Catherine McCarthy and Dachia Joudrey, Friends of McNabs Island Society
Tuesday Night Talk, free
6:30 pm
McNabs Island is a 400-ha island at the entrance to Halifax Harbour. As a provincial park and Fort McNab as a national historic site, the island is steeped in history – from the Mi’kmaq, who camped and fished there, to the Europeans, who built fishing stations and fortifications to protect the Port of Halifax.
The island has a long and colourful recreational history that boasted two popular fairgrounds where Bill Lynch got his start as the “Midway King”.
Today the island has reverted to nature. It offers outstanding recreational and outdoor educational experiences where visitors can hike, swim, beach comb, or just relax by getting away from the city on a short boat ride to the island.
The Friends of McNabs Island Society is volunteer-run registered charity dedicated to promoting McNabs Island as parkland for all Nova Scotians to enjoy. The society maintains trails, hosts beach cleanups and guided tours, and manages the Teahouse Outdoor Education Centre. mcnabsisland.ca
Catherine McCarthy is a founding member and current President of the Friends of McNabs Island Society. She is active in organizing many of the society’s environmental and education programs.
For many years, Catherine worked for non-profit and educational organizations developing environmental policies and public awareness programs. She holds a Master of Adult Education and a Bachelor of Business Administration with an Honours thesis in Sustainable Tourism from Mount Saint Vincent University.
Dachia Joudrey is an active board member of the Friends of McNabs Island Society. She organizes and leads youth outdoor education programs on the island and has developed specialized guided tours such as the Hangman’s Beach Tour.
Dachia was director of several non-profit organizations working with children and youth, persons with epilepsy, and those living with mental health and addictions. For 15 years, she managed volunteer programs for the Nova Scotia Health Authority. Dachia is a graduate of Mount Saint Vincent University’s Public Relations Program and Dalhousie University’s Social Work Program.
As part of our free admission, community evening, we want to help our communities. On Tuesday nights, we welcome donations to Feed Nova Scotia to help our communities, and curb food insecurity, together!