October 31, 2016

SYDNEY, NS – ACAP Cape Breton and the CBRM Water Utility invite the community to a free skill building hike in lichen field identification. This informative walk through the watershed will take place on Friday, November 4, at 3:30pm. Participants will meet at the gate on Ormond Crescent off Mira Road that opens up to the Water Utility access to Middle Lake Well Field.  

“Lichens are indicator organisms,” says Frances Anderson, lichen researcher who will lead this hike. “That means that they help us understand our environment in a unique way. Because lichens are sensitive to air pollutants we are able to gain insight regarding air quality just by noting if they are present and abundant in an ecosystem.”

“Once again, ACAP Cape Breton is thrilled to connect local residents with their natural environment,” says Jen Cooper, project coordinator with ACAP. “It’s an honour to have Frances Anderson in Cape Breton joining us for this event.”

Frances Anderson co-wrote Common Lichens of Northeastern North America and has been active in helping to prepare at least four Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) status reports identifying threats to lichen and their habitat. She has discovered new species as well has published numerous articles within the lichen press.  

Do you know where your tap water comes from? Watershed Walks are a series of exploratory hikes in the watersheds that supply CBRM tap water. These walks are designed not only to introduce us to our local water sources but to really get to know them. “Each walk informs participants in field identification skills for plants and/or wildlife to enhance our connection to the source of the tap water we use every day,” says Anthony Mazzocca, CBRM Watershed Coordinator.  

Registration in advance is required, please phone ACAP Cape Breton at 902-567-1628 x206 or email jcooper@acapcb.ns.ca. In the event of rain this hike will be cancelled.

ACAP Cape Breton, located at 582 George St. in Sydney is registered charity with a clear vision in which local people are actively engaged, working, and learning together to build a healthy and sustainable community. ACAP offers the knowledge that Cape Bretoners need to make greener choices, and works directly on practical solutions that help protect and restore our natural environment.

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July 7, 2016

SYDNEY, NS – ACAP Cape Breton will be holding its popular Eco Kids Day Camp this summer from July 18th to the 22nd. This year, camp will be full days during the week to ensure the fun doesn’t stop!

Eco Camp is filled with games and experiments designed to introduce children to the fun side of being environmentally-friendly. Each day children will learn about important local environmental topics through activities including nature walks, crafts, hands-on experiments, exciting games, and a very exciting “Trash-ion” Show!

The camp will be held at Bethel Presbyterian Church Hall across the street from ACAP Cape Breton’s Centre for Sustainable Communities on George St., Sydney. Camp will take place from 9:00AM to 4:30PM welcoming children between the ages of 6 and 11 years old. The fee is $110.00 per child for the full week, with a family rate of $90.00 for each additional sibling and $25.00 per child for individual days. 

“Children often understand more than grown-ups when it comes to environmental issues and solutions,” notes Susan King, executive director at ACAP Cape Breton, “so we use games and experiments to help them build the tools our world will need them to have in the future, and we have tons of fun while we’re at it!”

For more information, and to register, please phone ACAP Cape Breton at 902-567-1628 EXT. 206.

ACAP Cape Breton offers the knowledge that Cape Bretoners need to make greener choices, and works directly on practical solutions that help protect and restore our natural environment.

March 8, 2016

SYDNEY, NS – Water; we all use it, we all need it, and ACAP Cape Breton is encouraging the public to celebrate it with Tappy, the water drop mascot, on March 22.

World Water Day is an international observance and an opportunity to learn more about water related issues. The United Nations General Assembly designated March 22 as World Water Day in 1993 and has since been celebrated annually.

On Tuesday, March 22, ACAP Cape Breton will be visiting local schools, community groups, and businesses across the CBRM with Tappy the Water Drop mascot. A recognizable face to children, Tappy will highlight important educational water messages during these visits. The public is encouraged to join Tappy as he hosts an early morning dance party inside Doktor Luke’s Coffee House, 54 Prince Street, Sydney, at 8:15AM, to kick off the day before heading across the municipality.

“World Water Day is Tappy’s day to shine,” says Susan King, Executive Director of ACAP Cape Breton. “We’re very lucky in the CBRM to have access to clean and safe tap water. It’s nice to remind people of the need to protect and conserve this precious resource.”

For more information about World Water Day or Tappy the Water Drop Mascot, phone Caitlin O’Brien, Education Coordinator, at 902-567-1628 EXT. 212.

ACAP Cape Breton is a non-profit, charitable community organization with a community vision in which local people are actively engaged, working, and learning together to build a healthy and sustainable island.

For more information contact:

Caitlin O’Brien

Education Coordinator

ACAP Cape Breton

902-567-1628 EXT. 212

education@acapcb.ns.ca

January 27, 2016

SYDNEY, NS – ACAP Cape Breton is pleased to invite the public to our annual members meeting which will recap the organization’s work in 2015. Topics will include public education, stream restoration, and bat monitoring. The event will take place Tuesday, February 9th from 6:00 to 8:00pm at ACAP Cape Breton’s Centre for Sustainable Communities at 582 George St. in Sydney.

Each year ACAP is enthusiastically working toward making our island more sustainable through a variety of projects and programs. A new rain barrel give-away project was piloted last fall to tackle stormwater. Staff members visited more than fifty classrooms and community groups to provide local environmental education. Ongoing projects like acoustic bat monitoring and stream restoration were also continued last year. The meeting will provide the public with an update on these projects as well as information about how they work and why they matter.

“Our annual members meeting is a great way for the community to connect with ACAP Cape Breton and learn about the impact we are having,” says Susan King, Executive Director, “It’s also an opportunity to give us feedback – let us know what projects and programs are interesting to local people and what the needs of the community are.”

The meeting will also be a chance to hear about exciting upcoming events, including a guided snowshoe hike around MacAskill Brook Dam Reservoir in Glace Bay on February 21st.

Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, phone ACAP CB at 902-567-1628.

ACAP Cape Breton is a non-profit, charitable community organization with a community vision in which local people are actively engaged, working, and learning together to build a healthy and sustainable Island.

For more information, contact:

Susan King

Executive Director

ACAP Cape Breton

(902) 567-1628

sking@acapcb.ns.ca

January 21, 2016

SYDNEY, NS – The annual I ♥ CBRM Tap Water Poster Contest has officially begun. Presented by ACAP Cape Breton and the CBRM Water Utility, the contest runs until March 22 and is divided into two categories; one for grades primary to two and another for grades three to five. Each category has its own theme focusing on the importance of water and all students throughout the municipality are encouraged to participate.

First place winners in both categories will receive a Fujifilm Insta X mini camera prize package and a pizza party for their class. Second place winners will receive a class pizza party and Cineplex gift cards and third place winners will receive Cineplex gift cards.

“It’s always interesting to see the creativity of the posters,” says Joyce Babin of the CBRM Water Utility. “It’s important that children start thinking about conserving water at an early age and this contest certainly helps push that messaging.”

Younger students will focus on drawing Tappy, the CBRM Water Utility Mascot, and the types of activities that require water. Older students will illustrate seasonal scenes from their local watershed highlighting appropriate activities taking place in spring, summer, fall, and winter.

For more information and complete contest rules, visit the Teachers Portal page at www.acapcb.ns.ca or e-mail education@acapcb.ns.ca. Teachers are encouraged to contact ACAP CB if they require paper for their class. Individual students who wish to participate if their class is not should ask their parents to call 902-567-1628.

ACAP Cape Breton is a registered charity with a clear vision in which local people are actively engaged, working, and learning together to build a healthy and sustainable community.

For more information, contact:

Caitlin O'Brien

Education Coordinator

ACAP Cape Breton

education@acapcb.ns.ca

(902) 567-1628

December 15, 2015

SYDNEY, N.S. – With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season in full swing ACAP Cape Breton is asking the public to consider “greening” their festivities this year. Everyone is invited to increase awareness about how much extra waste is generated over the holidays by taking part in our Face Your Waste challenge.  

The Face Your Waste challenge was designed to illustrate how much extra waste is generated during the holiday season. Participants are encouraged to photograph their aftermath of wrapping paper, food waste, or packaging. Photos will be judged on creativity used to bring awareness to the importance of waste reduction. The most creative will win a gift basket of reusable items and environmentally friendly Down East cleaning products which can be purchased and refilled at ACAP. All participants will be entered into a draw for the chance to win an additional prize basket. Contest deadline is January 3, 2015, and winners will be announced the following week.

Going “green” simply means reducing your ecological impact on the earth. While it’s great to be green year round, it’s especially important during the holidays. “Going green for the holidays is a lot easier than you might think,” says Susan King, executive director of ACAP Cape Breton. “Even a few small changes can reduce your impact.”

Consider the following tips this season:

• Reduce waste by making gift wrap part of the gift by wrapping with tea towels, scarves, and baskets.

• Replace traditional incandescent holiday lights with energy efficient LEDs to save on electric bills. You can also look for solar powered LED lights that charge during the day and turn on automatically at dusk.

• Purchase food and gifts from local vendors to reduce your carbon footprint and help support the local economy.

• Take a Holiday Light Tour through your neighborhood on foot instead of driving. Consider bringing a thermos of hot chocolate to keep warm.

Contest rules and information how to submit can be found at http://www.acapcb.ns.ca. For more information contact ACAP Cape Breton at (902) 567-1628 or follow them on Twitter (@ACAPCB).

ACAP Cape Breton is a registered charity with a clear vision in which local people are actively engaged, working, and learning together to build a healthy and sustainable community.

For more information, please contact:

Jen Cooper

Project Coordinator

ACAP Cape Breton

jcooper@acapcb.ns.ca

902-567-1628

November 20, 2015

ACAP Cape Breton and CBRM Wastewater Operations are hosting a Stormwater Management Workshop at 7:00PM Thursday, November 26, at ACAP's Center for Sustainability, 582 George Street, Sydney. 

Stormwater has become one of the top sources of water pollution on the planet as rain carries waste, like motor oil, windshield fluid, and pet leavings directly from the streets into waterways often with no treatment. Wastewater pipes that do allow for stormwater flow to the Wastewater Treatment Plant can be overwhelmed by run-off which can reduce the efficiency of wastewater treatment as a whole.

Redirecting flow from our roofs and paved areas into vegetation can filter contaminants from stormwater as well as slow it down so it doesn’t overwhelm water bodies. Flooded waterways can cause infrastructure damage and river bank erosion. Rearranging a few things on your property to redirect flows can protect your home from flooding. …But what are the do's and don’t's when redirecting flows?

In this workshop we will hear from Bill Bailey MScHyg, PEng, professor of Environmental Engineering at Cape Breton University, about current stormwater challenges.

We will also hear from Brandon Talbot, a supervisor at CBRM Wastewater Operations, on stormwater infrastructure in the CBRM and where your home fits into it.

Next up will be a representative from the insurance field on best practices that compliment insurance requirements.

The floor will then be opened up to a questioning period where homeowner and interested parties can have access to professional advice.

The event will be wrapped up with some how-to sessions hosted by ACAP Cape Breton staff about stormwater collection: rain barrels and redirection; rain gardens before refreshments are served.

Call 902-567-1628 for more information.

November 17, 2015

Ready, rethink, ride. Let’s talk about the future of Community Transportation in CBRM.

It’s full speed ahead as the Community Transportation Working Group gears up to begin hosting conversation sessions with residents of CBRM. The project originated from the umbrella organization, Community Transit Nova Scotia, with the overall goal being to identify realistic ways to preserve and enhance community transportation in CBRM.

When asked about the nature of the sessions, Project Coordinator, Eric Leviten-Reid says, “We are hoping to involve residents of CBRM who’s transportation needs are not being met. The discussion will focus on ways to strengthen public transportation and other ideas to meet people’s transportation demands such as car co-ops, car sharing and other innovative strategies.”

Community conversations will be held in both urban and rural parts of CBRM. The first round of discussions will be held before the New Year and the second set following in January.  The first round will consist of six meetings, two in Glace Bay, two in Sydney & two in Sydney Mines.  Part one of these conversations will focus on needs and challenges; part two on solutions.

Willing participants are expected to pre- register as space is limited. Those interested should be available to attend both sessions in their respective communities.  Supper will be provided to our dedicated participants. To register, phone Emma Jerrott, Community Development Coordinator for ACAP Cape Breton, at 902-567-1628 or email acapcbemma@gmail.com.

• Glace Bay- Townhouse December 1st & December 8th 5:30pm – 8:30pm

• Sydney- ACAP Cape Breton December 1st & December 8th  5:30pm – 8:30pm

• Sydney Mines - Community CARES December 2nd & December 9th 5:30pm – 8:30pm

The Community Transportation Working Group is a collaborative group of representatives from CBRM, Public Health, New Dawn Enterprise, ACAP Cape Breton, Carmel Centre and the Central CB County and East CB Community Health Boards.  Working together for a better tomorrow on our island.

Media Contact:

Eric Leviten- Reid

Project Coordinator

eleviten-reid@bellaliant.net

902-567-5952

Aron Ashton

Nova Scotia Health Authority

aron.ashton@nshealth.ca

2 June, 2015

Environmental group to kick off stormwater management program this summer.

Sydney, NS – This summer, ACAP CB is launching full steam ahead into a pilot project to educate and empower homeowners to make the most of stormwater on their property. Stormwater is made up of rainwater and snow melt that runs off of roofs, lawns, and other surfaces. If it can be absorbed into the ground, it’s no problem; but in urban areas with limited exposed ground, it can cause flooding and strain on water management infrastructure.

The focus of the Stormwater Education, Awareness, and Management (STEAM) Program is homeowner education. STEAM advisors will visit participants to discuss best practices about managing stormwater at home. In addition, participants will receive a rain barrel and a DIY checklist to help them decide what management methods would be best for them. There is no fee to participate, however spaces are limited and will be subject to selection criteria.

This project will be undertaken with the support of the RBC Blue Water Project. The RBC Blue Water Project is a wide-ranging program dedicated to protecting the world's most precious natural resource: fresh water. Since the project began in 2007, RBC has pledged over $36 million to more than 500 charitable organizations worldwide that protect watersheds and promote access to clean drinking water.

“We began dealing with stormwater last year through our rain garden project, and discovered that people were really interested in learning how to deal with stormwater on their property,” says Susan King, executive director at ACAP Cape Breton. “Fortunately, simple actions can make a big difference when it comes to stormwater – we are very pleased to be giving homeowners the resources they need to help out the environment and the community.”

ACAP Cape Breton staff will be on-site at the RBC Sydney Branch on Charlotte Street from 9:30am-12:00pm on RBC Blue Water Day, June 4th to promote the project. To learn more about the project, please phone ACAP CB at 902-567-1628 or visit the website at www.acapcb.ns.ca.

ACAP Cape Breton is a non-profit, charitable community organization located at 582 George Street in Sydney. ACAP Cape Breton has a community vision in which local people are actively engaged; working and learning together to build a healthy and sustainable Island.

For more information, please contact:

Jared Tomie

Project Manager

ACAP Cape Breton

(902) 567.1628

www.acapcb.ns.ca

April 20, 2015

In preparation for the arrival of breeding shorebirds and terns, ACAP Cape Breton is encouraging the public to help with a clean-up at Big Glace Bay Beach on Saturday, April 25 at 1:00PM with a rain date of Sunday, April 26 at 1:00PM.

The piping plover, an endangered shorebird, relies on sandy beaches to nest and raise young. They return to Nova Scotia in April and May and lay their eggs on the open dry sand between grassy dunes and the high-tide mark.

Garbage on the beach poses a hazard to birds and other wildlife and may attract predators. Clearing away what has accumulated over the winter months will help these endangered shorebirds and other beach wildlife. Bird Studies Canada will be joining the clean-up and providing opportunities for participants to see and learn about coastal birds and how to get involved.

"Last year one plover pair nested at Big Glace Bay beach and three out of their four young survived, which is a great outcome," says Sue Abbott, Program Coordinator for Bird Studies Canada.  Less than 50 pairs breed in Nova Scotia, which remains below the population recovery goal of 60 pairs.

Clean-up supplies and light snacks will be provided for volunteers. Even though the temperatures are getting milder, participants are encouraged to dress warmly as the weather tends to be colder along the coast. If the beach access road is ice-covered, participants may need to walk in so waterproof footwear is recommended.

“There’s no better way to welcome spring than with a clean beach for both humans and animals to enjoy,” says Caitlin O’Brien, Education Coordinator for ACAP Cape Breton. “We hope that people come out and make a difference not only for endangered shorebirds, but the community as well.”

Pre-registration for the clean-up is recommended by phoning ACAP Cape Breton at 902-567-1628 or visiting www.acapcb.ns.ca. For more information about piping plovers, visit http://www.bsc-eoc.org/volunteer/nsplover/.

ACAP Cape Breton, located at 582 George Street in Sydney, is a non-profit, charitable community organization with a community vision in which local people are actively engaged, working, and learning together to build a healthy and sustainable Island.

APRIL 10, 2015

SYDNEY, NS – With the sun shining and the snow beginning to melt, it’s a great time of year to get outside and do a bit of spring cleaning.

ACAP Cape Breton is inviting people to celebrate Earth Day on April 22 by participating in 20 Minute Makeovers. Offices, classes, and community groups can register their team and clean-up location for the most fun and fast-paced clean-up in the CBRM. Bags and gloves will be available to participating teams. 

“Our 20 Minute Makeovers have been incredibly successful in the past,” notes Susan King, Executive Director. “Each team takes a before and after picture to show the difference that twenty minutes can make. The results are noticeable and very much appreciated by everyone.”

To learn more, or to register a team, visit www.acacpcb.ns.ca, phone 902-567-1628, or e-mail

 ACAP Cape Breton, located at 582 George St. in Sydney is a non-profit, charitable community organization with a community vision in which local people are actively engaged, working, and learning together to build a healthy and sustainable Island.

Caitlin O’Brien

Education Coordinator

ACAP Cape Breton

(902) 567-1628

March 16, 2015

IS JACK FROST KEEPING YOU DOWN? JOIN US FOR A SNOWSHOEING ADVENTURE IN YOUR TOWN!
ACAP CAPE BRETON AND THE CBRM WATER UTILITY INVITE THE PUBLIC TO A WINTER WATERSHED WALK

Sydney, NS - ACAP Cape Breton and the CBRM Water Utility are inviting residents to join them for a free guided lake-side winter watershed walk around Waterford Lake in New Waterford on Sunday, March 22 at 2:00pm. Snowshoes are available but numbers are limited, therefore registration in advance is required by Thursday, March 19.  

This walk is intended for those new to snowshoeing and will be led by Anthony Mazzocca, Watershed Coordinator for the CBRM Water Utility who will highlight the importance of our watersheds and the ways in which we all can help protect them. An added bonus will be the spectacular views that are sure to captivate.

“We want to give people the chance to experience, and fall in love with, the beauty of their local environment during the winter months.  By doing so, we hope to engage the public in conservation issues and provide a better understanding of the valuable ecosystem services that healthy watersheds provide,” explains  Anthony Mazzocca, CBRM Watershed Coordinator. “We encourage people to participate in non-polluting activities, such as snowshoeing, hiking, or geocaching, while discouraging activities that contaminate water supplies, like illegal dumping or driving motorized vehicles near the water.”

For more information, and to register, please phone ACAP Cape Breton at 902-567-1628.

ACAP Cape Breton, located at 582 George St. in Sydney is a non-profit, charitable community organization with a community vision in which local people are actively engaged, working, and learning together to build a healthy and sustainable Island.


Ashley Shelton
Project Coordinator
ACAP Cape Breton
(902) 567.1628
 

February 12, 2015

SYDNEY, NS – If you’re still trying to figure out how to fill the days for young ones at home over March Break, ACAP Cape Breton is hosting a free eco day camp jam-packed with green activities, crafts, outdoor fun, experiments, and physical activity. The camp will take place from March 16-20 at Oceanview Education Centre, Glace Bay.

Children are becoming more aware of environmental issues and ACAP’s Eco Kid Day Camp aims to make these issues kid-friendly, relatable to day-to-day life, and entertaining. Each day will be a different theme and consist of eco-minded activities, recycled material crafts, experiments, games, healthy snacks, and more.

“Our camps are always fun and inspiring,” notes Susan King, Executive Director at ACAP Cape Breton. “It’s amazing how much the children will learn in just one week. They come to understand why fresh water is so important and how we can protect it, the 3R’s (reduce, reuse, and recycle) and how they can take all this new information and implement it into their everyday routines”.

ACAP’s Eco Kid Day Camp runs the week of March Break (March 16-20) from 9AM-12PM for children in grades one to five. With funding generously provided by the East Cape Breton Community Health Board, ACAP Cape Breton is able to provide this camp at no cost to parents. “We are pleased to expand our eco-day camp to other communities and encourage families to call and register as spaces are limited,” comments King.

For more information, and to register, please phone 902-567-1628.

The Atlantic Coastal Action Program (ACAP) Cape Breton is a non-profit, charitable community organization. ACAP Cape Breton’s vision is for a community in which local people are actively engaged, working and learning together to build a healthy and sustainable Island.

For more information, please contact:

Caitlin O’Brien

Education Coordinator

ACAP Cape Breton

T (902) 567-1628

F (902) 567-6282

February 5th, 2015

PORT MORIEN, NS – ACAP Cape Breton welcomes the public to the second and final climate change workshop to discuss recommendations for coastal adaptation. Residents can participate by attending this free workshop at the Port Morien Legion on Highway 255, Port Morien on Wednesday, February 11 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Please note in case of inclement weather the event will be postponed to Wednesday, February 18.

“ACAP Cape Breton will be presenting a draft Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Marconi Trail developed by incorporating local knowledge gathered during our original workshop,” explains Ashley Shelton, Project Coordinator at ACAP Cape Breton and GIS lead for the project. “These observations, combined with data collected through GIS mapping were used to develop a series of recommendations for reducing community vulnerabilities to climate change.”
 
ACAP Cape Breton is facilitating a series of public workshops to gather information from community members and explore what the future may hold for our coastlines in a changing climate. In the meantime, individuals are encouraged to phone or email with information about changes they’ve seen in their coastline at any time. Please contact ACAP Cape Breton by phone at 902-567-1628 or email at ashelton@acapcb.ns.ca.

This free event is open to the public and light refreshments will be provided.

ACAP Cape Breton, located at 582 George St. in Sydney is a non-profit, charitable community organization with a community vision in which local people are actively engaged, working, and learning together to build a healthy and sustainable Island.

For more information, please contact:
Ashley Shelton
Project Coordinator
ACAP Cape Breton
(902) 567.1628 (T)
(902) 567.6282 (F)

January 19, 2015

MAIN-A-DIEU, NS – ACAP Cape Breton and the Main-à-Dieu Community Development Association welcomes the public to the second and final climate change workshop to discuss recommendations for coastal adaptation. Residents can participate by attending this free workshop at the Coastal Discovery Centre on 2886 Louisbourg Main a Dieu Rd in Main-A-Dieu on Saturday, January 31 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Please note in case of inclement weather the event will be postponed to Saturday, February 7.

“ACAP Cape Breton will be presenting a draft Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Marconi Trail developed by incorporating local knowledge gathered during our original workshop,” explains Ashley Shelton, Project Coordinator at ACAP Cape Breton and GIS lead for the project. “These observations, combined with data collected through GIS mapping were used to develop a series of recommendations for reducing community vulnerabilities to climate change.”
 
ACAP Cape Breton is facilitating a series of public workshops to gather information from community members and explore what the future may hold for our coastlines in a changing climate. In the meantime, individuals are encouraged to contact ACAP Cape Breton with information about changes they’ve seen in their coastline at any time. We can be reached by phone at 567-1628 or email at ashelton@acapcb.ns.ca.

This free event is open to the public and light refreshments will be provided.

ACAP Cape Breton, located at 582 George St. in Sydney is a non-profit, charitable community organization with a community vision in which local people are actively engaged, working, and learning together to build a healthy and sustainable Island.


For more information, please contact:
Ashley Shelton
Project Coordinator
ACAP Cape Breton
(902) 567.1628 (T)
(902) 567.6282 (F)
 

December 1st, 2014

PORT MORIEN, NS – ACAP Cape Breton is pleased to welcome the public to the first of two climate change workshops to discuss community issues related to climate change on December 11th at 2:00pm. Residents can participate by attending this free workshop at the Port Morien Legion on 2832 Highway 255, Port Morien from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

ACAP Cape Breton would like to hear about how the coastline is changing from the people who live on the coast and see it every day. We are interested in personal observations, photographs, anecdotes—anything that helps to tell the story of how the coast is changing along Big Glace Bay Beach and Port Morien Beach. These observations gathered by the community on December 11th will be combined with data collected through GIS mapping to create a Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Marconi Trail. The draft adaptation plan, developed by incorporating the local knowledge of the community, will be presented at the second workshop.

"Using aerial photographs and computer software, we can create a picture of the past and present conditions of the coast, and get an idea of how it may look in the future,explains Ashley Shelton, Project Coordinator at ACAP Cape Breton and GIS lead for the project. By comparing these, we can see where and how the coast is changing over time and consider how we may be able to adapt to these changes."

ACAP Cape Breton will be participating in a series of public workshops to gather information from community members and explore what the future may hold for our coastlines in a changing climate. In the meantime, individuals are encouraged to contact ACAP Cape Breton with information about changes they’ve seen in their coastline at any time. We can be reached by phone at 902-567-1628 or email at ashelton@acapcb.ns.ca.

This free event is open to the public and light refreshments will be provided.

ACAP Cape Breton, located at 582 George St. in Sydney is a non-profit, charitable community organization with a community vision in which local people are actively engaged, working, and learning together to build a healthy and sustainable Island.

November 18, 2014

  SYDNEY, NS: ACAP Cape Breton, in partnership with the CBRM Water Utility, is launching the From the Source to the Tap educational video series Wednesday, November 19. This locally produced three part series focuses on source water, water treatment, and water distribution throughout the CBRM. The films are five to eight minutes long and are recommended for use in the classroom, by community groups, and individuals interested in learning where their tap water comes from, how it is treated, and how it gets to their homes and businesses in the CBRM.

 “Our eco-partnership with ACAP Cape Breton has allowed us to produce these excellent educational videos,” notes Joyce Babin of the CBRM Water Utility. “This video series provides the community and educators with the opportunity to take a virtual tour of the CBRM Water Utility workings without having to trek through a watershed or make arrangements for guided tours of our facilities.”

In addition to the video series, an accompanying educator resource kit featuring high school curriculum objectives has been developed by ACAP Cape Breton’s education team. Three interdisciplinary lessons exploring the themes and topics of the videos will soon be available for free to teachers wishing to use local curriculum resources in the classroom.

“It’s exciting to have new curriculum based educational resources for teachers that are locally produced and focused,” says Susan King, executive director of ACAP Cape Breton. “We hope that teachers show the videos to their classes and use our lesson plans to engage students.”

The From the Source to the Tap video series will be available online on November 19th.  The series can be viewed on the ACAP Cape Breton (www.acapcb.ns.ca) and CBRM Water Utility (www.cbrm.ca/water-utility) websites.
 
For more information, please contact ACAP Cape Breton at 902-567-1628 or e-mail education@acapcb.ns.ca.

ACAP Cape Breton, located at 582 George St. in Sydney is a non-profit, charitable community organization with a community vision whereby local people are actively engaged, working, and learning together to build a healthy and sustainable Island.

 

September 23, 2014

SYDNEY, N.S. – ACAP Cape Breton is encouraging schools across Nova Scotia to register for the 5th Annual Recycle My Cell Student Challenge. During the challenge, which runs between October 20 and November 21, students in participating schools are encouraged to recycle their old cell phones and accessories for the chance to win money for their school.

Recycle My Cell is a national free recycling program for cell phones, smartphones, wireless PDAs, pagers, as well as their batteries and accessories. They are challenging schools to recycle as many old wireless devices and accessories as possible between October 20 and November 21. In addition to doing a good thing for the environment, students could also win $500 for their school to put toward green initiatives.

Participating schools will receive everything they need, free of charge, to participate in the challenge. After the challenge ends on November 21, schools will be required to ship the box back to Recycle My Cell by December 5. The winning school in each province and territory will be announced in February. As a participating prize, eligible schools will receive $1 for every phone they collect and recycle through Recycle My Cell.

“In addition to promoting the proper recycling of cell phones, students have the added incentive of potentially winning money to put towards green initiatives in their school,” notes Caitlin O’Brien, Education Coordinator for ACAP Cape Breton.

To register a school, visit http://www.wrwcanada.com/recycle_my_cell and click the “Get your school signed up now!” link.
ACAP Cape Breton is a non-profit, charitable community organization. Located at 582 George Street in Sydney, ACAP Cape Breton has a vision for a community in which local people are actively engaged; working and learning together to build a healthy and sustainable Island.

SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

 SYDNEY, NS – It was another successful summer for ACAP Cape Breton’s Trashformers who collected a whopping 1,066 bags of litter which weighed in at more than 5,000 kgs.

The Trashformers are a group of students hired by ACAP Cape Breton for the summer months to ensure the public spaces of the communities comprising the CBRM are kept litter free while engaging the public in an anti-littering behavior.

This summer marked the first time specific item totals were recorded. More than 10,000 disposable coffee cups, 21,000 food wrappers, and almost 6,000 cans and bottles were gathered in the CBRM.

“It’s startling to see not just how much litter is in our communities, but the types of litter as well,” notes Caitlin O’Brien, Education Coordinator for ACAP Cape Breton. “Knowing that there are potentially tens of thousands of disposable coffee cups littering our streets throughout the year is quite appalling.”
As the summer winds down, consider becoming an honorary Trashformer by stashing your trash properly and keeping the CBRM clean year round.

ACAP Cape Breton is a non-profit, charitable community organization. Located at 582 George Street in Sydney, ACAP Cape Breton has a vision for a community vision in which local people are actively engaged; working and learning together to build a healthy and sustainable Island.

August 20, 2014

Ever wonder what goes eek in the night? No need to wonder anymore as ACAP Cape Breton is inviting the public to join them for a Bat Walk at the Glace Bay Dam on Tuesday, August 26th. Participants will be able to see bats swooping over the water to snatch flies and also listen to their hunting calls with the help of an ultrasonic detector.

The purpose of the Bat Walk is to raise awareness about white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungal infection that has been afflicting bats in Nova Scotia since 2011. Named for the white fungus that appears on the nose, wings and ears of a bat, the disease has already claimed the lives of millions of bats in eastern North America. The fungus infects bats during hibernation and causes them to wake and use up their stored fat before the winter is over. They then begin a fruitless search for insects which ultimately results in starvation. So far, bats in Cape Breton do not seem to be affected.

Jared Tomie, Environmental Project Manager at ACAP Cape Breton, is leading the bat monitoring project into its second year. “The Bat Walk will offer the public an opportunity to interact with bats in a fun, unique way while observing them eating up flies and mosquitoes. The hope is that this will help people see bats as an important part of the ecosystem, not just as pests.” The Bat Walk is also meant to inform participants about white-nose syndrome and what they can do to help our bats.

The Bat Walk will be held Aug. 26th at the Glace Bay Dam on Beacon St. in Glace Bay. The event begins at sunset (7:50pm). People are asked to dress according to the weather, wear proper walking shoes and also bring along a flashlight.

ACAP Cape Breton, located at 582 George St. in Sydney is a non-profit, charitable community organization with a community vision: Local people are actively engaged, working, and learning together to build a healthy and sustainable island. For more information, phone 567-1628.