Hike the Greenbelt

Date: Saturday, July 19, 2025 
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area
Details: Take in sweeping views of Fox Lake on this guided hike through traditional Wabanaki forest. We'll follow a rugged trail to a scenic lookout, where you're encouraged to rest and enjoy a snack with a view. Along the way, learn about the ecological significance of this area — a trove of connected watercourses and home to species like the endangered mainland moose — and the growing threats it faces. This hike is manageable for those up for a fun challenge. 

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging terrain, average pace

Date: Tuesday, Aug. 5 2025 
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: The Halifax Backlands
Details: Join us for an evening hike through the globally rare Jack Pine–Broom Crowberry barrens of the Halifax Backlands. This fire-adapted landscape supports rare arctic-alpine plants and is one of the few nesting grounds in the region for the common nighthawk, a threatened bird species that raises its young here during the summer months. Learn how fire shapes this rugged ecosystem and what’s being done to protect it from development pressures.

Difficulty: Moderate terrain, average pace 

Date: Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Lake Banook
Details: Celebrate Wetlands Appreciation Week with the Ecology Action Centre, Our HRM Alliance and the Halifax Regional Municipality. Join us for a guided tour focused on stormwater management around Lake Banook. Explore how stormwater travels through the watershed, and learn about the successes and lessons learned from nature-based solutions implemented around the lake. Highlights include naturalization projects, planned work in municipal parks and a community bioblitz in Birch Cove Park. This is a hands-on opportunity to learn how wetlands and watersheds protect our communities, and how you can contribute to community science initiatives.

To best participate, please bring a smartphone with the free iNaturalist app downloaded.

Difficulty: Easy terrain, slow to average pace

Date: Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025
Time: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Sandy Lake Park
Details: Explore pockets of old-growth forest, diverse Wabanaki woodlands and the crystal-clear waters of Sandy Lake. This special place is home to over 15 species at risk, including the endangered Atlantic salmon, but faces increasing pressure from proposed development. Learn what’s at stake, how you can advocate for its protection and why Sandy Lake is one of the most ecologically valuable wild spaces in the region. After the hike, cool off with a swim at the public beach — either hike in your suit or use the change rooms on-site. With municipal lifeguards, a sandy walk-in and refreshing water, it’s one of the best swim spots around.

Difficulty: Moderate terrain, average pace, optional wading/swimming