Tristan Glen of Our HRM Alliance is leading a series of hikes, paddles and biking activities in August to highlight the natural public landscapes and waterways in HRM. Green belting is a strategy used to promote connectivity between blocks of public lands to allow for connectivity from one area to the next. We are most fortunate to have areas like Long Lake Provincial Park, the Western Common, the Five Bridge Lakes Wilderness area and the Terence Bay Wilderness area. The Backlands in the Herring Cove area is also a special place. The first three areas have contiguous borders .Terence Bay Wilderness Area is very close to Long lake Provincial Park. Connectivity is important for the survival of many species in the plant and animal world .Moose and other animals like to roam over wide areas. Connectivity also helps people move easily from one area to the next. On the Chebucto Peninsula it is possible to get on your bicycle or walk from the Armdale area along the Chain of Lakes Rails to Trails, then the Beechville Lakeside Timberlea Rails to Trails(BLTR2T), the St .Margaret’s Bay Rails to Trails( SMBR toTrails) and on via rails to trails to many points in NS. BLT R2T and SMBR to T also allow ATV riders. The Old St Margaret’s Bay Road from Glen Margaret to Goodwood affords the hiker, cyclist and ATV traveller the possibility of many adventures, including visits to the resting places of our forefathers, stops by lakes and streams, riding through a variety of habitats. At this time the portion of the Old St. Margaret’s Bay Road that passes through Long Lake Provincial Park to Spryfield is available to hikers. The Old St. Margaret’s Bay Road is an historic road built in the early 1800‘s to move troops and supplies from peninsular Halifax to the South Shore of the Province.

For more information about the hikes and how to join in on the adventures planned please visit p://www.ourhrmalliance/hike and use the Twitter hashtag # Hike Greenbelt

Here is a list of the Hike the Greenbelt activities in our area:

August 2, Blue Mountain Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area: Canoe in what is often referred to as ‘HRM’s Keji’! We will be paddling the a traditional backcountry canoe route on beautiful lakes and wetlands surrounded by dramatic granite boulders and magical coves.

August 8, Halifax to the Bike & Bean by Bicycle: Join us for a bicycle ride from downtown Halifax to St. Margaret’s Bay almost entirely on an old rail bed. Ride on a safe and quiet trail along lakes and through forests and then enjoy a BBQ courtesy of the St. Margaret’s Bay Stewardship Association.

August 9, Bike Old Saint Margaret’s Bay Road: We will be mountain biking straight across the Chebucto Peninsula on a historic route dating back to the late 1700s! With rivers to ford, old cemeteries to explore, and the opportunity to see moose, this trail will not let you down.

August 10, Paddle the Upper Ingram River: Pack a lunch and come canoe a remote series of lakes in the peaceful setting of the Ingram River watershed. Enjoy the peace and quiet of this remote area and swim at the many beaches along the way.
August 12 – Run or Hike: The Bluff Trail: We will be running and hiking through several landscape types; from hardwood forests to wetlands to granite barrens. Biologist David Patriquin will give a presentation on the natural history of the area and interpret the hike.

August 16 – Hike McIntosh Run: Come out and hike the Purcell’s Cove Backlands for the last day of Hike the Greenbelt! The big finale! And some of the most beautiful landscapes of the whole 216 km trip! Guides will lead different hiking trips for all ages and abilities.