Join the municipality's Environment and Climate Change team, Ducks Unlimited, the Ecology Action Centre (EAC), Halifax Field Naturalists and the Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council for a week of nature walks in celebration of Earth Week. The aim of these walks is to encourage residents to take note of how nature changes during the spring and to get outside and appreciate the fresh air together.
Backlands bioblitz
On April 13, the EAC will lead a "bioblitz" and iNaturalist tutorial in the treasured Backlands, which spans Williams & Colpitt Lake, McIntosh Run, Powers Pond, Herring Cove and Purcells Cove roads. Register at Earth Week Backlands Bioblitz | Ecology Action Centre.
Salt Marsh Trail bird walk
We hope you'll join us on Earth Day, April 22, from 6 - 8 p.m. for a bilingual bird walk with experienced birders Alain Clavette of Ducks Unlimited and Chris Kennedy, the municipality's LakeWatchers coordinator. This sunset walk along the scenic Salt Marsh Trail will give residents an opportunity to spot aquatic birds like dabbling and diving ducks and possibly even a northern saw-whet owl.
Registration is required. There are only 30 spots, so please sign up today at https://www.halifax.ca/form/sunset-saltmarsh-bird-walk.
Invasive Species guided walk
Join representatives from the Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council (NCISC) for a guided walk on April 24 from 6 - 8 p.m. through Sir Sanford Fleming Park and Frog Pond. You will learn why invasive species are a problem, how to identify them, where to report observations and what we can do to stop their spread. Contact Hughstin Grimshaw-Surette at hughstin@canadainvasives.ca with any questions about the event.
Identifying trees in Halifax
To help residents gain the ability to better identify trees in the region, urban forest ecologist Dr. Peter Duinker will share his insights on how to recognize some of the trees that grow in Halifax. The event will take place on April 26 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Contact Bernie McKenna at mckennab197@gmail.com to sign up for the event.
Hemlock Ravine guided walk
Nature sometimes needs our help. Right now, we are facing an invasion of hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) in the region. On April 27 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., join environmental specialist Shauna Doll and Hughstin Grimshaw-Surette from the NSISC as they survey hemlock trees in Hemlock Ravine Park for signs of the invasive pest.
Registration is required. There are only 50 spots, so please sign up today at https://www.halifax.ca/form/hemlock-walk.
Belcher's Marsh walk
This nature walk will help residents see the ways that marsh and forest dwellings are changing. The 2.5 km nature walk will take place on April 27 from 1:30 - 4 p.m., and be led by Dr. Sean Haughian, curator of botany and plant ecologist at the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History. Dr. Haughian is a leading expert in forest- and marsh-dwelling plants, lichens and mosses. Registration is required. Please contact Bernie McKenna at mckennab197@gmail.com with any questions.
Privacy info
In accordance with Section 485 of the Municipal Government Act (MGA), any personal information collected on this form will only be used by municipal staff and, if necessary, individuals and/or organizations under service contract with the Halifax Regional Municipality for purposes relating to managing the sign-up process for the Hemlock Walk and Saltmarsh Bird Walk.
If you have any questions about the collection and use of your personal information, please call 311 or email contactus@311.halifax.ca.
Tips for celebrating Earth Day
- Intensifying storm systems and rainier spring seasons are increasing the risk of flooding for homeowners. Consider nature-based solutions for managing water on your property like using a rain barrel or planting a rain garden. Rain barrels are a great way to reuse collected water during warm weather, and rain gardens offer a range of benefits from reducing flooding and soil erosion to helping pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.
- Learn more about HalifACT, the municipality’s long-term climate action plan. Commitment to climate action means continuing to adapt and prepare for the impacts of climate change while protecting the natural environment and looking for ways to enhance resiliency through green energy. HalifACT is already taking action by transitioning to electric buses and fleet vehicles, retrofitting municipal buildings for energy efficiency, and investing in emergency preparedness, storm water protection and food security. Learn more about our recent efforts in the latest HalifACT community update.
- Explore the parks and trails the Halifax Regional Municipality has to offer. Learn more about the Green Network Plan and naturalization efforts in communities across the region.
- Participate in our LakeWatchers program. Our community-based lake monitoring program, LakeWatchers, gathers water quality data that will help us understand the health of our lakes and how they are changing. Data collected will inform planning policies for future growth and development.
- Clean up after your dogs and throw it in the garbage, even if it’s in a wooded area. Animal waste contains bacteria and parasites, such as E. coli, giardia and salmonella. Waste washes from streets, parks and private property into our waterways, which pollutes our watershed. This poses a health risk to both humans and other animals. High bacteria levels in the water not only pollute our watersheds but can lead to beach closures throughout the summer. Learn more about our Canines for Clean Water initiative.
- Discover how we’re investing in low-carbon transportation options through the Integrated Mobility Plan.