Who We Are

Friends of the Pugwash Estuary

Also known as FOPE, we are a volunteer-driven, registered charity dedicated to protecting and preserving the Pugwash Estuary.

This vital ecosystem, rich in biodiversity and natural beauty, is at the heart of our mission to foster environmental stewardship.

With a commitment to education, conservation, and community engagement, we work to ensure the estuary thrives for generations to come.

Our Mission

On a volunteer and non-profit basis, the following are the FOPE Mission Statement objectives.

Nature Conservancy & Outdoor Interpretive Centre

To establish, operate and maintain a nature conservancy and outdoor interpretive center.

Public Education

To educate the public about the ecosystem and environment of the Pugwash Estuary through tours, public media articles, printed materials, and public speaking events.

Partnership & Stewardship

To work with other registered Canadian charities and public authorities to protect, preserve, monitor and guide the stewardship of the environment and resources of the Pugwash Estuary.

Our Board Members

President

Betty Hodgson

The Estuary is important to me because it is a unique, natural space that is accessible to be enjoyed today and will still be largely unchanged in the future. Large areas along it are protected, ensuring that the many natural ecosystems that comprise the Estuary’s biome remain accessible and preserved, thanks to the work of FOPE and NCC. It is an opportunity to protect nature and safeguard our future.

Director

Maureen Woodlock

Coming soon.

Treasurer

Eleanor Conrad

After my retirement from teaching at Pugwash District High School, it has been
great to have time to volunteer with community organizations. As treasurer of
FOPE, I am involved with ongoing programs as well as plans for new initiatives
including the Outdoor Interpretive Centre. Being part of FOPE has led to me to try
some new outdoor activities and to have a greater appreciation of the importance of
preserving natural environments such as the Pugwash River Estuary.

Secretary

Marilyn Kinnear

I first became aware of the Friends of the Pugwash Estuary in 2007 through CAMP- The Community Aquatic Monitoring Program. As an avid salmon fisherwoman, I was interested in learning more about the health of our rivers and streams. From there I was introduced to a group of individuals who care deeply about the Pugwash Estuary. Friends of the Pugwash Estuary offers a unique opportunity for like-minded individuals to get together to preserve this estuary and help protect it for years to come.

Partners and Collaborators

FOPE is proud to partner with the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

We also work extensively with numerous organizations and institutions that share our dedication to environmental conservation including the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia, the Seagull Foundation, Pagweak Foundation, Pugwash Communities in Bloom, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Windsor Salt, the Community Eelgrass Restoration Initiative, Nature Nova Scotia, and Hike Nova Scotia.

We have engaged in research initiatives with groups such as the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Coalition on Sustainability and the Adopt-a-Stream Program.

We also collaborate with academic institutions, including Dalhousie University, St. Mary’s University, and St. Francis Xavier University, to support environmental research and stewardship efforts.

These partnerships and collaborations reflect our commitment to protecting and preserving the Pugwash Estuary while fostering a network of shared knowledge and action.