WHAT'S UP
Tuesday March 6: AGM & Bob Bancroft on Wildlife in Protected Areas
Jan 22, 2012: Please mark this one on your calendar. Our AGM will be held at the Tantallon Library, Tuesday, March 6. Doors open at 6:30; meeting starts at 7:00 with formal business lasting about 40 mins. Then keynote speaker Bob Bancroft will talk about moose and coyotes and other wildlife in protected areas and how we interact with them. All welcome. More details, poster in early Feb.Local Lakes Not Yet Safe for Winter Activities!
Jan. 17, 2011: Local lakes have thin ice and open water. Check out HRM's Ice Thickness Reports when you think it's ready. The website Lake Ice describes how to read the ice and how to be safe on the ice. It's a "must read" for ice-goers.
Applied Stormwater Management Workshop
Jan 13, 2012: This 1&1/2 day
workshop is being offered Feb 20-21 by the Ecology Action Centre in collaboration with the Halifax Regional Municipality Environment and Energy Office, Halifax Water and the Insurance Bureau of Canada.
It is designed to increase capacity of participants to identify and implement stormwater Best Management Practices to reduce infrastructure damage, flooding and impacts to marine and freshwater systems. Limited enrolment; register by Feb 3. DetailsThoughts By A Stream.. and for the New Year
Seven Solutions for a More Sustainable, More Liveable HRM
Dec. 1, 2011: On Wed., Nov.30th, Our HRM Alliance, of which WRWEO is a mamber, presented their seven recommendations for a more sustainable, more liveable HRM. "The solutions were developed with 33 groups and with the needs of urban, suburban and rural residents and taxpayers in mind," says Jen Powley, Alliance Coordinator. Read more
Monday Dec. 5: Talk on Protected Areas in N.S.
Nov. 26, 2011: Dr. Martin Willison will give a talk on Protected Areas in N.S. at 7:30 pm on Monday Dec. 5 at the Museum of Natural History Auditorium (1747 Summer St., Halifax). The title is "From Picnic Parks to Systematic Protection of Biodiversity: A Review of the Development of Protected Areas in Nova Scotia". The talk is a free public lecture in the Nova Scotia Institute of Science 150th Anniversary series. Read more
New data on acid rain in the Woodens River Watershed
Nov. 20, 2011: Bob Chambers reports on acidity of rain and lakewater measured periodically from November 5, 2010 to October 30, 2011. See listing under Water Quality on this website.
Bluff Numbers Count!
Nov. 16, 2011: Thanks to the efforts of a WRWEO volunteer, there is now a "Bluff Numbers" booklet at the junction for the Pot lake Loop, where the Trail Dedication sign is located as well. Please take a moment when you go by this point to make an entry in the book. Most important: provide the date, and number in your group. This will help us to better uderstand trail usage for most effective planning. See Photo.
What's NOT going to happen to barrens in the FBLWA
Nov. 2, 2011: Where it's not protected, barrens habitat can become prime real-estate. See Requiem for a Barrens.
Article expresses concern for the moose
Oct. 26, 2011. An article in OPENFILE about the new wilderness area expresses concern about the effects of recreational activities on the moose. One expert interviewed suggested there might be some restrictions during the calving/immediate post-calving period, an idea that has been discussed by WRWEO members (see Moose & Wildlife Corridors 2)
Oct. 25, 2011: The Five Bridge Lakes Wilderness Area is designated under the Wilderness Areas Protection Act.
In a ceremony at the St. Margaret's Bay Centre, The Honourable Sterling Belliveau, N.S. Minister of Environment, designated lands of the Five Bridge Lakes Wilderness Area under the Wilderness Areas Protection Act. See NSE Press Release and page on the Five Bridge Lakes Wilderness Area. After the designation, WRWEO Co-chair Richmond Campbell conducted a virtual unveiling of the new sign at the trailhead for The Bluff Trail. See Photos from the event
Formal protection of Five Bridge Lakes Wilderness to be be announced on Tuesday Oct 25th
Oct 24, 2011: Nova Scotia Environment will announce formal protection of Five Bridge Lakes Wilderness Area on Tuesday Oct 25th at a ceremony at The St. Margaret's Centre in Tantallon begining at 1 p.m. That will be followed by a virtual unveiling of the new signs at the Bluff Trail at 2 pm, also at Tantallon (NOT at the trailhead). Read more
Trail Camp on Nov 5 & 6.
Oct. 20, 2011: WRWEO members are invited to attend Trail Camp, a two day event (Nov. 5 & 6, 2011) where volunteers as well as government representatives get together to discuss issues about trails in Halifax. Read moreMonday, Oct 24th: Nova Scotia's Diverse Forest Ecosystems
Oct. 19, 2011: Peter Neily and Eugene Quigley of the Nova Scotia Dept. of Natural Resources will talk to the Nova Scotia Wild Flora Society about Forest Ecosystem Classification (FEC) in Nova Scotia, highlighting results of ten years of study on over 1500 FEC plots. All welcome! 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct 24th at N.S. Museum of Natural History, enter via the parking lot. Read moreN.S. Wetland Conservation Policy released
Oct 18, 2011: The province released its Wetland Conservation Policy on Oct. 14th. The policy "identifies what legislation, regulations, and policies are currently relevant to wetland conservation; clarifies the roles and responsibilities of government and the public in relation to wetlands; and makes this information more accessible to Nova Scotians. Ultimately, the policy establishes specific objectives intended to prevent the net loss of Nova Scotia's wetlands." Read more
N.S. Government posts Draft Coastal Strategy
Oct 13, 2011: The government posted the much awaited draft Coastal Strategy today and is seeking feedback until November 30th, 2011. See Our Coast to download draft Coastal Strategy, feedback questions and online feedback form. The Coastal Coalition of Nova Scotia comments: "A Good Start; now let's get moving on an Act!" - see Press Release
Sun. Oct 23rd:
Free Workshop on Forest Health and Stewardship
Oct 6, 2011: MTRI, NFA, Whippletree Farm and the Warners are sponsoring a half day (12-5) workshop. Come find out more about traditional woodland crafts, portable miling, forest regeneration, selective harvests…
View Poster
Tues, Sept. 13th:
Sep 5, 2011: Development in Susies Lake/Blue Mt-Birch Cove Lakes area
Bruce Smith and others from Halifax North West Trails Association will make presentations at 7 pm related to impending sale
of 180 acres of Public Lands in the Bayers Lake
Business Park which will impact access to Susies Lake/Blue Mt-Birch Cove Lakes area. Also, future plans for the extension of the trails in Halifax West will be discussed. For details, please
View Poster.
Saturday, Sept. 17th:
Volunteer Trail-Building Workshop with Garnet McLaughlin
Aug. 27, 2011: Learn ecologically-sensitive and highly sustainable trail-building techniques by participating in this practical workshop on The Bluff Trail. Read more 
Sunday, Sept. 11th:
Hike and Compass Work on The Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail
Aug. 27, 2011: Join the Woodens River Watershed Environmental Organization on Sunday Sept. 11th for a 5-6 hour hike over the rough terrain of The Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail. We will be hiking both Pot Lake and Indian Hill loops while doing some compass work. Read more New protected areas for Nova Scotia
July 29, 2011: The Nova Scotia Dept. of Environment has identified potential lands for future protection required to achieve the 12% figure by 2015 and is seeking input from individuals and groups on which of these sites to select. A lot of land has been or is slated for protection on the Chebucto Peninsula, including the Five Bridge Lakes Wilderness Area. A major block of crown land that is NOT currently slated for protection but for which a number of groups have been seeking protection lies in the Herring Cove Area. Read more
WRWEO Member publishes "Urban Tigers"
July 20, 2011: Local resident and WRWEO member Kathy Chisholm has recently published a novel called Urban Tigers, Tales of a Cat Vet. It is a humorous account of "Dr. Emily McBride's" first year at Ocean View Cat Hospital. Kathy and her husband Hugh Chisholm plan to use any profits from the sale of the book to help animal welfare and wildlife preservation groups (including habitat preservation organizations like WRWEO). For example, they were able to raise $1000.00 for Pierre's Alley Cats Society at the recent book launch. Read more
Low Impact Forestry Workshop August 3,4
July 17, 2011: Managing small woodlots for timber and non-timber values. Picea Forestry Consulting and horse logger Tristan Kelley join us at the Harrison Lewis Centre woodlot for practical, In the field instruction. Read more
Workshops for the Nature-Oriented at Harrison Lewis Centre
July 5, 2011: The Harrison Lewis Coastal Discovery Centre at East Port L'Hl'bert on Nova Scotia's south shore hosts a variety of workshops of interest to nature orinted people. Amonst those coming up: July 8-10: Writing From Nature, Juty 15-17: GPS for Farm and Forest, July 29-31: Know and Grow Wild Mushrooms, August 12-14: Plein Air Watercolour, Painting with Roger Savage. See 2011 Schedule for details and other workshops except for Mushroom Workshop. Aug 2-5 is Forestry Week.
Our HRM Alliance
July 4, 2011: WRWEO is a member of Our HRM Alliance. "The Alliance came together because our members want to ensure HRM is a great place to live for our entire lives and for the entire lives of our children and grandchildren."
Socio-economic Report for the Five Bridge Candidate Wilderness Area released
June 6, 2011: "Nova Scotia is a step closer to designating Five Bridge Lakes Wilderness Area for protection with the release of a socio-economic study for public comment." Read more
Celebrate International Trails Day on Sat. June 4
June 1, 2011. Volunteers from WRWEO will be at the trailhead all day to sign up new members (only $10), sell our new waterproof map at $5 to support trail maintenance, talk to you about trail (pros, cons, events, protection, whatever), and THERE WILL BE A DRAW for all members new and old just for showing up with a $25 prize. If you are new to the trail, go to The Bluff Trail for info on how to get there, what to bring etc.
Workshop produced 27 meters of stone tread
June 1, 2011. In a little more than 6 hours we found stone and laid down 27 metres of stone tread trail on the Pot Lake loop. View photos and short report (on WRWEO's Facebook Page).
Some "green lawncare" practices can be harmful to aquatic life
June 1, 2011: HRM Regional Council recently rejected a motion to allow use of chelated iron as a herbicide. One argument for doing so: it can harm aquatic life. Some other lawn inputs that are allowed under HRM's Pesticide By-law can also be harmful to aquatic life. Read more
WRWEO has a Facebook page
May 31, 2011: Thanks to Nanci Lee and Daniel for creating a Facebook page for WRWEO. Click here. (You don't have to be a member to view our facebook postings).
Saturday May 28th : Trail-building workshop with Garnet McLaughin
May 26, 2011: Participants should meet at parking lot, 9 a.m. Read more
Gardners asked to look out for brown marmorated stink bug
April 28, 2011: This invasive bug was found in New York in 2009 and is expected to arrive in Nova Scotia within a year or two. It feeds on numerous agricultural crops (beans, peppers and apple) and seeks out homes as an overwintering sites in the fall. Read more
April 25th: Poetry in the Bluff
April 13: Join us on a light 8km meditative hike on the Bluff Wilderness Trail. Silent, reflective hike in. Poetry exercise (optional). Social hike out.Read more
April 13th: Rally for Our Forest
April 8, 2011: The N.S. government appears to be backtracking on its commitment to reduce clearcutting by 50% in Nova Scotia. See No such thing as "waste wood". Join this rally at Province House at noon on Wed April 13th, or earlier at a 10 a.m. Press Conference at the Four Points Sheraton (1496 Hollis Street), followed by a march to Province House. DetailsWorkshops for the Nature-Oriented at HLC
April 8, 2011: The Harrison Lewis Coastal Discovery Centre at East Port L'Hl'bert on Nova Scotia's south shore hosts a variety of workshops of interest to nature orinted people. Amonst those coming up: May 6-8: GPS for Farm and Forest, May 13-15: Grow and Know Mushrooms, May 16-22: Dalhousie Seaside program - Ornithology, June 10-12: Birding by Ear, June 17-19: Digital nature photography, See Learn while doing. . .
Protection of FBLWA on Track
March 29, 2011: See Report #12 from the Chebucto Wilderness Coalition.April 5th meeting postponed
A meeting to discuss Fish, Aquatic Habitat and Water Quality in the Woodens River system that was scheduled for April 5, 2011 is canceled. It will be held at a later date.
Monday, February 28 - Treemarking for quality products & wildlife habitat
Feb. 24, 2011: Forest ecologist and technician Minga O'Brien will talk to the N.S. Wild Flora Society on Monday evening on the topic of Treemarking: managing for quality products while maintaining wildlife habitat. This topic is very timely, given the recent announcement by the N.S. Government of new Strategic Directions for foresty. All welcome. Read more
Wed. March 2, 2011: The Future of The Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail - How To Keep It Wild, Inspiring, and Safe
Feb 23, 2011 : At our AGM on March 2, keynote speaker, Garnet McLaughlin, will talk about how volunteers can work to preserve the wildness and beauty of our trail. All are welcome. Place: Tantallon Public Library Time: Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Read more
Natural History of The Bluff Trail
Feb 23, 2011: A report on the Natural History Hike on The Bluff Trail held on Aug. 21st, 2010 as a N.S. Parks Event is available under Maps and Articles.
Ice Time on the Lakes: Be Safe!
Jan. 31, 2011: It's ice time on the lakes, but not all may be ready for group activities - see HRM's Ice Thickness Reports. A new website - Lake Ice - describes how to read the ice and how to be safe on the ice. It's a "must read" for ice-goers. Thanks to Dusan S. for forwarding this link.
2011: International Year of Forests
Jan. 26, 2011: "Since Canada is home to 10% of the world's forests - forests cover half the Canadian landscape - Canadians have a key role to play in the global effort to conserve and sustainably manage forests." Read more
Drinking shade-grown coffee is good for the birds!
Jan. 20, 2011: Olive-sided Flycatcher, a summer resident of the Woodens River Watershed, is amongst the species cited in a recent report by Saving Our Shared Birds as in immediate need of Tri-National Conservation efforts. The biggest concern is about losses of wintering habitat in tropical highland forests in southern Mexico/Central America. Buying shade grown coffee is one way we can help.Focus on Fish & Fish Habitat
Jan. 9, 2011: The January 2011 issue of WRWEO's newsletter, WRWEO WATCH, offers an overview of issues relating to fish and fish habitat in the Woodens River system.
In an essay entitled "Where have all the mayflies gone"? Bob Chambers examines possible explanations for the precipitous decline of the spring mayfly in 1989/90 and the near simultaneous decline of the brook trout populations.
See Newsletter
We look forward to a good year for the Woodens River Watershed
Jan. 2, 2011: …as we anticipate the formal designation of the Five Bridge Lakes Wilderness Area as a Protected Wilderness Area in 2011. That still leaves a lot of work to be done to nurture the watershed as much of it lies outside of the protected area. Look under Aquatic Habitat and Water Quality for new postings about water quality, fish and fish habitat.
It's a Green One!
Dec 25, 2010: … except for the reindeer lichens.
Clearcutting to be slashed
Dec. 2, 2010: Yesterday, the N.S. Government released a Policy Framework for its Natural Resources Strategy which includes a directive to "reduce the proportion of wood harvested by the clear cut method to no more than 50% of all forested lands over a five-year period." (Clearcutting has averaged over 520 km2 a year over the past decade.) Another directive: "Public funds will not be directed to herbicide spraying for forestry". Read DNR Update Tuesday, Nov. 23rd: How volunteers can make a difference to The Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail
WRWEO members, friends and users of The Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail are invited to attend the upcoming Board meeting that will feature a 30 minute presentation by Garnet McLaughlin (Cobequid Trail Consultants) on how volunteers can make a difference to The Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail. Read more
Rally for our Forests - Friday October 29
Oct. 28, 2010: On Friday October 29th at 10 am at the Legislature building in Halifax, hundreds of Nova Scotians will join in a public show of support for the future of Nova Scotia's forests and the communities that depend on them. Read moreHundreds joined the rally including Mark Parent! See Pics
Monday, September 27, 2010 - Ecology of Coastal Barrens
Plant ecologist Jeremy Lundholm of Saint Mary's University will talk to the NS Wild Flora Society about research he and his students have been conducting on Nova Scotia's coastal barrens. These barrens, which occur mainly along the Atlantic Coast and are prominent on the Chrbucto Peninsula, host a number of provincially rare vascular plant species. Their research involves quantitative description and investigations into their dynamic interplay with forests, significance of fire etc. All welcome. N.S. Museum of Natural History, 1747 Summer Street, Halifax at 7:30 pm, Monday, Sept. 27th.
Trail Dedication Sign
Sept. 8, 2010: A sign dedicating The Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail to wilderness preservation has now been placed at the junction for the Pot Lake Loop, the first of four successive loops making up The Bluff Trail. Read more
Wild Raisin on The Bluff Trail
Sept. 8, 2010: Fruits of wild raisin (Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides), also known as witherod, seem to be ripening a bit early this year and are unusually sweet right now. I like them because they are chewy as well. However, don't confuse them with berries of chokeberry (Aronia spp.) which are also ripening, but are quite bitter. Read more
Bob Chambers' Studies of Lakes in the Woodens Watershed now available on WRWEO website
Aug. 30, 2010: WRWEO has been especially fortunate to have the volunteer services of Bob Chambers over the last decade. He has conducted careful, extensive and intensive monitoring of key limnological variables on a number of lakes in the Woodens River Watershed. Two key reports are now available on this website: see listings on the Water Quality and Sheldrake Lake pages, also some observations related to algal blooms.
Fish-Friendly Culvert Construction, Wed. Aug. 25th at 7:00pm at MTRI
Aug 20, 2010: Come to this session to learn how to protect fish habitat when working around streams and to ask experts questions about best practices for working around fish habitat. More info
Summary of Public Input on FBLWA now available
Aug. 13, 2010: A summary of input received by Nova Scotia Environment during public consultation on the designation of the proposed Five Bridge Lakes Wilderness Area is now available on the NSE website: see NSE Link. The full submission from the Chebucto Wilderness Coalition is available on our website - go to CWC Reports, select No. 12.
Sat Aug 21: Natural History Hike on The Bluff Trail
Aug 13, 2010: We will walk the first loop of The Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail, exploring and talking about the natural history of the area. The terrain is a patchwork of black spruce, red spruce, oak and mixed forest types, lakes and associated wetlands, granite barrens and bogs. Read moreOlder Posts