Category Archives: Conservation

Recent fire and fire management in the New Jersey Pine Barrens: a model for the Backlands? 12Jul2022

“Fueled by high winds and dry conditions, New Jersey’s largest wildfire in 15 years swept through Wharton State Forest in the Pine Barrens two weeks ago, burning more than 13,500 acres.” So begins an article titled Pine Barrens natural landscape … Continue reading

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Lover’s Lane to Turtle Bay: A path to Williams Lake 19May2022

From Kathleen Hall, Martha Leary and Murray Coolican: “We are writing about lands along the shore of Williams Lake known bureaucratically as PID 41342080. “We are stewards of the lake and it’s watershed and do our work through Williams Lake … Continue reading

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Petition: Save Purcells Cove Urban Reserve from Development 12May2022

86 hectares of land in Purcells Cove is proposed for rezoning and development Rezoning Map. While some may think this is a good opportunity for development, please take a moment to reconsider… and if you agree, sign Our Petition The … Continue reading

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Request for zoning change, if granted, would seriously undermine ecological integrity and recreational potential of the Purcell’s Cove Backlands 4April2022

Original Post Apr 4, 2022 Modified Apr 19, 2022 Received from C.M. March 30, 2022: URGENT: Purcell’s Cove Backlands under threat of development Dear neighbours and friends of the Backlands, There is some very disturbing news to share with you … Continue reading

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Nova Scotia Nature Trust announces new protected Jack Pine barrens in the Backlands 16Mar2022

View Rare Jack Pine barrens protected in the Purcells Cove backlands Posted on nsnt.ca on 16 Mar, 2022. From the post: We’re pleased to announce a new protected property in the Purcells Cove backlands area, sitting on 27 acres of … Continue reading

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Sparrows Hawks & Doves Project 16Mar2022

A report by  Martha R Leary Sparrows Hawks & Doves Coordinator March, 2022 Sparrows Hawks & Doves (SHD) is a project of Williams Lake Conservation Company (WLCC) in cooperation with Backlands Coalition & Urban Farm Museum Society of Spryfield. Our … Continue reading

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The Halifax Regional Plan review: “Unprecedented population growth” puts the pressure on decision-makers 9Jan2022

Delving into the current Regional Plan review  can be challenging because of the voluminous materials and complex consultation and decision-making processes but how it all pans out  affects all of us; accordingly,  it behooves as many of us as possible … Continue reading

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Invasive & Exotic Plants are making their way into the Backlands 13Jun2021

Invasive multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) is a threat to the wetlands/watercourse margins in particular. Appearance of other, non-invasive exotics such as clover, dandelion and plantain on the barrens are indicative of some loss of Ecological Integrity. I have some concern … Continue reading

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May 11, 2021 – Halifax and West Community Council to consider the recent HRM staff report on the Church of Christ Lands

UPDATE May 11, 2021 9 pm: THE MOTION WAS PASSED View video of meeting Staff presentation begins at 1:38 (hr, min) Kathleen Hall, Karen Mckendry and Martha Leary made presentations at the end; go to 2:05 (hrs minutes) Tonight Halifax … Continue reading

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Barred Owl one km from my residence in peninsular Halifax

“Barred Owl: Uncommon resident. Breeds. Our most common owl. Occurs in woods of old growth and is seldom seen elsewhere…nest: usually 4-12 m up in a hollow hardwood tree in mixed hard and soft growth…” – Birds of Nova Scotia … Continue reading

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