Hikers Herald: February 2024

Take part in the #LoveOurTrailsNS Challenge, give a beanie to your Valentine,

take the Intro to Snowshoeing webinar and more!

Take the #LoveOurTrailsNS Challenge

This February Hike NS invites MLAs and citizens across Nova Scotia to take the #LoveOurTrailsNS challenge. Head out onto a local trail, snap a photo and share on social media with the #LoveOurTrailsNS hashtag. Our elected representatives need to know our trails are important and they need to be protected and supported. We’ll be celebrating MLAs who participate throughout the month by sharing their social media posts with our following on Instagram, Facebook and X / Twitter. We’ll post some citizens’ photos too! Learn More Here.

Winter Guided Hike & Walk Series

Hike NS and 25 partners are offering the Winter Guided Hike & Walk Series from January to March across NS. There are 55 events led by local folks and participants qualify to win trail prizes. They are free or low-cost events and some require pre-registration. Hike NS thanks its organizing partners on the ground as well as Goose Lane Editions, Mountain Equipment Company and the NS Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage for their support. The series is linked to the Take the Roof Off Winter initiative. Learn more here.

Upcoming Training

Field Leader – Winter Leadership Module

February 24 in Halifax. Learn more here.

NS Walks Walk Leader Training

Online training February 21 and March 21,

in-person training on February 27 in Nictaux. Learn more here.

Intro to Snowshoeing Webinar

February 22. Learn more here.

Intro to Backpacking Cape Chignecto

March 20. Learn more here.

Where to Find Snowshoes

Wondering where to find snowshoes? Check out our Where to Borrow, Rent or Buy Snowshoes directory online. It includes over 99 listings, including 68 venues where you can borrow them for free.

Trail Builders Network News

Trans Canada Trail Care Grant

For trails that are part of the Trans Canada Trail, the Trail Care Grant deadline is February 29.

Trail Maintenance Webinars

American Trails offers a wide selection of archived webinars you can access for free to help upgrade your trail building and maintenance skills!

Feb. 14 Deadline for Grants

February 14 is the deadline for two grants for which trail groups can apply: the Community ACCESS-Ability Grants and the Recreation Facility Development Fund.

Seeking 2025 Hiking Summit Co-Host

Hike NS is now seeking applications to co-host the 2025 Hiking Summit, with a deadline of February 29, 2024. A celebration of hiking culture, the Summit is usually held each Spring and moves to a different part of the province every year to support the local hiking movement and highlight local trails and attractions. With up to 250 people expected, such an event is also an economic boost to a community. Contact us to learn how to apply.

Call for Board Members

Hike Nova Scotia seeks board members across the province who have the time and energy to devote to helping Hike NS achieve its mandate of creating a culture of hiking, walking and snowshoeing in our beautiful province. There are some perks; travel is reimbursed and food is provided for in-person meetings. The board meets four to five times per year in person or virtually. Board members are expected to contribute some hours each month to subcommittee work. Positions open include a Central Region rep, Highland Region rep and a Treasurer. Contact Hike NS at [email protected] to express your interest in becoming a board member or nominate someone you think would be a good addition to the board. Check out the website to learn more about Hike NS.

Spring Bear Hunt Consultation

The Province of Nova Scotia is considering opening a spring bear hunt. It is asking for feedback through a survey by February 24. You can also provide feedback at [email protected].

Young Nature Leaders Grant

Nature Canada’s “Women for Nature” are sponsoring young people to develop projects that celebrate nature’s role in their culture and identity. The deadline for youth to apply to the Young Nature Leaders Grant is February 29.

Hiking Club Events in HRM

The Chebucto Hiking Club holds weekly hikes – Friday evening or Saturday morning in various locations as well as Tuesday mornings in Bedford and every Thursday morning in Dartmouth. View its hike schedules here.

Call for Outward Bound Canada Youth Council Members

Outward Bound Canada is looking for youth aged 14-18 to sit on its Youth Council to help shape its communication initiatives, program development and public facing initiatives. The deadline to apply is February 6. Apply here.