Page: A16 Circulation: 10500 >> Lunenburg Co. Progress Bulletin (Bridgewater, NS) CISION” sizes Key ecotourism site upgraded at Gaff Point COUNTY — A popular site for nature enthusiasts, photographers and travel ‘writers has received same tender loving care and been made even more user Friendly "The Nature Conservaney of Canada {in Nova Sootia (NCC) hel its second an nual Gaff Polne hiking trail improvement ‘event on July 6. NCC partnered with the Kingsburg Coastal Conservaney (KCC) along with event sponsors the Nova Seo: fia Department of Health and Wellness and the Municipality of Lunenburs. "A total of 24 volimneers helped carry fut upgrades to the seem Footpath that ‘focal point for many visitors and locals, because ofits dramatic ocean views, im pressive cliffs, conifer forests and erass Tans, ‘We accomplished some important work to ensure this beautiful natural area is cared for in the proper manner, said Doug van Hemessen, stewardship co ondinator with the Subse Carserdaney ff Canada in Nova Scotia, "This 18 a key area for hiking, birdwatching, photogra phy and ontloor edueation. KOC and our. solves both take pride in promoting the Duidoor classreom, encouraging people tnd families t0 spe time in nature ‘Gonseration teluinaots arrived atthe Hirtles Beach parking lot at around 10, ‘am, eager to begin the trail msintenance work ahead. of them. As the 28 degree Csun beat down, Garnet MeLauhlin of Cobequid Trail Consulting, who was hired to lead the ‘lay’s activities, gathered participants to give instrue tdons as well asa tool safer talk. ‘Afler same introductions, the volunteers walked a kilometre ane a half across the beach, fighting off temp. fation to dive in the crystal elear water ever’ step of the ‘way. Gather again af the trail head, Me MeLaughlin split the granp into teams based on the tools they were carrying, ‘The team with pruning tools stopped after a short \while into the hike to begin cutting ick branches that interfered with the tril, while the team with hand tools, such as fire axes and pry bars continued farther in, ‘Bxing up Wet patches of trail along the way. until they reached their Work area beside the wate. As the second team emerged from the forest path, it quickly became clear why this was sueh a sought-ont destination for naturalists, outfoor enthusiasts and families alle. They were simultaneously hie with the breathtaking view of the ocean waves hitting up against the rocky shoreand the refreshing ocean breeze that was -mch needled on the hamid das Here, the goal was to reroute a portion of the trail that hal suffered from erosion aver the winger months To accomplish the rediteetion, participants formed & Ihanan chain to pass rocks from the shore person In pot uf tothe new trail location, After eollecting the team dig up the mossy covering of the path and embedded the rocks in a jigsaw formation, ‘All participants gathered around i pam. for a much deserved Iunci break amongst the large rocks of the Gaft Point shoreline After fuelling up on sandwiches, granola bars and water, both teams remained at the second work site to continue the rock: laying 'By's pm. the grotyp had created 60 mettes of whimst cal stone pathivay that looked like iteame straight oUt of ‘8 home-gardening magazine, Not only Was itesthetieally pleasing, but also a fnettonal path to keep hikers from sinking into te mossy forest floor With this accomplishment, they called it «day, and completed the 3.5 lometre-oop hike back tothe beach, ‘We had a great group of volunteers," added Mr van Hemessen, “Our partnership with ehe local Kingsburs, group is invaltable in terms of doing elective stewart ship while still allowing public access, NCC ts pleased to own and manage protected sites that contribute to unservation, econamic development and tourism anil the welL-eing of people to ao out and get fresh alto for walk and experience the beauty of this province. Gaff Point is one of these stunning areas for local folks and visitors to enjoy “Afterwards, Mr. van Hemessen gave out SCC swag items such as hats, water bottles and. Tshirts. The Nate Cansorvancy of Canada is a charitable, notfor profit lanl conservation organization that has protected ‘ver 0,000 acres of wetlands, forests and coastal shore Tines across Nova Scotia sinee 1971, ®UNLICENSED REPRODUCTION PROHIBITED / REPRODUCTION INTERDITE SANS PERMIS © USAR 283 RetNo: a7d2b5> i - Order >” Lunenburg Co. Progress Bulletin (Bridgewater, NS) Commande: 61480 CISION” caer ene tucson) Sm oe 23 From left, Eric Mackie, Melanie Noble, Danielle Home and Matt Stimson gather large rocks used to stabilize a new section of the coastal footpath which i popular for out- cdoor enthusiasts, photographers and travel writers because of its natural beauty. ‘ho ow teil at Gf Pint ®UNLICENSED REPRODUCTION PROHIBITED / REPRODUCTION INTERDITE SANS PERMIS © USAR 283, RetNo: a7d2b5*> Lunenburg Co. Progress Bulletin (Bridgewater, NS) Ce unde: 61480 : CISION” stares’ Pes iatete oscenns ear Nature Conservancy of CanadB’s Beth MacLellan gets a helping hand from Bob McDonald ‘aryng large rocks up 2 steep hil. The rocks were used to improve a section of hiking trail at scenic Gaff Point Nature Reserve during an event co-hosted by the NCC staff and volunteers in Nova Scotia and the Kingsburg Coastal Conservancy. ®UNLICENSED REPRODUCTION PROHIBITED / REPRODUCTION INTERDITE SANS PERMIS © USAR 283, RetNo: a7d2b5