Stiff texture, long fingers and small spines almost like a clubmoss. Based ID on other similar ones in Ontario. According to https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z93-091 it could be Spongilla aspinosa which has been found in only 2 locations in NS (one in Keji park), so it is likely this one, which is listed as common. Would need to look at the spines under magnification to see the difference (S. Aspinosa are smooth, S. lacustrus has secondary spines near tips). My poor photo looks smooth, but I think that is just the lack of detail.