The Backlands Coalition

A river, lakes, forests and stunning ocean views are nestled away on publicly owned lands between Spryfield and Herring Cove. “The river (McIntosh Run) disappears behind Spryfield into this beautiful wilderness known as the back lands … and goes to Herring Cove,” says Kaarin Tae, president of the McIntosh Run Watershed Association. The volunteer group is getting ready to start the first phase, a “single-track” active trail system on the lands… read more in Chronicle Herald article

There will be a meeting of the McIntosh Run Watershed Association on Wednesday September 17th at 7:00pm at the Captain William Spry Community Centre at 10 Kidston Road, Halifax. Here is a brief outline of some items of discussion:
– Trail project update
– Harvest Festival kids bike ride and rodeo Sept. 20th
– HRTA update
– “McIntosh Estates” Phase 1 design approval granted by HRM
– Setting a date and a call for volunteers for trimming on the Community Trail

Geoffrey Grantham’s impressionist landscape paintings of the Backlands will be amongst those featured at the opening of a group show at the Pavia Gallery ~ Espresso Bar & Café on Aug. 21st, 2014. Artists include works by Grantham, Clark, Farmer, Ferri, Field, Markle, and Webb. The show will run though until the end of September 2014.

FUSION Sustainability in partnership with the Ecology Action Centre, HRM Alliance and Dalhousie’s Office of Sustainability bring you a great opportunity to explore Greenbelting. What is it? Why are cities doing it? What will it mean for Halifax to have one?

Where: Room 1009, Kenneth Rowe Management Building, Dalhousie University
When: 5:30-6:00 pm – Meet and Greet/Networking
6:00-8:00 pm – Panel Discussion
View Facebook Event Page

An hour ago on Twitter from OurHRM Alliance: “After over two years of hard work, the revised Regional Plan has passed almost unanimously at council.” !!!!!!!!!! June 26th – view Chronicle Herald Report

Look for flashes of gold in our Backlands in the coming days as this rare Atlantic Coastal Plain species comes into bloom. It is especially likely to be found and in abundance in areas that burned in 2009 and 2012. See Nova Scotia Wild Flora Society website for more info about it.

The now long-awaited Public Hearing on RP+5 will be held by Halifax Regional Council commencing on Tuesday, June 24, 2014, at 6:00 p.m. in the Halifax Regional Council Chambers at City Hall, 1841 Argyle Street, Halifax, NS. All written and oral presentations will be considered at that time. Written submissions may be forwarded to the Municipal Clerk by mail, P.O. Box 1749, Halifax, NS, B3J 3A5; by fax, 490-4208; or by e-mail, clerks@halifax.ca. Written submissions should be received by the Municipal Clerk’s office as early as possible, but not later than 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 2014. For a summary of the proposed changes to the Regional Plan, see Notice. The Backlands Coalition supports the revisions to the Regional Plan – please show support by writing a letter &/or attending &/or speaking at the Public Hearing. See OurHRM Alliance for more details.

The Halifax Adventure Seekers, an OUTDOOR social meetup group, gave the Purcell Cove Conservation Lands a high rating after hiking the area last Thursday.

Amongst the comments:

• A most enjoyable hike in an area that is truly unique. From the stark futuristic landscape to the beautiful contrasting wildflowers set amongst the many vistas, lakes and streams. It is now one of my favourite places to hike.
• It is a stunning natural area, a gem for Halifax nature lovers.
• A unique spot to explore and I hope to return again soon.
• What a beautiful area.
• This hike was absolutely incredible.
• Loved this magical place. I will return.

Continue reading →

There is meeting on Tuesday June 10, at 6.30 p.m. at Captain William Spry Community Centre (Spryfield) concerning a proposal to make a parking lot within Long Lake Provincial Park. The proposal has been made by a developer who has excess rock and needs to dispose of it. The parking lot would have an associated trail system. These do not conform fully with the official park management plan. The meeting has been called by DNR parks division and will determine whether this proposal goes ahead. The park management plan would need to be amended because this proposal will affect access to the park and the trail concept within the plan. View Poster for the meeting

Our native Azalea, Rhodora (Rhododendron canadense) is in full bloom at the edges of wetlands and in smaller wet spots in the Backlands. A recent visitor to the area described being transfixed by this species, about which Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote “beauty is its own excuse for Being”. View visitor’s blog