2014 BOSTON TREE LOCATION A FIRST  . . . THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY TRAINING . . . LIVING OFF-GRID IN TANTRAMAR!  . . . MARITIME BEEF TESTING SOCIETY AGM . . . ON THE TRAIL TO PRESERVE APPALACHIA’S HEIRLOOM CROPS . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

2014 BOSTON TREE LOCATION A FIRST
Source: NSDNR
For the first time in the history of the tradition, the Nova Scotia Christmas tree for Boston is coming from the northern half of the province. John and Ethel Ann MacPherson of Purlbrook, Antigonish Co., are donating this year’s evergreen gift, an annual thank you to the city of Boston for help provided after the 1917 Halifax explosion. “We are very happy this year’s Boston tree is coming from Antigonish County and from our own backyard,” said Mr. MacPherson. “It’s great to think our tree will represent all of Nova Scotia.” Since the tradition began in 1971, the tree for Boston has been selected from counties in the southern half of the province. This year, the Antigonish County tree was the best one found, with a good size and shape, and easy access. The province encourages Nova Scotians to help search for the perfect Nova Scotia tree for Boston for future years. Anyone knowing of a White or Red spruce or Balsam fir that is 12 to 15 meters high (40-50 feet), with good symmetry and easy road access should contact their local Natural Resources office. (read more)

THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY TRAINING
Source: Equine Guelph
Last month’s hands-on Equine Emergency one-day workshop and three-day Technical Large Animal Emergency rescue courses hosted by Equine Guelph were well attended by first responders and horse owners alike. The importance of improving safety during emergency situations for both people and their horses was made abundantly clear by world renowned leader in the field, Dr. Rebecca Gimenez (TLAER Inc). Dr. Gimenez will return to share her vast knowledge as the guest speaker in Equine Guelph’s next two-week online Horse Behaviour and Safety eWorkshop, February 23 to March 8, 2015. (read more)

LIVING OFF-GRID IN TANTRAMAR!
Source: Sustainable Maritimes
EOS hosted a very popular talk on living off the grid Saturday, October 18 at Open Sky Farm in Middle Sackville. Presenters Wendy Keats and Jim Brown spoke about their experiences in moving off the grid in southeast New Brunswick. The event was covered by CTV Atlantic. For more on living off the grid and future talks check out our living off the grid webpage. (read more)

MARITIME BEEF TESTING SOCIETY AGM
Source: NSCP
The Annual General Meeting of the Maritime Beef Testing Society will be held on Saturday November 22 at the Nappan Pavilion. Registration for the meeting is $15, which includes a roast beef dinner lunch to support Cumberland County 4-H clubs. (read more)

ON THE TRAIL TO PRESERVE APPALACHIA’S HEIRLOOM CROPS
Source: NPR Appalachia may be one of the poorest regions of the U.S., but when it comes to heirloom crops, it’s got the riches. James Veteto is an anthropologist at Western Carolina University and an apple farmer who directs the Southern Seed Legacy Project. He has spent the past 16 years traveling throughout Central and Southern Appalachia, talking with farmers about the heritage fruits and vegetables they grow. (read more)