A Bridgewater-based organization is marking a major milestone this year as it celebrates 25 years of protecting and restoring shorelines across Nova Scotia. Helping Nature Heal Inc., located at 671 LaHave Street, has spent two and a half decades establishing itself as a leader in nature-based coastal restoration.
Founded by Rosmarie Lohnes in 2001, the company specializes in creating living shorelines. Instead of using traditional hard barriers like stone walls, which can cause environmental damage, the team uses vegetation, wetlands, and natural systems to help slow erosion. This work has become increasingly important as Nova Scotia faces rising sea levels, which are climbing faster here than in almost any other part of Canada due to a combination of climate change and land sinking.
As the organization celebrates its anniversary, Lohnes is shifting her focus from project work to education. She plans to dedicate her time to empowering others to use these sustainable practices to protect local landscapes. This transition has drawn international attention, and in August 2026, Lohnes will present her methods at the 15th European Conference on Ecological Restoration in Brest, France, at the invitation of the Society for Ecological Restoration.
The impact of the team’s work has been felt well beyond Bridgewater. In May 2025, the group partnered with the Halifax Regional Municipality to lead a community planting workshop at Penhorn Lake in Dartmouth. The project aimed to address issues like soil runoff and habitat loss through nature-based solutions.
Donna Hatt, the Economic Development Officer for the Town of Bridgewater, has been working closely with Lohnes to plan how the community can honour the organization’s 25 years of service. The company has previously received several honours for its contributions.
