PRESS
RELEASE
NS Trails, PO Box 3010 South, Halifax B3J 3G6
902.425.5450 Ext. 325, 902.425-5606 (fax)
nstrails@sportns.ns.ca (e-mail)
Monday, May 27, 2002 For Immediate Release
Nova Scotians on Trails, June 1 – International Trails Day
In countries throughout the Americas and Europe, June 1 is
the official day to get outside and celebrate recreational trail development.
Started by the American Hiking Society in 1992, trails Day has spread to
encompass all forms of recreational trail usage in more than a dozen countries
worldwide.
The theme for Trails Day 2002 is "Trails for
Health" because when you hike or volunteer on a trail you are not only
performing a good deed for the environment, you are also improving your health.
Hiking regularly can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, reduce chances
of heart disease and cancer, and lower stress levels.
"With the phenomenal growth of interest in trails and
walking and biking in Nova Scotia, more people are demanding additional public
activities", says Terry Norman, President of the Nova Scotia Trails
Federation. "Our sixty clubs and associations organize hikes throughout the
year, but we hope to see International Trails Day grow to become an activity
shared by thousands of Nova Scotians."
Throughout the province, a wide variety of activities are
scheduled. All events begin at 10 am unless otherwise stated:
- Uniacke Estate Hike: Join David Carter in celebrating Trails Day
with a leisurely hike through Uniacke Estate. We will hike the old Post Road
Trail to the Wetlands Trail and loop back to the start. The Wetlands Trail
cuts into the interior of the estate forming a loop taking it near two small
lakes and a brook. This trail provides several opportunities to sit beside
these water features. Three kilometres long, this is the most remote walk on
the estate. Combined with the Post Road Trail it produces a hike at least
eight kilometres or five miles long. Uniacke Estate is located in Mount
Uniacke just off Highway 101. Contact: David Carter at 463.8913.
- White Lake Wilderness Ridge Trail Opening: The Musquodoboit Trailways
Association will open the new White Lake Wilderness Ridge Trail on
International Trails Day. Construction of the trail is now complete
except for signage and final inspections. Guides will
lead independent trips from the north and south sections. Contact: Stanley Van
Dyke: 889.9256.
Hall's Harbour Community Trail Interpretive Walk with Gerald Dickie, Kings
County Trail Society. Hear about Harbour History, as well as fauna &
flora on that beautiful trail. Approx. 1.5 hour. Meet at Harbour Parking Lot
at 9.50 am Contact: Gerald Dickie 678.2295.
Sackville River Trail, Wildflower Identification Walk, 1:30 pm. Range Park
in Bedford. Barry Sawyer and Rich Peckham of the Sackville River Trails
Assoc will guide the public along a diverse flora trail to make for a
pleasant afternoon's activity for all. Directions to the trail/municipal
park - The entrance to Range Park in Bedford can be found at the Bedford
Place Mall on Bus Route 80 behind the parking area next to the pedestrian
bridge near the Ponderosa Restaurant at the north end of the mall. Contact:
Patricia Leader (Halifax Field Naturalists), 457.9197.
Official Opening of Cape George Hiking Trail, Antigonish County: 10AM,
Rain Date - Sunday June 2, 10:00 AM. Official Opening of the 33-km Cape
George Hiking Trail, winding its way along the scenic Nova Scotia coastline.
Members of government, funding agencies, sponsors, trail committees and
community will be in attendance. An opportunity to thank those who helped
and to acquaint people with the new trail system. A family hiking day.
Contact: Mary MacLellan: 863.1101.
Beechville, Lakeside, and Timberlea Trail: Join Eric and Katherine Klefenz
for a trek down the new trail just outside Halifax. Start at 1:30pm at the
Lakeside Industrial Park, and enjoy a barbecue 5-km later at the St. Andrew
Anglican Church. Ideal for families and novices. Bikes permitted. Contact
876.2055 for more information.
Woodens River Watershed Environment Organization: Bush hike to The Bluff.
Peter Romkey leads a challenging hike through the brush along the route of
the proposed wilderness-hiking trail close to Halifax. Intended for
experienced outdoors people only. Contact, Susan Hruszowy, 424.5832 to
register and obtain details.
Municipality of Lunenburg: Bridgewater Mall, 9 am to 5 pm. Visit their
display and discover the many trails of much of Lunenburg County. Then go
for a hike on the Municipality of Bridgewater’s Centennial Trail, which
runs just outside the building along the former route of the Canadian
National rail-line.
Cape Auguet Eco-Trail: Petit de Grat, 9 a.m. Join the community of Isle
Madame as they work together to repair the damage of vandals to bridges,
signs, and benches. All are welcome, any time of day.
Gaspereau Bike Ramble: The Halifax Outdoor Club is holding a bicycle ride
on June 2 through the back roads around Wolfville to enjoy the blossoms and
views. Lots of stops. Bring a camera. Pre-register by May 31, contact John
M. at 422-3591
If you cannot attend one of these activities, celebrate
trails Day at Shubie Park in Dartmouth at the Fairbanks Centre Field. The Nova
Scotia Hostelling Association and the Halifax Outdoor Club will be hosting
Trails Day activities. Many trail groups and trail uses will be represented,
with displays promoting trails and trail activities throughout Nova Scotia. You
can find out about the Trail Patrol, and learn how you can support your local
trails and fellow trail users.
Try one of the many activities available on June 1. You have
an opportunity to see some new trails and learn more about how you can get
involved in building and maintaining the rapidly growing Nova Scotia trail
system.
For additional information, view www.trailtc.ns.ca or contact
Michael Haynes at 425.5450 ext. 325.
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