Hikers Herald: New hiking challenge, summer events & more

Hikers Herald: July 2024

This month, check out a new Hiker Challenge badge, take part in a Pride hike, learn about new membership fees, try a new recipe and more!

Visit our Website

New Member Fees

On June 8 at the Hike NS Annual General Meeting in Halifax, a membership fee increase was approved (see the image for new fees). This will come into effect starting August 1, 2024 for new members or members coming up for renewal. We take this step because the membership benefits we offer are substantial and likely to expand, membership fees have not changed since August 2018, the additional revenues will improve member experience and help cover inflation as our expenses increase.

Our aim is to ensure we give you value for your membership dollar. We continue to offer the free associate membership, but it includes only the monthly enews and does not include other Paid Member Benefits. If you have any questions regarding this please feel free to reach out.

Hike NS Is Hiring

Hike NS is hiring for two positions. The Youth Hiking Coordinator Intern will help Hike NS increase its capacity to get more young people outside enjoying parks, hiking trails and other green spaces. This is a 15-week, full-time paid internship position.The deadline to apply is July 14, 2024. The Mi’kmaq Walking Coordinator will help Hike NS expand its walking program to more Mi’kmaq communities. This part-time position is designated to applicants that identify as Indigenous, The deadline to apply is July 28, 2024. Learn more & apply for these positions here.

Fuel Your Hikes

Fuel your summer hiking fun with some Grilled Canadian Feta Skewers from our sponsor the Dairy Farmers of Nova Scotia. This recipe is fun to do over the campfire or barbecue after a hike.

Find the recipe here (sponsored post).

Out n' Aboot: A Pride Hike

July 21, Halifax

Join Mountain Equipment Company and Hike Nova Scotia as we go “Out n’ Aboot” for a celebratory Pride Hike on Sunday, July 21 in Halifax. Registration is required. Learn more and register here.

Book Launch Aug. 27: Hiking Trails of Mainland NS, 10th ed.

Join Halifax Public Libraries, Hike Nova Scotia, and Goose Lane Editions at the Halifax Central Library for the official book launch of Trails of Hiking Trails of Mainland Nova Scotia, 10th Edition. Author Michael Haynes, Canada’s most published author of trail guides, will deliver a special presentation on the trails featured in this new edition.

Learn more here.

Upcoming Training & Events

NS Walks Walk Leader Training:

Online on July 18. Learn more here.

Book launch of Hiking Trails of Mainland Nova Scotia, 10th ed.

Halifax Central Library Aug 27.

Learn more here

Out n' Aboot: A Pride Hike:

Sunday, July 21 in Halifax.

Learn more here.

Trail Builders Network News

Trail Accessibility Webinar: Sept. 25

On Wednesday, September 25 at 6:30 pm, Hike Nova Scotia will present an Accessible Trails webinar geared for trail managers. Chloe MacDonald will provide a brief overview of disability and take a deep dive into best practices for how to make the natural world as accessible and inclusive as possible. It will include planning and evaluation basics that will provide a foundation for improving trails across Nova Scotia. Learn more and register here.

Funding Opportunities

Diversity and Community Capacity Fund: Deadline September 15.

The NS trail Infrastructure Grants will open in September. To receive the grant package directly, contact CCTHtrailgrants@novascotia.ca to be added to the CCTH email list.

Yarmouth Town & Municipality Hiker Challenge Badge

Hike Nova Scotia, the Town of Yarmouth and the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth have launched the new Yarmouth Town and Municipality Badge as part of the Hiker Challenge. It invites you to take 6 of 12 hiking adventures within a year. Learn more here.

Call Fall Guided Hikes & Walks

Deadline: August 11

Hike Nova Scotia invites groups across NS to partner with it on delivering guided hike or walk events in the fall of 2024. Hike NS will help promote events and provide a how-to guide and trail prizes to giveaway. If your municipality, First Nation or organization can organize a hike or walk event (or already plan to host one), please register your event by August 11 for events between September 13 and November 17. Register events here.

OCC Instructor Course: Sept. 27-29, Truro

The Outdoor Council of Canada (OCC) is looking for folks with an extensive base of outdoor leadership experience to become an OCC instructor. An instructor course is being offered in Truro from September 27 to 29. The cost is $400 to $450. Learn more and apply here. Apply well in advance as it takes at least two weeks to be vetted and approved to take the course.