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backlandscoalition.bsky.social
Backlands Coalition
@backlandscoalition.bsky.social
79 followers 120 following 33 posts
A coalition of community groups working to protect the unique urban wilderness of the Purcell's Cove/Herring Cove/Williams Lake Backlands in Kjipuktuk/Halifax, Nova Scotia. https://backlandscoalition.ca/ #KeepTheBacklandsWild
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backlandscoalition.bsky.social
Backlands Coalition @backlandscoalition.bsky.social · 9d
🐦 Backlands Bird & Nature Team Gathering: All are welcome! Don't miss this opportunity to hear about some of the exciting Citizen Science work taking place in the #HalifaxBacklands.
📍 Chocolate Lake Community Centre
🗓 Wednesday, Dec. 3, 7-9 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm for socializing & snacks) #birds
A poster with a photo of a bird on the left, and two circles with text: - Smaller grey circle: Chocolate Lake Community Centre, Wed 03 Dec., 7-9 pm - Larger green circle: The Backlands Bird & Nature Team Gathering; learn about the 2025 Bird Survey, plus student research on amphibians in the Halifax Backlands; doors open at 6:30 pm for snacks & socializing!
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
williamslakecc.org
williamslakecc.org/2025/12/01/w...
Williams Lake Dam Update - Williams Lake Conservation Company
William's Lake Dam – Update from Patty Cuttell, Councillor District 11
williamslakecc.org
December 1, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
backlandscoalition.bsky.social
🐦 Backlands Bird & Nature Team Gathering: All are welcome! Don't miss this opportunity to hear about some of the exciting Citizen Science work taking place in the #HalifaxBacklands.
📍 Chocolate Lake Community Centre
🗓 Wednesday, Dec. 3, 7-9 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm for socializing & snacks) #birds
A poster with a photo of a bird on the left, and two circles with text: - Smaller grey circle: Chocolate Lake Community Centre, Wed 03 Dec., 7-9 pm - Larger green circle: The Backlands Bird & Nature Team Gathering; learn about the 2025 Bird Survey, plus student research on amphibians in the Halifax Backlands; doors open at 6:30 pm for snacks & socializing!
November 24, 2025 at 2:01 AM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
halifaxtrails.ca
The Dingle Tower with an autumn crown. Timeless #Halifax, home of the inventor of #UniversalStandardTime, #SirSandfordFleming. www.halifaxtrails.ca/sir-sandford...
November 26, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
halifaxtrails.ca
🌲Yesterday I hiked Paddler’s Ridge in #Halifax’s #BMBCL Wilderness Area, and brought a global viewership along!
💚Thanks to everyone who joined me for my livestream debut; it made the hike even better. You can still catch the full adventure on YouTube: www.youtube.com/live/bDmuttn...
LIVE Hiking to Paddler's Ridge in Halifax's BMBCL Wilderness Area
📍BMBCL Hiking Guide: https://www.halifaxtrails.ca/kearney-lake-trail-system/🎬 About Me: https://www.halifaxtrails.ca/blog/about/💚 Support my work: https:/...
www.youtube.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
emgbotany.bsky.social
Wonderful display of #autumn #Ericaceae #berries this week in our #coastal #heathlands! Pictured:
#Vaccinium vitis-idaea #lingonberry,
V. angustifolium #blueberry,
Empetrum nigrum #crowberry,
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi #bearberry,
V. macrocarpon #cranberry,
Gaylussacia bigeloviana #huckleberry
Autumn berries in a coastal heathland, Nova Scotia
October 9, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
lmcampbell.bsky.social
ENVS-MASHR Teaching opportunity at @smuscience.bsky.social: Environmental Health. Course is remote and synchronous (can be taught anywhere w good internet!)

Please contact me & Dr Steven Smith (MAHSR program) if you have questions - we're always happy to discuss our programs! Please share widely.
Flyer: SMU Environmental Science & Master of Applied Health Services Research. ENVS 3440/6840 & ASHR 6840: The Environment and Human Health. Remote synchronous course. Winter 2026 (Jan 7 - April 23) Tuesdays 9 am - 12 noon Atlantic Time. Information: https://cupe3912.ca/jobs/part-time-instructor/positions/environmental-sciencesustainability/. Email: ENVS@smu.ca
November 28, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
ncccnc.bsky.social
This #GivingTuesday, our gift-match partners across Canada will be matching your donations to NCC. Donate until December 2 and DOUBLE your impact for nature! Give now: secure.natureconservancy.ca/site/Donatio...
November 29, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
williamslakecc.org
All who love the lake are indebted to her. Our thoughts go out to her family and friends. /2
November 27, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
williamslakecc.org
Colleen Jone's CBC item was shared widely on social media and drew much needed attention to the fallling levels at Williams Lake. Her efforts were in no small part responsible for the public awareness that has resulted in the work now being taken to replace the failing dam. /1
November 27, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
ecologyaction.bsky.social
It’s official: AnonyMoose 2025 is live!

From now till Dec. 5, all gifts to the EAC will be matched by our AnonyMoose donors – help us unlock $30k for real environmental action.

🔗 ecologyaction.ca/Anonymoose
November 24, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
lmcampbell.bsky.social
Having a very extended Fall season in Halifax, but there's still beauty to be seen amidst the rain and cool weather.
A faded green oak leaf on a wet pebbled sidewalk. The leaf is covered in water droplets which are sympathetic in pattern with the wet pebbles around it.
November 27, 2025 at 12:57 AM
backlandscoalition.bsky.social
🐦 Backlands Bird & Nature Team Gathering: All are welcome! Don't miss this opportunity to hear about some of the exciting Citizen Science work taking place in the #HalifaxBacklands.
📍 Chocolate Lake Community Centre
🗓 Wednesday, Dec. 3, 7-9 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm for socializing & snacks) #birds
A poster with a photo of a bird on the left, and two circles with text: - Smaller grey circle: Chocolate Lake Community Centre, Wed 03 Dec., 7-9 pm - Larger green circle: The Backlands Bird & Nature Team Gathering; learn about the 2025 Bird Survey, plus student research on amphibians in the Halifax Backlands; doors open at 6:30 pm for snacks & socializing!
November 24, 2025 at 2:01 AM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
halifaxtrails.ca
🌳 Did you know North America's largest urban wilderness area is here in #Halifax? The Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area sets us apart from every other city.
🌐Experience its raw beauty in my interactive 360° virtual tour:
kuula.co/share/hz3ry/...
Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes 360° Virtual Tour
Virtual Tour | Trail Info: https://www.halifaxtrails.ca/kearney-lake-trail-system/ | Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area in Halifax, Nov...
kuula.co
November 23, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
ecologyaction.bsky.social
On Saturday, hundreds of people from communities across Mi'kma'ki/NS came out for the Shoulder to Shoulder rally to call on the Houston government to respect Treaty Rights and democratic processes, and stop selling our province off to wealthy corporate interests.

cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6980923
Hundreds gather at Halifax rally to call for better environmental protection in Nova Scotia
The Shoulder to Shoulder Rally in Halifax Saturday was organized by Mi'kmaw leaders and non-Indigenous community groups who want Nova Scotia's provincial government to do more to protect the environme...
cbc.ca
November 18, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
halifaxtrails.ca
Truly insane. It should be North America's largest urban wilderness park. Recommended for protection since the 70s, defended by enormous support from Haligonians multiple times, yet here we are again. This time with authoritarian cronyism entitling themselves to it. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Plans for Halifax-area development off Highway 102 corridor raise concerns | CBC News
A proposed development in the Halifax area off the Highway 102 corridor has some residents raising concerns about the size of the project and the cost to taxpayers.
share.google
November 20, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
lmcampbell.bsky.social
Interested in @smuscience.bsky.social and @smuhalifax.bsky.social offerings in Halifax, but would like to learn more? There's an Open House Nov 22! Info & registration: www.smu.ca/openhouse/

SMU Environmental Science profs and students will be there to answer any questions! 🌳🔬
Open House
Experience campus life at Saint Mary’s University’s Open House! This exciting event is your chance to discover what makes SMU a welcoming, supportive, and inspiring place to study.
www.smu.ca
November 19, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
historysmu.bsky.social
Hold the date! Dr. Mark Kuhlberg of @laurentianu.bsky.social
will present at the SMU History Seminar on Friday, Nov 28 at 1:00 in McNally North 219. "Killing Bugs for Business and Beauty: Canada's Aerial War Against Forest Pests, 1913-1930." All are welcome!
October 28, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
terriclarke.bsky.social
Karen McKendry from @ecologyaction.bsky.social said “it is not clear why the province is prioritizing expensive suburban sprawl development like Sandy Lake, rather than projects like Strawberry Hill or the Young District on the peninsula, where there are already services.”
Halifax residents raise traffic, environmental concerns with Sandy Lake development | CBC News
Halifax residents brought many concerns to an open house on major development planned for the Sandy Lake area in Bedford, and questioned why no provincial decision-makers were there to hear feedback.
www.cbc.ca
November 13, 2025 at 2:03 AM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
ncccnc.bsky.social
The word “Musquodoboit” derives from the Mi’kmaq language meaning "flowing out square," "rolling out in foam” or “suddenly widening out after a narrow entrance at its mouth.” Learn more about the Musquodoboit area: natureconservancy.ca/where-we-wor...
November 14, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
trevorjadams.bsky.social
Make no mistake: The widespread outpouring of fury forced this decision.
West Mabou Beach golf development proposal won't proceed, premier says | CBC News
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston told reporters Thursday the proposal 'won't get to the next step.'
www.cbc.ca
November 13, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
ecologyaction.bsky.social
The future of Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes is on the line. Let's be clear, this isn't planning. It's political interference & corporate influence dressed up as "housing solutions".

HRM needs affordable, climate ready housing within serviced areas. Not this.
Nov 19
engagehalifax.ca/highway-102-...
Square graphic with a megaphone in the top left corner, logos for Our HRM Alliance and Ecology Action Centre in the top right, and a photo of Blue Mountain Birch Cove Lakes (BMBCL) in a circle frame in the bottom right. Text is dark blue and reads, "Blue Mountain–Birch Cove Lakes is on the chopping block." Square graphic with an image of BMBCL in the top left. Text is dark blue and reads, "The Province has designated the “Highway 102 West Corridor” as a Special Planning Area. Clearing the way for a mega-development beside BMBCL, against the community’s vision. For over 10 years, residents, experts and the HRM have worked to protect and expand BMBCL. The Province is ignoring that public vision and overriding municipal planning authority." Square graphic with an image of sunset at BMBCL in an oval frame at the bottom. Text is dark blue and reads, "11,500 housing units = a population the size of Truro. All jammed into an area with no transit, no servicing and congested roads. This isn’t smart growth, it’s rushed sprawl." Square graphic with an image of bumper to bumper traffic in an oval frame at the bottom. Text is dark blue and reads, "This site sits outside the Urban Service Boundary. That means: Expensive new infrastructure funded by taxpayers. Car-dependency & gridlock. Less investment where density should be added. A development of this scale deserves due diligence. Not a fast-track for private interests."
November 13, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
halifaxtrails.ca
Speak up for Sandy Lake & democracy. Today, 2pm & 6:30pm at Bedford United Church.
November 12, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
blufftrail.bsky.social
wrweo.ca/wp/2025/11/1...
A BIG moment to speak up for Sandy Lake
What’s up now? As you know, the Province selected lands at Sandy Lake as a Special Planning Area in 2022. This means that the Province has the final say about development next to the lake, instead …
wrweo.ca
November 11, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Reposted by Backlands Coalition
ecologyaction.bsky.social
This is not a drill: Sandy Lake's future may be decided in the coming days.

If we want a say in the future of our communities, we need to show up.

HRM Open House re: Sandy Lake is TONIGHT: engagehalifax.ca/sandy-lake-s...

This is our chance to defend our right to shape the communities we live in.
Square graphic with a megaphone in the top left, logos for Our HRM Alliance and the Ecology Action Centre in the top right corner, and an image of Sandy Lake in a circular frame in the bottom right. Text is green and dark blue and reads, "This may be the last chance to save sandy lake. We need to fill the room." Square graphic with an image of people canoeing on Sandy Lake at the bottom. Text is green and dark blue and reads, "What's happening: The Province has taken control of planning at Sandy Lake - cutting out the HRM Council and sidelining public oversight. If we don’t show up now, this rushed plan could move ahead without proper studies or community consent." Square graphic with green and blue text. Text reads, "What's at stake: This development could mean: Increased flood risk for nearby neighborhoods. Severe traffic congestion on already congested roads. $130M+ in public costs for private development. A car-dependent subdivision outside the Urban Service Boundary. A dangerous precedent for bypassing local democracy." Square graphic with blue text. Text reads, "What we're asking: Pause provincial-driven expansion. Complete environmental & climate studies first. Put democratic municipal planning back where it belongs - with the community. Build homes while protecting nature and people. Good planning isn’t a delay, it’s prevention."
November 12, 2025 at 2:51 PM