Trails Feeling Impact of Rain, Floods

The heavy rain and flooding has hit trails in HRM and along the south shore particularly hard. We ask that trail users please stay off closed trails since they may be unsafe, using them may cause further damage or you could disrupt repair efforts. It’s changing daily as to which trails are still closed. The best and most up-to-date information is from the body that manages the trail (go online and search for the trail name or group name for the latest updates). We urge trail users to support affected trail groups by donating to them and/or volunteering to help with repair efforts.

Global TV covered the issue on July 27 with Janet Barlow, executive director of Hike Nova Scotia.

View the coverage here.

New Region of Queens Badge

Hike NS and the Region of Queens Municipality are launching the new Region of Queens Badge as part of Hike NS’s Hiker Challenge. The badge is free, supported by the NS Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage. It challenges you to find 6 of 10 geocaches in the area over the course of a year. Join in on a launch event in Greenfield on August 5!

Learn more here.

Events, Webinars & Trainings

Learn more and register here: 

• Aug. 11: Deadline for groups to register Fall Guided Hike & Walk events
• Aug. 15: Walk Leader Training,Dartmouth
• Sept. 12: Invasive Species in NS webinar
• Sept. 20: Walk Leader Training, online
• Sept. 23-24: Field Leader - Hiking course, Truro
• Sept. 23-24: Navigation Maps & Compass course, Pictou County
• Sept. 27: Intro to Hiking webinar

Call for Fall Guided Hikes & Walks

Deadline: August 11

Hike Nova Scotia invites groups across NS to partner with it on delivering fall guided hikes and walks from September to November 2023. Hike NS will help promote events and provide a how-to guide and trail prizes to giveaway. If your municipality, First Nation or organization can organize a walk (or already plan to host one), please register your event by August 11 for events between September 15 and November 19.

Register events here.

Leave No Trace Workshops

Hike Nova Scotia is offering Leave No Trace Awareness Workshops to groups interested in learning more about the seven Leave No Trace principles to encourage a stronger environmental ethic across our province. Please contact Jack for more information and to schedule a workshop.

Learn more here.

Trail Builders Network News

Disaster Financial Assistance Fund

The NS Emergency Management Office announced on July 26 a Disaster Financial Assistance program for the July 2023 floods. It includes nonprofits. The program covers up to $200,000 in uninsurable losses. Learn more here.

Canada’s Tourism Growth Strategy

The Government of Canada recently released Canada’s Tourism Growth Strategy. “Embracing recreation and the great outdoors” is one of the strategy’s five priorities. There is also a section that covers a trails tourism strategy. 

Trail Statistics

Recent reports from Canada and the US point to the fact that trail use is on the rise, especially hiking:

• Trail Survey Results from the Trans Canada Trail

• Hiking Is the Most Popular Outdoor Activity in America

Tree-Planting Initiative

Trans Canada Trail received funding from the 2 Billion Trees program to mobilize the trail sector in tree-planting. It is looking for feedback and interest in such a tree-planting initiative. Reply with feedback here.

Learn more about the Trail Builders Network.

Updated Member Benefit: Mountain Warehouse New Location

If you're a paid Hike NS member, you get some pretty sweet perks, such as discounts on Hike NS events and courses and discounts at various businesses. We have an update on a member benefit. Mountain Warehouse has a location in Halifax but just added a new Dartmouth location, opening on Labour Day weekend. Save 10% when you present your Hike NS membership card in store at both stores. The offer includes already reduced and Half Price With Purchase items. Not valid in conjunction with any other discount offer, or when purchasing gift vouchers or package deals.

Help Nature Out

Become a Hemlock Hero

Hemlock Heroes are trained citizens who volunteer to help save our hemlock forest ecosystems, which are currently being threatened by the invasive Woolly Adelgid. Learn more here.

Help with Research on Mainland Moose

Nature Nova Scotia has launched its Mainland Moose Research Project with the aim to gain a scientific understanding of public knowledge, appreciation, and desires surrounding the mainland moose. Complete the survey here.

BioBlitz August 3 – 7

The Big Backyard BioBlitz unites thousands of people across Canada in a collective community effort to celebrate and document the diverse species across our beautiful country. By helping to document nature, you also learn more about the natural world. Learn more here.