Board & Staff

To deliver and facilitate programs that empower and educate youth, citizens and industry on the benefits of maintaining a sustainable biosphere region while supporting scientific and other research necessary to affect the objectives of the biosphere regions. (2011)

Our Mission

We envision a healthy and sustainable biosphere while respecting our culture, quality of life and natural resources. (2011) 

Our Vision

Executive Board

Co-Chair: David Sollows, Yarmouth, N.S.

Vice-Chair: Cliff Drysdale, Middleton, Annapolis County, N.S.

Secretary: John Sollows, Sandbeach, Yarmouth County, N.S. Phone: (902)-742-2802

Acting Treasurer: John Sollows, Yarmouth, N.S.

Board member: Linda Gregory, Culloden, Digby County, N.S.

Past Chair: Steve Malay, Harmony, Queens County, N.S.

  • Co-Chair

    David Sollows is a native of Yarmouth with deep roots in the area. He studied mathematics, biology and education at Acadia University and returned to work as an educator and school principal in Yarmouth.

    He continues to work as a mentor for beginning teachers in B.Ed programs from various universities. He has always had an interest in the environment and local history. He has served as president and board member of the Yarmouth County Historical Society, Chair of the Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve Association, Chair of Beacon Church Council, secretary to the Trustees of the Congregational Church of Chebogue Preservation Society, member of the Town of Yarmouth Communities in Bloom Committee, and a charter member of the Yarmouth Shantymen.

    He has worked as a tour guide and interpreter for large and small tour groups. He has a passion for nature, gardening, storytelling and encouraging people to get in touch with the natural world and the stories that have led them to become who they are and where they are.

    David and his wife, Judy reside in Yarmouth and have two adult sons and three young grandchildren.

Membership:

Our Board welcomes representatives from the following sectors:

  • Industry (up to five members)

  • Government (up to five members)

  • Community (up to five members)

  • First Nations (one each from Bear River and Acadia First Nations)

  • Non-government organizations (up to five members)

  • Education/Academic (up to three members)

Advisors to the Board can also be appointed from provincial and federal governments, as well as from the above sectors.

Meet the Staff

  • (Dr. N.M.Hill) - Coordinator

    Nick Hill joined the Biosphere Association in 2023 after fifteen years as a conservation botanist and wetland consultant. His research career when he was a professor at the Biology Department at Mount St. Vincent studying the ecology of rare wetland plants. As a consultant, he oversaw the restoration of Big Meadow Bog to save the Endangered Eastern Mountain Avens. Presently, Nick heads up the Lakeshore Restoration project at the Biosphere, an Environment Climate Change Canada initiative to recover the Species at Risk of the Coastal Plain Flora.

    nick@swnovabiosphere.ca

Adam Deveau

  • Project Lead - 2 Billion Trees

    Adam joined the SNBRA team in late 2022 and hit the ground running as a co-coordinator/co-developer of our Forever a Forest project. Adam’s varied skill set lends itself well to undertaking the Forever a Forest project. As an employee of the Biosphere he continues to progress and grow his knowledge in both the forestry/tree planting fields as well as general non-profit operations.

    Born and raised in Yarmouth, he has a passion for the area and can often be found walking amongst nature or playing in the ocean. He enjoys many personal pursuits and activities such as playing music, reading, surfing and yoga.

    adam@swnovabiosphere.ca

  • Project Coordinator - OECM and Habitat Restoration

    Maria joined SNBRA in fall, 2024. She currently coordinates OECM and restoration work in the Southwest Nova Biosphere region. Originally from Hammonds Plains, NS, Maria has a Bachelors of Science in Biology from University of Ottawa and a Masters of Science in Biology from Acadia University. She is excited to contribute to the balance between people and nature within the Southwest Nova Biosphere and to continue learning about the unique culture and biodiversity of the region. Maria enjoys sports, crafting with friends and exploring new places.

    maria@swnovabiosphere.ca