s

Kespukwitk Two-Eyed Seeing Gathering at Bear River First Nation, October 18 and 19, 2018

Everyone is welcome to join the Kespukwitk Two-Eyed Seeing Gathering at Bear River First Nation. Please see the poster for

Indigenous Languages In Canada

As September 13 marked the 11th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and as the international community prepares to celebrate the

Save the Date: Hike The Hill, October 11th

Join us for a spectacular fall hike at The Lakes Golf Club in beautiful Ben Eoin. See the poster for

Roaring Thunder

September is Mate Calling Time

So why is there a picture of a porcupine (mateus) for a Biosphere column? Read and find

August is Berry Ripening Time

In this month’s Biosphere column, Annamarie tells us about Kisikewiku’s, or berry ripening

Save The Date: A Forum on Adaptation to Climate Change

The effects of the Global Climate Change are increasingly experienced in the Biosphere. Adaptations to those changes in the environment are already becoming a dominant theme here, as they are in

Shorebirds spend their summers here before migrating south

In the Mi’kmaw calendar, July is ‘birds shedding feathers time’ (Pe’skewiku’s). The birds that are currently shedding feathers are residents of the Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere. Seasonal

Almost every part of Canada’s largest national park is deteriorating, study says

A canary in the coal mine story from Wood Buffalo National Park with a lesson for all protected areas. We are not immune to pollution and other sorts of trespass.

Another successful Bras d’Or Watch field day!

Click here to read about our 2018 Bras d’Or Watch field day. Thanks to all of the volunteers who made this a meaningful experience for visitors and

Canadian Biosphere Reserves make a splash in New York and Ottawa

Our biosphere reserves showcase their important activities to decision-makers, at home and abroad. Throughout the world, the 669 UNESCO biosphere reserves operate as an extensive network of