Hike NS Enews: February 2022
With the Love month upon us, we’re asking MLAs to take part in the #LoveOurTrailsNS campaign. Earth Walk Kits are available again, there are lots of winter events and so much more!
#LoveOurTrailsNS Campaign
This February, Hike NS invites MLAs across Nova Scotia to take the #LoveOurTrailsNS challenge. We’re asking them to get out onto a local trail, snap a photo, share on social media and tag with #LoveOurTrailsNS to show that they support trails. We’ll be celebrating MLAs who participate on a map throughout the month and sharing it with our following. Why? Because trails are awesome, trails were there for us during the pandemic and the government can better support trails and hiking. You can invite your own MLA to take the #LoveOurTrailsNS challenge!
Earth Walk Kit Orders by Feb. 17
An Earth Walk Kit is a backpack full of props and tools to help adults run fun nature activities for kids from 5 to 12 years old as well as younger children. One kit has enough props for up to 14 kids at a time. Kits are $300 each and interested groups and organizations have until Feb. 17 to submit an order to Hike NS. Learn more and order your kit.
Winter Guided Walk Series
Hike NS and 18 partners are offering the Winter Guided Walk Series from January to March across NS. There are 45 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, the Heartland Tour and the NS Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage for their support. 
Hiking Summit: Book Accommodations Now
We’ve heard through the grapevine that accommodation is booking up in Cheticamp on June 3 to 5. If you plan to come to the Hiking Summit, consider booking your accommodation ASAP to avoid disappointment. Summit registration will open in late February. Learn more about the Summit here.
February Winter Fun Events
Winter Walk Day 2022 - Any day in February 
Schools and youth groups that register for the Ecology Action Centre's Winter Walk Day, which is any day in February, could qualify to win a prize. 

Wear Red Canada Day: Feb. 13
Heart disease in women is on the rise and is the #1 killer of women worldwide. Wear Red Canada Day on February 13 promotes women’s heart and vascular health with a national webinar and virtual 5-K event.

Take the Roof Off Winter Until Feb. 28
Take the Roof Off Winter is Recreation Nova Scotia’s winter active campaign running until February 28. Win prizes by completing Winter Active Challenges.

Take the Roof Off Winter FUN DAY: Feb. 21, Keppoch
Take part in this FUN DAY at Keppoch Mountain in Antigonish on February 21 for a day full of fun free activities.
Call for LGBTQIA2S+ Hikers
Hike NS is putting a call out for experienced hikers from the LGBTQIA2S+ community who are interested in becoming hike leaders in their communities. The Outdoor Council of Canada Field Leader - Hiking course is a two-day course covering the skills to organize and lead others in a one day, educational or activity based experience in a natural environment. We’re trying to gauge interest in those from the LGBTQIA2S+ community for one or more of these courses to take place this year. Please express your interest by completing this form by February 28. We'll follow up with those who sign up in March with more details. No commitment necessary to express your interest.
Trail Wayfinding Survey by Feb. 21
A Dalhousie study is looking into the wayfinding techniques (such as maps and signage) used on hiking trails. The researchers want to examine how wayfinding is implemented at different trails, and how it could possibly be improved. Learn more and take part in the survey here by February 21
Upcoming Events
Quick Hiking/Trail News Hits
These are some news hits from Twitter and Facebook:

  • More Nova Scotians hitting the trails during pandemic view
  • Winter walkers encouraging each other to keep active view
  • Snowshoe hikes a hidden gem of Cape Breton Island view 
  • A for Adventure: Why you should strap on some snowshoes! view 
  • Canadians spending more time in nature to help cope with stress of COVID-19: poll view 
  • Nova Scotia Town Encouraging Physical Activity Through Unique Challenge view 
  • New public awareness campaign aims to boost movement view 
  • Crown land at Owls Head finally en route to protected status view 
  • Winter Hikes scheduled for Keppoch Mountain view 
  • Winter walks are a boost for our bodies and minds, says Hike N.S. view