Hikers, walkers and paddlers in Nova Scotia have a chance to go on free guided tours (PDF: 87k) of the province's protected areas.
BioBlitz 2009
June 6, 2009
Blue Mountain - Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Hosted by St. Mary’s University, this BioBlitz is a 24-hour event in which scientists count and identify the biodiversity of species. This year, researchers will be surveying the recently designated Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area. With base camps at the Lebanese Cultural Centre (345 Kearney Lake Road) and the Maskwa Aquatic Club (91 Saskatoon Drive), the public is invited to take part in a variety of presentations and activities. Local community groups will be on hand to demonstrate what biodiversity is and why it is important for conservation. There will also be an opportunity to take guided walks through the wilderness area, participate in interactive displays, watch the scientists at work, and ask questions about their discoveries.
This event is supported by Ecology Action Centre, Discovery Centre, Canadian Parks & Wilderness Society, Museum of Natural History, NS Department of Natural Resources, NS Department of Environment, and the Sackville Rivers Association. For more information, please contact Lisa at 902-491-6276 or Michelle at 902-420-5661. For an up-to-date schedule of events, please visit the web site at www.smu.ca/bioblitz
Trail Hike
June 7, 2009
Ship Harbour Long Lake Candidate Wilderness Area
10:00 AM
Join the Dartmouth Volksmarch Club for an easy 6 km or 10 km guided walk of the Musquodoboit Trailway, or a challenging 12 km guided walk of Admiral Lake. Wear hiking boots, a hat, bring a lunch, sun screen, and water. Meet at the Musquodoboit Railway Station Museum on Highway #7 in Musquodoboit Harbour. A $1 registration fee is collected for all Dartmouth Volksmarch Club events. For more information, please contact Lily at 902-466-4421
Celebrate 100 Years of Guiding on the Shelburne River
June 14, 2009
Shelburne Canadian Heritage River/Shelburne River Wilderness Area
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Celebrate Canadian Rivers Day by canoeing the maze of islands and explore the coves of Sand Lake on the Shelburne River. Mark Rivers Day (June 14th) on your calendars to spend with family and friends on the river and enjoy a traditional guide's lunch prepared in the woods by your guides for the day - staff of the Nova Scotia Department of Environment-Protected Areas Branch.
Participants must have their own canoe or kayak, required safety gear, including floating throw rope, PFD's for all passengers, a bailer, and a whistle or other signaling device. Pre-registration is required by June 1st. For more information or to pre-register, please contact Leif at 902-543-4685 or helmerpl@gov.ns.ca. Rain dates: Saturday, July 18, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm or Sunday, July 19, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Hike to Blue Mountain
June 16, 2009
Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area
6:15 PM
Hike along a logging road, ford a small stream, and scramble up a fairly worn path for the breath-taking 360-degree panoramic view of Halifax/Dartmouth and beyond from the top of Blue Mountain Hill. Bring your binoculars, camera, and water. Wear waterproof hiking boots as some areas may be wet and slippery. Also, bring along insect repellent, sun screen, and a hat. Along the trail, observe the many varied flora and fauna that make this area home. The walk is approximately 5 kms and may take as long as 2.5 hours to complete.
The hike is suitable for all ages although attendance by children under 10 is discouraged. Sponsored by the Halifax North West Trails Association. Advanced registration is required. Meet at the end of Anahid Drive, a cul-de-sac in the Kingswood subdivision, park on the street but please do not block any driveways! The trail head is right there. For more information or to pre-register, please contact Bob at 902-443-5051 or at bobathome@eastlink.ca
June 20, 2009
4th Annual Kenomee Canyon Hike - Economy River Wilderness Area
8:00 AM
The Kenomee Trail Society is hosting their 4th Annual Kenomee Canyon Hike. A challenging 18 km guided hike on the Kenomee Canyon Trail located within Economy River Wilderness Area. Hikers will trek along the edge of the Economy River gorge, through natural spruce and hardwood forests, and will have an opportunity to view three waterfalls. Be prepared for a full day of hiking and to get wet. For more information, please contact the Kenomee Trail Society at 902-647-2271.
Crowbar Lake Trail Walk
June 21, 2009
Waverley - Salmon River Long Lake Wilderness Area
10:00 AM
Join the Dartmouth Volksmarch Club for a challenging 10 km guided walk of the Crowbar Lake Trail. Bring a lunch and water. Meet at the Crowbar Lake Wilderness Trail parking lot at 1800 Myra Road. A $1 registration fee is collected for all Dartmouth Volksmarch Club events. For more information, please contact Lily at 902-466-4421.
At the Feet of Giants
August 15, 2009
Abraham Lake Nature Reserve
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Come help build rustic boardwalks over wet areas, trim back branches and mark the trail as we work at the feet of giant old-growth spruce trees at the Abraham Lake Nature Reserve. This 634-acre property around Abraham Lake is protected under Nova Scotia’s Special Places Protection Act and is adjacent to Liscomb Game Sanctuary. It contains rare stands of old-growth Red Spruce, and a 6.5 kilometre rustic trail system. Sturdy footwear is recommended. Visit www.conservationvolunteers.ca for more information and to register.
Paddle to the Coast
August 8, 2009
Gabarus Wilderness Area
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Join us on this day-long paddle along the shores of Gabarus and Belfry Lakes to the beautiful coastal sand dunes bordering Fourchu Bay. Experience this unique opportunity to canoe/kayak scenic, wilderness freshwater lakes while enjoying lunch on Belfry Beach! Participants will be advised of meeting and travel arrangement upon registering.
Please bring your own boat and gear, drinking water, food, appropriate clothing and sun protection. Each boat must be equipped with all required safety gear including a floating throw-rope, PFD's for all passengers, a bailer, and a whistle or other signaling device. This event is for teens and adults with some canoeing or kayaking experience. Additional information will be provided upon registration. Advanced registration is required. For more information, please contact David at 902-563-3428 or williadc@gov.ns.ca. Sponsored by the Nova Scotia Department of Environment-Protected Areas Branch. Rain date: Saturday, August 15, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Beyond Backcountry: An Interactive Workshop
September 12, 2009
Cloud Lake Wilderness Area
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Take your wilderness pursuits to the next level and learn about the opportunities that await in wilderness areas of the province. This interactive workshop will introduce you to the resources, trip planning, and skills needed for safe and enjoyable forays into wilderness areas. Building on the "Keep it Wild" program, this hands-on event will get you thinking about your next trip beyond the backcountry.
Advanced registration is required. For more information or to pre-register, please call Leif at 902-543-4685 or helmerpl@gov.ns.ca. Sponsored by the Nova Scotia Department of Environment-Protected Areas Branch.
Hike to Blue Mountain
September 26, 2009
Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Discover Blue Mountain - the highest point of land near downtown Halifax. This guided hike within the new Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area, between the Kingswood Subdivision and Bayers Lake Business Park, will highlight some of the special features and recreational opportunities of this near-urban wilderness.
Please wear suitable clothing, hiking boots, bring a lunch, and sun screen. Participants are responsible for their own transportation. Car pooling will be coordinated for those interested. This event is suitable for adults and youth 12 and older. Sponsored by the Nova Scotia Department of Environment's Protected Areas Branch. Advance registration is required. Pre-register by calling Oliver Maass at 902-424-2123. Group size is limited.
Fall Colours on the North River Falls Hiking Trail
October 17, 2009
North River Wilderness Area
9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
At a little over 100 feet, the North River Falls are reputed to be the highest and, to many, the most beautiful in Nova Scotia. The hiking trail to the falls also provides a wonderful opportunity to see and learn something of the unique history, culture, and natural features of the North River Wilderness Area while enjoying the many scenic opportunities - and fabulous Fall colours.
Please note that hiking approximately 9.0 km (18 km return) up the river valley is a significant challenge requiring a good level of physical fitness and preparedness. Hikers should bring appropriate footwear and clothing, plus sufficient water and snacks. This will be an all day event. A full colour interpretive trails brochure will be provided. Advanced registration is required. For more information or to pre-register, please contact David at 902-563-3428 or willadc@gov.ns.ca. Sponsored by the Nova Scotia Department of Environment-Protected Areas Branch.
Hike
November 11, 2009
Duncans Cove Nature Reserve
10:00 AM
Join the Dartmouth Volksmarch Club for a challenging 10 km walk. Meet at Duncan's Cove Nature Reserve parking lot off Highway 349. A $1 registration fee is collected for all Dartmouth Volksmarch Club events. For more information, please contact Lionel at 902-466-4421.
Cross-Country Skiing
February 6, 2010
Gully Lake Wilderness Area
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
A guided cross-country ski excursion through hardwood forest trails within the provincially-designated wilderness area, located near Mount Thom. The 3,810 hectare (9,400 acre) Gully Lake Wilderness Area protects the largest remaining patch of mature forest in the Truro-Pictou area and was home to the Hermit of Gully Lake. Winter snow cover is fairly reliable.
Bring your cross country skis, lunch, water, and proper clothing. Suitable for adults and youth 12 years or older. Participants are responsible for their own transportation. Car pooling will be coordinated for those interested. Sponsored by the Nova Scotia Department of Environment-Protected Areas Branch. Advanced registration is required. Pre-register by calling Oliver Maass at 902-424-2123 or maassoc@gov.ns.ca. Group size is limited.