The Blomidon Naturalists Society (BNS) of Wolfville has provided a generous gift to Acadia University to support students majoring in one of the natural sciences.

The Blomidon Naturalists Society Bursary of $2,000 will be awarded annually starting in 2013 to a full-time student entering the third year of an undergraduate degree program with a major in one of the natural sciences (biology, physics, chemistry, environmental and earth science). Other award criteria include financial need and involvement in the University and/or the greater community. Candidates will be chosen by Acadia University, and the most deserving candidate chosen during a joint meeting with University representatives and the BNS.

The Blomidon Naturalists Society is a member of Nature Nova Scotia, and other like-minded organizations. Its primary objective is to encourage and develop in its members, young people and the public at large an understanding and appreciation of nature.

The Society has had a long association with Acadia - from the beginnings of BNS through to present day - providing founding members, speakers, activity leaders, expertise and membership. The Society acknowledges also that Acadia has contributed meeting space since the organization’s inauguration.

Over the years, BNS has profited from book sales and a natural history calendar authored by its members. An endowment fund was established and invested in Canadian equity, the dividends from which can now comfortably support a $2,000 annual bursary.

Valuable input was garnered from a chance meeting and discussion with two Acadia students who were instrumental in the “community” concept being written into the agreement. Community commitment is a driving force with the Society, evidenced by its newsletters being produced at Gaspereau Press;  publishing books and a calendar with area content; organizing and running The Green Dragon young naturalists program; and hiring two University students each summer  for this work.

Late last year an agreement for the bursary was initiated and the Annual Gift Agreement with Acadia was signed on February 28, 2013. Spokesperson Ed Sulis says, “the Blomidon Naturalists Society is very pleased to have a new bursary in place at our community university, Acadia, to further the community cause.”

On hand to celebrate the Society’s commitment to Acadia and the local community at the signing of the gift agreement are (pictured, left to right): Dean of Science Dr. Peter Williams; Executive Director, Philanthropy, Nancy Handrigan; BNS Treasurer Ed Sulis; and Dr. Rod Morrison, Vice-President, Advancement.

For more information about Acadia University, visit www.acadiau.ca. For more information on the Blomidon Naturalists Society, please visit: http://www.blomidonnaturalists.ca/