Hike NS Enews: July 2021
This month there are two new Hiker Challenge badges, a Walk Leader training, a new member benefit partner and a job opportunity. Don't miss the new Stretch for Success blog post.
Two New Hiker Challenge Badges
Launched in late June, there are now two new Hiker Challenge Badges to add to your collection: the Annapolis County Badge and the Cape Chignecto Badge. Learn more about each badge here.
 
A prize draw for the Hiker Challenge was held on June 1, 2021 for those who earned badges this spring. Congratulations to the winners of gift cards generously provided by The Trail Shop Halifax:

  • $100 gift card: Dave Fitzmorris, Bedford
  • $50 gift card: Robert Thompson, Dartmouth
  • $25 gift card: Liv Thompson, Bridgewater

The application deadline for badges earned this summer is August 31 for the September prize draw!
Call for Fall Guided Walks
Hike NS invites groups across NS to partner with it on delivering guided walks this fall. Hike NS will help promote events and provide a how-to guide and trail prizes to giveaway. Please register your event by August 9, 2021.

Walk Leader Training: July 14
Hike NS is offering another free NS Walks Leader Training on July 14 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 July 12.

Stretch for Success with Your Walking Program
By Laura Lundquist, PT, Halifax
Zoomers Physiotherapy & Health Solutions
On average, we take approximately 1,000 steps in every 10 minutes that we walk. Following a regular stretching routine is an effective way to manage the normal muscle tightness created by all those steps! Keeping those muscles supple is key in reducing the risk of pain developing in our ankles, knees, hips and lower back. As a physiotherapist, I regularly teach clients which stretches can optimize their walking performance and safety. Read on here for the answers to the three questions that I answer most often about stretching.
New Perk for Members:
Hampton Inn & Suites, Dartmouth
If you're a paid Hike NS member, then you get some pretty sweet perks, such as discounts on Hike NS events and courses and discounts at various businesses. The newest addition is Hampton Inn & Suites in Dartmouth. Hike NS members get 10% off the best available rate of the day. To make a reservation online, click the “Special Rates” tab and enter 0003315813 under “Corporate Account.”
Hike NS Job Posting
Hike Nova Scotia, through a partnership with Nature Canada’s Work to Grow program, is hiring a Project Officer to assist with the NS Walks project and other Hike NS initiatives. One of the goals of Work to Grow is to diversify and strengthen the nature sector. As such, this opportunity is only available to individuals aged 15 to 30 who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Colour. Learn more and apply for this position here (deadline July 7).
Have Your Say: Consultations
Public consultation is now open on the NS Sustainable Development Goals Act. It creates a framework to set additional goals that advance Nova Scotia’s economic, social, and environmental well being. ​Input is being accepted until July 26 through Clean Foundation, on behalf of Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change. Learn more and provide input here.
HRM Mountain Bike Strategy
Residents are invited to provide feedback on HRM’s Regional Mountain Bike Strategy. Included in the survey are questions about hiking as well. The deadline to respond to the survey is July 31.
HRM’s Regional Plan
HRM is looking for input on the Regional Plan which will guide our growth until 2031 and impacts everything from public transit, to wetlands and wilderness, to where we see development happening in our city. Learn more here and give your feedback here by July 16.
Upcoming Events
Bold events are Hike NS events. 

  • McNabs Island guided Heritage and Nature tours, Halifax: July-Aug.
  • Treasured Wetlands of Nova Scotia Bioblitz, across NS: July 2-12
  • Heartland Tour, across NS: July 10-30
  • Walk Leader Live Virtual Training: July 14 (registration deadline July 12)
  • Nature Conservancy of Canada Big Backyard Bioblitz, across NS: July 26-Aug. 2
  • Deadline to register events in the Fall Guided Hike series: Aug. 9

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

  • Acadia prof and grad student team up to get kids adventuring outdoors with an app view
  • How growing up in a refugee camp cultivated this Dal student's love of nature view
  • Hiking Is Not Just for Able-Bodied White People Anymore view
  • Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia announce new Treasured Wetlands of Nova Scotia view
  • Government of Canada invests in infrastructure for Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site and Kejimkujik National Park Seaside view
  • A Maritime mom wants you to take a hike for kids waiting on wishes view
  • Nova Scotia school fosters learning and reconciliation with forest path view
  • A for Adventure: How to reduce your carbon footprint when camping view
  • Indigenous-led project purchases land to protect popular Cape Breton hiking spot view
  • Planning a family hike? Before you head outdoors, here are the top tips to prepare for your adventure view
  • Port Hawkesbury trail system gets $3M in government funding view
  • People feeling more connected to nature as they enjoy outdoors during pandemic view
  • Joggins Fossil Cliffs opens up for guided tours this season view
  • Province Invests in Five East Hants Recreation Projects view