Hike NS Enews: September 2021
It’s a busy fall season with our Guided Walk Series, lots of courses and webinars, another Walk Leader training, a new Hiker Challenge Badge and more!
Fall Guided Walk Series
Hike Nova Scotia and 13 host organizations have partnered to offer the 2021 Fall Guided Walk Series from September 11 to November 14 across NS. There are 28 walks led by local folks and participants qualify to win “trail prizes.” These free to low-cost hikes require pre-registration and will follow public health protocols. Hike NS thanks its partners on the ground for organizing the hikes as well as The Trail Shop, Goose Lane Editions and the NS Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage for their support. 

New Chester Art Adventures Badge
Hike Nova Scotia and the Municipality of Chester are happy to announce the launch of the new Chester Art Adventures Badge as part of Hike NS’s Hiker Challenge. This new badge challenges you to visit seven art installations along trails in the Municipality of Chester over the course of a year. Badges are free courtesy of the Municipality of Chester. Each season there is a prize draw for those who have earned a badge. Prizes are gift cards generously provided by The Trail Shop Halifax.

District of Lunenburg Challenge Updated
The District of Lunenburg Hiker Challenge has been updated with a new trail! The Rhodenizer Brook Falls trail, a 3 km loop located at the Municipal Activity Recreation Complex (MARC) in Dayspring, has been added as an option to earn this badge.
Fall Courses & Webinars
Registration is open for Hike NS’s slate of fall 2021 courses and webinars. In-person courses include: Field Leader - Hiking; Navigation Maps & Compass; Field Leader - Hiking course with Winter module; and Re-Connecting with Nature. Webinars include Intro to Hiking, Leave No Trace, Tick Prevention. We expect more courses and webinars to be added. Learn more and register.
Walk Leader Training: Sept. 21
Hike NS is offering another free NS Walks Leader Training on September 21 to give you the skills and confidence to lead a walking group as part of the NS Walks program. The training is meant for people interested in leading gentle, fun, friendly regularly scheduled walks for those who are currently less active. The registration deadline is Sept. 17.

Tapas and Trails, Antigonish: September 18
Hike NS is happy to be an official sponsor of the first annual Tapas and Trails, Art and Culinary Adventure taking place September 18, 2021.
The event is a wonderful opportunity to engage with nature and celebrate Nova Scotian Arts and Culture. This exceptional afternoon features a beautiful scenic walk along the Keppoch Mountain hiking trails. While traversing one of Nova Scotia’s premier hiking trails, you will encounter various rest stops featuring local art and culinary experiences. These include cultural installations, live art shows, and tasty local gourmet tapas-sized dishes perfectly paired with wines, beers, and spirits from around the Maritimes.

Have Your Say: Consultations
Parks & Protected Areas Consultation
Provincial government is seeking public input on seven sites proposed for protection and conservation lands in the Ingram River area. Review the information here and provide comments by September 27.

Coastal Protection Act
Provincial government has launched consultation on proposed rules to govern future construction on our coastline. Review the information here and provide comments by September 17.
Upcoming Events
  • Fall Guided Walk Series, across NS: Sept. 11-Nov. 14
  • Navigation Maps & Compass course, Tidnish Bridge: Sept. 11-12
  • Leave No Trace webinar: Sept. 14
  • Tapas and Trails Art and Culinary Adventure, Antigonish: Sept. 18
  • NS Walks Walk Leader Live Virtual Training: Sept. 21 (register by Sept. 17)
  • Intro to Hiking webinar: Sept. 22
  • Re-Connecting with Nature workshop, Truro: Sept. 23
  • Field Leader - Hiking course, Antigonish: Sept. 25-26
  • Tick Prevention webinar: Sept. 28

Quick Hiking/Trail News Hits
These are some news hits from Twitter and Facebook:

  • Positive Summer for Piping Plovers view
  • Proposed seawall trail could be economic 'boon' to northern Cape Breton view
  • Hiking on Maritime Noon Aug. 18 view
  • Interabled couple aims to overcome accessability barriers in travel view
  • 11 top spots to find Nova Scotia nature at its finest view
  • South Shore’s Gaff Point headland a natural marvel to explore view
  • Hiking Nova Scotia: Blomidon's Jodrey, Woodland trails are worth the walk for an epic adventure view
  • More help needed to upkeep trails, says Hike Nova Scotia view
  • People who feel more connected to the natural world are more likely to support reconciliation view
  • Nova Scotian creates hiking group so 'no gals left behind' view
  • The low roar of sacred places: Cape Split view
  • Lack of exercise linked to increased risk of severe COVID-19 view
  • Hiking Nova Scotia: Crystal Crescent Beach trail's scenic views are worth the trip view