Many of us entered the fields of climate and environmental stewardship because we care deeply about the planet and the communities we serve. Yet the pace and complexity of today’s challenges can leave even the most committed leaders feeling stretched, isolated, and disconnected from themselves and one another. In rural Nova Scotia, these pressures are often intensified by geographic isolation, limited organizational capacity, shifting priorities, and funding uncertainty.
To help address these challenges, this professional development event will support wellbeing and resilience by providing a space for change-makers to restore themselves and develop skills to enhance their reflective leadership and collaboration.
Join us for this gathering at the peaceful Milford House Wilderness Lodge. Milford House is an historic lodge on the Mersey River adjacent to Medway Lakes Protected Area and close to Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site. We will be able to enjoy the fall colours, water front cabins, with ample access to the rejuvenating qualities of this natural setting. Accommodation and all meals are provided as part of the registration fee.
“The sessions created space for honest conversation and deeper connection, while also offering concrete tools and approaches that participants could carry into their day-to-day work.”
– Past participant with Nova Scotia provincial government
Circle of Trust® Approach and Indigenous Knowledge
Brian and Sally have been prepared to deliver a Circle of Trust® retreat experience developed by Parker J. Palmer and the Center for Courage & Renewal®. Together over two days, we’ll explore practices that support reflective leadership, authentic collaboration, personal resilience, and the capacity to remain grounded while navigating complexity. These facilitated experiences invite participants to slow down and listen deeply to themselves and others. Through individual reflection, meaningful dialogue, time in nature, and shared learning, participants will strengthen both their leadership and their ability to sustain themselves in this important work.
Together, we’ll co-create a trustworthy space where people can explore their own inner lives in community with others – without fixing, advising, or pressure.
We’re honoured to welcome L’nu knowledge keeper Melissa Labrador who will share teachings and Indigenous ways of knowing and being with the land. Melissa will provide opportunities to connect with ourselves, the land, and each other in ways that are both rejuvenating and healing.
“The sessions created space for meaningful reflection, strengthened individual and team capacity, and supported participants in navigating the complexity of climate and conservation work in a more grounded and relational way.”
– Kelsey Butler, Director, Atlantic & Québec Region, Birds Canada on the impact of the program for Birds Canada staff
Participants can anticipate leaving with:
- Greater clarity about their leadership and purpose
- Practical Courage & Renewal® tools to support reflective leadership
- Renewed energy and resilience for climate and conservation work
- Stronger relationships with colleagues across organizations
- A deeper capacity to navigate complexity with courage and compassion
- An expanded network of supportive peers committed to caring for themselves, one another, and the places they serve
The event is grounded in inclusive and trauma informed approaches and will prioritize diverse participation, including young adults, women, Indigenous and racialized leaders, and community-based practitioners.
Sally and Brian have delivered similar reflective leadership and Courage & Renewal® programs with staff from Parks Canada, the Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute, Birds Canada, the Kespukwitk Conservation Collaborative led by Environment and Climate Change Canada, provincial government departments, and other conservation and climate organizations across Nova Scotia.
We will have space for 17 participants. The event includes:
- A 90 minutes online orientation session
- a 1.5 day residential experience
- a 90 minute follow up online reflection and integration session
Scholarship Opportunities:
This event is generously funded by the Joan Feynman Climate Action Grant through the Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia, with support from Community Vibes. As a result of this funding we have two fully funded scholarships available for equity deserving individuals from equity deserving groups or organizations who are often underrepresented in the climate and environment field. This includes individuals from organizations who represent Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Colour; individuals from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and/or individuals with limited financial resources, or others who face systemic barriers in participating in professional development events. To apply for these scholarship opportunities please go to the registration page to find a link to scholarship applications. Please apply before Sept 11th, 2026.
What past participants have said:
“The value of Sally and Brian’s work is that it is an invitation to come as you are, to feel the support we have within ourselves and to learn how to offer that to others.”
– Crystal Doggett, Co-Director, Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute
“We have seen benefits through stronger connections with partner organizations, increased collaboration, and renewed energy for community-based stewardship initiatives.”
– Matt Miller, Operations Manager, Medway Community Forest Co-op
“Since participating, we have become more cohesive partners in our work, and we continue to benefit from the skills and perspectives gained.”
– Matthew Smith, Park Ecologist, Parks Canada / Kejimkujik National Park & National Historic Site
