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SATA News August 2018
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Bundled up and having fun at the beach.  Cold weather didn't discourage these SATA explorers from taking a winter beach day.  (Conrad's Beach, Jan 2019)  

Shore Active Transportation Association  Love staying active

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New Year. New Adventures

Do your resolutions include more outdoor activity?

Happy 2019!

For much of January, you might have been thinking that spring was already in the air.  All the snow and cold from November and December has given way to lots of rain and generally higher than average temperatures with the exception of a few icy days.  At least that is the story on the Eastern Shore.  For much of the rest of the Atlantic Provinces, the story seems to have been snow, snow, more snow - and plenty of ice.

As we move into February, we are getting more seasonable cold temperature and it looks like there is more snow on the way.  This is good news for those of us still looking to get out on our skis and snowshoes - perhaps even break in some new outdoor gear received as Christmas gifts.  

At SATA, we have been working on more trail options.  Read about our progress on the Gaetz Brook Greenway in this month's SATA Trails Updates.  Special thanks this month to Board members Mona Bordage, Paul Euloth, and John Hawkins for their work with funding applications, tenders and networking for the SATA Trail projects.

As always, our SATA on the Road section highlights both the antics and adventures of participants AND the beautiful Nova Scotia locations they have visited.  Please keep sharing images on our Facebook page and you are also welcome to send them for the newsletter at info@shoreat.ca

There are only a couple of events posted in our Upcoming Events section but stay tuned - more coming soon.  We're keeping an eye on the weather for planning.  As always, be sure to visit our Facebook page for information on planned or new events, pictures and descriptions of past events, and changes to plans, including any necessary cancellations. 

Check out our  In Other News for updates from other organizations that support active transportation.

Special thanks this month to Mary MacDonald for sharing her pictures and thoughts.

That is it for this time.  Happy trails.  See you next time.

SATA Trails Update

Continuing to develop the Gaetz Brook Greenway

It has been a busy and productive time for SATA Trails Association with its work on the Gaetz Brook Greenway.  We have been investigating funding through all levels of government to contribute to trail completion and development, preparing tenders and building connections.

We are especially excited to be part of the Eastern Shore Greenway Committee of the Halifax Regional Trail Association (HRTA).  With representation from Atlantic View Trail Association, Cole Harbour Parks and Trails Association, SATA Trails Association, and Musquodoboit Trails Association, this collaboration allows us to better emphasize the role the trails can -and do - play in tourism on the Eastern Shore.  

Together, the trails managed by these associations create a strong infrastructure of connected greenways that offers an opportunity for safe active transportation from Cole Harbour to Musquodoboit.  Although our Gaetz Brook Greenway is only about 7 km, it is an essential piece of the alternate transportation main spine greenway linking communities across the Shore.

Next Steps

  • The bridges are complete and the trail is open for non-motorized use.  We are still awaiting the final safety inspection, which we expect to happen soon.
  • Our Cutting Tender has gone out for bid with local contractors.  The tender closes on February 8. Clearing work will begin in the spring.
  • We have a plant committee seeking sustainable, native shrubbery and trees.  Plants will be intended to be fast growing, easy to maintain and attractive to trail users. They will also help to ensure privacy of adjacent land owners.


As always, we welcome your input into the Gaetz Brook Greenway development.  If you would like to volunteer for work on this wonderful community asset, or if you want to share stories about the area, get in touch through the Contact Us page on our website or with an email to info@shoreat.ca.

SATA on the Road

Grey skies and bright leaves

Share your active transportation adventures on our Facebook page or submit a paragraph or two for our newsletter by sending it to  info@shoreat.ca

Mahone Bay Hike (Jan 10, 2019) 
Mary shared her description of the outing on Facebook:

Yesterday morning we explored the hillside above Mahone Bay. Old growth forest along Ernst Brook and the Bay to Bay Trail into historic Bayview Cemetery. Some graves here from the late 1700. 

After lunch we did a short hike on the trail to Martins Brook to check out the Riverbank Habitat art installation. A truly neat adventure on a icy winter day. Check the calendar and come and join us some Thursday morning.
Conrads Beach Walk (Nov. 29, 2018) 
 
We are tough - with a wind chill of -20 we still had fun exploring Conrad’s Beach with yoga stretches and climbing deadwood. The youngest participant was only 4 months and the old fellow is 84 so don’t use the weather as an excuse for not being active outdoors.

Thanks, Mary, for the great advice -- and the lovely, fun pictures.

Upcoming Activities

Something for everyone.  Come explore!

Currently scheduled outings:
Thurs. Jan. 31 - Hiking and Movement Therapy

Movement Therapist Coaching with Karen Bradley. 
Start with Karen @ 9:30 am - cost is $5/person. Located on 1695 East Petpeswick Road.

Or join for just the hike, meeting at approx 11 a.m. at Martinique beach. Low tide is 1030 


Thurs. Feb. 21 - Myra Road Snowshoe or Hike (~8 km)
Meet at the parking lot at very top of Myra Rd where pavement ends for 10 AM start.  We will follow the trail along the east side of West Brook up to the bridge.  This will be approx 4km each way but we can turn at any time.  Hoping for good conditions for snowshoeing.

MORE EVENTS COMING SOON
SATA event leaders be posting more active transportation events shortly.  Watch for details on our Activities Calendar or Facebook page.

If you have suggestions for a hike, walk or other activity, we'd love to hear them.  Are you interested in becoming an event leader?  You'd be welcome to join the team. Write us at  info@shoreat.ca or comment on our Facebook Page to share or become more involved.

Remember:

  • We would love to hear your ideas for future walks, or reviews of past events. Talk to activity leaders, share on our Facebook Page or contact info@shoreat.ca with any ideas.
  • SATA events are open for participants of all ages and abilities and follow a relaxed pace with plenty of stops for discovery, photography and conversation. 
  • Our Facebook page has the most current news on outings, updates, weather changes, and event pictures.  

In Other News

Updates from other organiziations working to improve Active Transportation in Nova Scotia
Jan. 30, 2019 - Ecology Action Centre Press Release
Funding transportation plans could help drive Halifax out of climate emergency.

K’JIPUKTUK (Halifax) - Yesterday, Halifax was added to the list of Canadian cities that have declared a climate emergency. The symbolic motion was passed unanimously by city councillors. It aims to accelerate actions taken by HRM to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  Read full release.

Feb. 3, 2019 - Walk and Talk about Sustainable Transportation

Trips By Transit is partnering with the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation for International Development Week! This week is promoting the Sustainable Development Goals- we will be focusing on SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities) as well as SDG 13 (climate change action).

Details on the Facebook Event page.

This hike will focus on helping you connect with the self, nature, and the community!

Feb. 8, 2019 -Halifax Cycling Coalition -  Winter Bike Week
From the HCC Chainring newsletter:
Save the date!
February 8, 2018 is winter bike to work day 

We are planning a week of events to get you excited about biking and winter!  Do you want to volunteer to help plan winter bike week events? Get in touch!


contact@cyclehalifax.ca

And - in case you are looking for motivation for getting out on your bike, here is an article with more than 40 reasons for riding your bike.



Feb. 9, 2019 - Hike NS - Dark Chocolate Hike
6-10 p.m. The Links at Brunello

Hike Nova Scotia and the Young Naturalists Club - Nova Scotia are hosting a Valentine’s themed night hike fundraiser on February 9 at the The Links at Brunello in Timberlea (Feb. 10 storm date). Show your love for nature by joining us for a guided family or adult night hike with owl and astronomy experts.

Learn more or purchase a ticket on Hike Nova Scotia site.

Mar. 18, 2019 - Women's Adventure Film Tour
7-9 p.m. Central Library on Spring Garden Road
From the website:

In collaboration with the Lady Alliance, Get Outside is presenting badass women featured in the Women's Adventure Film Tour

The Women's Adventure Film Tour features some of the world's most inspiring women in adventure. This festival is a celebration of the fantastic women around us who are doing extraordinary things. The events aim to promote diversity and inclusion in the outdoor industry and women, men and children are all welcome.


Details: Women's Adventure Film Tour

Have you joined SATA yet?
Make your voice heard for Active Transportation on the Eastern Shore

 

Have you visited our website to register as a member?  Member numbers help us increase the impact of our campaigns.  If you haven't already joined, please take a minute to do so now and make your voice heard for a safe, sustainable active transportation network in Porters Lake and surrounding communities.

Basic membership is free but you must register.

We have introduced a Full Membership with an annual fee of $10.  This fee contributes directly to the cost of advocacy and AT events and also entitles you voting rights at the AGM.  Visit our Join Page to learn more. 

Help us achieve our vision of a safe, sustainable Active Transportation (AT) infrastructure  connecting communities across the Eastern Shore.
 

May February bring you clear skies, safe walking paths - and time to explore nature with loved ones.  Happy Valentine's Day! 


 
Copyright © 2019 Shore Active Transportation Association (SATA), All rights reserved.


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