Hike the Greenbelt

Date: Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024 
Time: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Location: The Backlands
Details: Join the EAC and Our HRM Alliance for a hike through the remarkable Backlands, a unique and special natural area. This hike will span through two forest types, the globally rare Jack Pine Broom Crowberry Barrens, and a more traditional Wabanaki (Acadian) forest system. This area reveals a rich tapestry of rare species, including the elusive common nighthawk and resilient arctic alpine plants. Enjoy breathtaking views of Colpitt Lake along the way, and experience firsthand why this remarkable landscape is worth protecting from development. This hike promises a chance to connect with a vital piece of our local environment and witness the first signs of the changing seasons. 

Difficulty: Moderate terrain, average pace 

Date: Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024
Time: 4 to 6 p.m.
Location: Sandy Lake
Details: Celebrate the Autumnal Equinox with EAC and Our HRM Alliance as we embrace the changing seasons in one of HRM’s last old-growth forests. This hike offers a chance to say goodbye to summer’s final flowers and shoots and witness the forest’s transition to its fall splendor. Join us to connect with nature and community while exploring the vibrant ecology of this unique area. Discover how the forest supports hundreds of species of birds and serves as a critical spawning ground for the endangered Atlantic Salmon. Let’s welcome the balance of day and night with a journey through this beautiful ecosystem.

Difficulty: Moderate terrain, average pace 

Date: Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Sandy Lake
Details: Join EAC and Our HRM Alliance, in collaboration with HRM's Environment & Climate Change team and the NS Invasive Species Council, for a hike and community science event at Sandy Lake. This event focuses on combating Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA), an invasive pest threatening our Eastern Hemlock trees. Learn from experts how to identify HWA and contribute to important research by surveying and inspecting tree needles for signs of infestation. Simple surveying techniques will be demonstrated, and experts will provide guidance throughout. Your participation will help gather crucial data to protect our forests and manage the spread of HWA. To best participate, please bring a smartphone. Join us and help save our forests! 

Difficulty: Moderate terrain, different breakout groups allow for variety of pacing, light bushwhacking required 

Date: Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024 
Time: 2 to 5 p.m.
Location: Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes
Details: Join EAC and Our HRM Alliance for a hike through the Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes, renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. This moderate hike will be guided by fungi ID and medicinal plant experts, including Jessika Gauvin, founder of Enchanted Mushroom Forest. As we explore this diverse terrain—characterized by pristine lakes, lush forests and granite ridges—you'll have the chance to improve your mushroom identification skills. Learn to recognize key features of different fungi, understand their ecological roles in nutrient cycling and explore their fascinating medicinal properties. This hike offers a great opportunity to deepen your understanding of fungi while appreciating the area’s natural beauty and ecological significance. 

Difficulty: Moderate terrain, slower pace, possibility of light bushwhacking, identification is beginner-friendly