Friends of Nature
Making a difference since 1954
“While there’s life, there’s hope.”
– FON founder Rudy Haase
- In 1954, Friends of Nature was launched by Martin Rudy Haase to protect a unique island in Maine. Since then, our conservation group continues to dedicate itself to maintaining the balance of nature for the mutual benefit of people and their plant and animal friends.
- In 1968, Friends of Nature Conservation Society was incorporated in Canada.
- We are affiliated with Nature Canada and Friends of Nature, Incorporated.
- We are a member of Nova Scotia Environmental Network and Nova Scotia Public Lands Coalition.
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”
– Albert Einstein
Our founder pioneer conservationist Rudy Haase:
“It can’t happen unless you do it,” says Martin Rudy Haase, Founder, Friends of Nature. “While there’s life, there’s hope. So if you’re alive, you can’t engage in despair. You have to keep going where you can see hope and where you can do things.”
The driving force behind the work of Friends of Nature has always been our founder, Rudy Haase. He is known for translating idealism to action. A groundbreaking conservationist, his infectious optimism, enthusiasm and love of nature have inspired countless others to do good work. He and his wife lead by example in the way they choose to live: eating organic food, installing solar panels on their home and clearing snow from their driveway with no mechanical equipment.
“He is a person of considerable conviction and principle but he also turns those convictions and principles into concrete action,” says Bob Waldon, past Nova Scotia Nature Trust board member.
Although Rudy Haase remains humble, a lifetime spent conserving land does not go unnoticed. Mr. Haase was the subject of a beautiful 2007 documentary by Neal Livingston.
“What a wonderful man he is! [The film, “Rudy Haase,” has] captured his vitality and energy which certainly is inspiring. He would seem to be the ideal model for us all,” applauds Leon Narbey (New Zealand feature film director; cinematographer on “Whale Rider;” filmmaker, “Man Of The Trees”).
Just a few of the awards Mr. Haase has received for his conservation work include:
Our Friends of Nature Board
- Sydney Dumaresq – Chairman
Occupation: Architect - Sheila Knowlton-MacRury – Secretary
Occupation: Retired Teacher - Brad Armstrong – Conservation Director
Occupation: Home Builder - Edward Brainard
Occupation: Environmental Engineer
- Elizabeth Brainard
Occupation: Author/Artist - Sandra Dumaresq
Occupation: Accountant - Ken MacRury
Occupation: Retired Public Servant - Elizabeth E. May
Occupation: Leader, Green Party of Canada
- Edward C. Porter
Occupation: Retired Professor - Jamie Simpson
Occupation: Lawyer - Andrew Breen
Occupation: Fisheries Technician - Maria Breen
Student
Dedicated to maintaining the balance of nature for people and their plant & animal friends.
Since 1954, when the organization was formed by Martin Rudy Haase to protect a unique island in Maine, Friends of Nature has been dedicated to maintaining the balance of nature for the mutual benefit of people and their plant and animal friends.
Friends of Nature
P.O. Box 577
Chester, Nova Scotia, B0J 1J0
Friends of Nature Conservation Society