Partnership
- Northern Pulp works collaboratively with partners in the forestry sector, governments and NGOs such as the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Nova Scotia Nature Trust
- We are a founder of the Colin Stewart Forest Forum – a collaborative initiative between Nova Scotia environmental NGOs, four large forestry companies and the provincial government, to develop a province-wide protected areas proposal
- We support DNR's Otter Pond Demonstration Forest initiative in collaboration with environmentally focused groups. Support includes:
- Providing land from crown lease
- Participating as member of the Board
'Trees for Kids' Raises Over $50,000 for IWK
(L to R): Carolyn Tse (PAWWECA Vice President), Alex Warshick (Children's Advocacy Chair), Chris MacMaster (PAWWECA President) and Tom Matheson (Forest Nursery Leader, Northern Pulp) at the 2010 IWK Telethon
Tom Matheson and his tree nursery team have grown over 175 million seedlings for reforestation throughout rural Nova Scotia over the past 30 years. And each year since 2002, several thousand of his fast growing seedlings have found their way to some unlikely places, the backyards of metro Halifax – Dartmouth residents, to raise over $50,000 for the IWK Hospital for Children. (read more...)
It is part of a unique partnership between Northern Pulp Nova Scotia and a dedicated group of community-minded students from Prince Andrew High School in Dartmouth; the Prince Andrew Woodlawn Environmental Enhancement and Conservation Association (PAWEECA).
Matheson is the long time Forest Nursery Leader for Northern Pulp Nova Scotia's tree nursery and tree breeding program in Debert. He has been impressed with the desire of the PAWEECA students to improve their community.
"Every year, just before the IWK Telethon, we hear from the students," he says. "We provide spruce seedlings in small bags with planting instructions free of charge and they sell them to shoppers at grocery stores in their area. It is a rewarding partnership and we are proud to be part of it."
"Our annual 'Trees for Kids' event has allowed us to give back to our community in a way that few events do and it demonstrates the depth of interest and engagement of Nova Scotia students in the improvement of their province," said Alex Warshick, PAWEECA's Children's Advocacy Chair.
"We raise vital money for the IWK and we are raising environmental awareness to help shift the public conscience toward greener homes and communities," says Warshick.
Since the project began, over 80,000 seedlings have been provided by the company. The trees are grown as part of the company's extensive tree planting program throughout central Nova Scotia.
"We are a rural industry and it is nice to feel we can be part of something to make urban areas greener and raise money for kids at the same time," said Matheson.
Alex Warshick agrees. "Planting just one tree could reduce a large portion of someone's lifetime 'carbon footprint'. Our project is truly rewarding on both a humanitarian and environmental level."
Unique Education Centre Defies the Odds
Northern Pulp and Nova Scotia Community College partner
to support Gittens Lodge
It is estimated that 1,500 children and 150 adults make use of Gittens Lodge and its surrounding property each year as part of a unique outdoor learning experience. Little did founding partners of the project in the early 1970's realize, the facility would still be welcoming visitors almost 40 years later. (read more...)
Established in 1973 through the efforts of the former Nova Scotia Teachers College (now Nova Scotia Community College) and Scott Maritimes Limited (now Northern Pulp Nova Scotia Corporation), an overnight stay at Gittens Lodge is an annual treat for many organizations, particularly Girl Guides, Scouts and other youth groups. The focus is on outdoor education, a camping experience and fun.
“It is amazing how the Lodge has survived”, said Mike McLarty, Northern Pulp’s Timberlands Manager. “The original partners, Scott Paper which owned the land and the Nova Scotia Teachers College which had the idea, both no longer exist. But those of us who have carried on from those days, ourselves and Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) in Truro, still believe in its value and have found ways to keep the doors open.”
The lodge is located at Manganese Mines near Truro, on 500 acres of land bordering the Salmon River. Over the years, nature trails have been developed for use of visitors. The lodge building was constructed on an old farm site, complete with sleeping facilities, a kitchen, a large common area and rooms for youth leaders. The walls are peppered with signs and logos of countless youth organizations.
“Gittens Lodge offers an exceptional learning experience especially for our Recreation Leadership students,” says Kevin Quinlan, NSCC Truro Campus principal. “The Lodge also allows us to connect with many community organizations including Guides, Scouts, outdoor interest groups and many others. We are fortunate to have a partnership like this with Northern Pulp and we value the long-standing contribution the lodge makes to college and campus life.”
Although some operating costs are offset by modest rental fees, the lodge facility itself has been well maintained though the support of several stakeholders. Most recently, the company and NSCC’s Truro Campus, developed a land management plan and created a maintenance fund from stumpage fees earned through the harvest of wood form the site.
Mike Brown, Professional Forester and principal of Interforest Inc. of Truro, developed the management plan in cooperation with Northern Pulp woodlands personnel and NSCC staff. Brown is a long time user of the lodge through his work with youth.
The concept for the lodge was created in 1969 by Prof. Ted Gittens and Dr. Verl Short, faculty members at Nova Scotia Teachers College. Their vision was to have an Environmental Science Centre for youth and teachers studying outdoor education. For thousands of visitors, that vision has helped countless young Nova Scotians experience nature. It’s a tradition that is continued today.