Trails Festival: Gateway to the Outdoors
Nova Scotia's first Trails Festival takes place on Saturday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Museum of Natural History, 1747 Summer St., Halifax.
More than 40 organizations and associations are participating in the informative and interactive day-long event, which is open to nature enthusiasts, families and children.
If you want to discover a new hiking trail or are curious about the natural world, then this event is for you. Every half-hour during the day, talks will be delivered on topics such as hiking new trails, the coastal waterway, orienteering, and Michael Haynes' favorite trails plus a preview of his new book, Hiking Trails of Halifax Regional Municipality.
To better understand the forest canopy, Reading the Woods with museum botanists Alex Wilson and Marian Zinck is a sure bet. Learn about new trails in our national and provincial parks, and join the experts for the latest and coolest advice about hiking gear and gadgets.
"Interest in recreational trails has never been greater in Nova Scotia. More people are using trails and more people are developing trails to be used than at any other time in our history," said Mr. Haynes, executive director of the Nova Scotia Trails Federation.
Demonstrations and activities inside and outside the museum are planned for the entire day. There's rock climbing and off-road biking demonstrations; Scouts and Venturers will lead orienteering activities. Members of search and rescue teams will demonstrate the valuable Hug a Tree program, which prepares children in case they get lost in the woods. And parked in front of the museum will be the newest ground search vehicle loaded with the latest technology. Learning how to read a compass or a GPS unit will also be part of the day's experiences.
In recognition of other trail inhabitants and the need to expand one's observation skills, the museum will be featuring the largest display of Nova Scotian animal scat east of Montreal. The display, entitled the Scoop on Poop, will entertain and educate visitors of all ages on the habits and signs of animals found in Nova Scotia.
"We know that there is keen public interest in observing, experiencing and understanding nature," said Debra Burleson, director of the Museum of Natural History. "The Trails Festival is a tribute to 30 years of hard work by hikers and trail builders. It's also a great way to plan your summer excursions and see what's new."
Whether you are planning day- or week-long hikes for yourself, relatives or friends, the Trails Festival is the perfect opportunity to receive information. Even if you are an expert or an amateur hiker, there is an adventure for you at the Trails Festival.
The Trails Festival is free of charge. For more information call 902-424-7353
NOTE TO EDITORS: The Scoop on Poop, the largest assembly of animal scat east of Montreal, will be on display beginning Wednesday, May 10, at the Museum of Natural History, 1747 Summer St., Halifax. The display will entertain and educate visitors of all ages on the habits and signs of animals found in Nova Scotia.