Backlands Coalition
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backlandscoalition.bsky.social
Backlands Coalition
@backlandscoalition.bsky.social
83 followers 130 following 39 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
If you can't attend, what else can you do?
3. Submit written feedback by emailing [email protected].
4. CC. all letters, speaker notes and written feedback to the NS Minister of Municipal Affairs, John A MacDonald at [email protected]. #KeepTheBacklandsWild #Halifax #UrbanWilderness
An image explaining more ways to share input on the HRM Regional Plan amendments package. Background photo: an aerial view of a wooded area of the Halifax Backlands. Top left corner has a red "URGENT" stamp. Text on one image of a piece of paper: Can't attend? 3. Submit written feedback. Send your feedback on the amendments to regionalplan@halifax.ca by Thursday, Dec. 11 at 10 am. Text on a second image of a piece of paper: Don't forget ... The Province has ultimate authority over the Regional Plan. All letters, speaker notes or feedback should also be sent to the NS Minister of Municipal Affairs, John A. MacDonald: dmamin@novascotia.ca
December 10, 2025 at 10:37 PM
backlandscoalition.bsky.social
What can you do?
1. Speak at the hearing (register by emailing [email protected]).
2. Attend the hearing to show your support for speakers.
Learn more here: brnw.ch/21wY79P. No registration required but you will need a piece of government-issued ID to enter. #KeepTheBacklandsWild #UrbanWilderness
An image explaining several ways to participate in the public hearing. Background photo: an aerial view of a wooded area of the Halifax Backlands. Top left corner has a red "URGENT" stamp. Text on one piece of paper: 1. Speak at the Hearing Email clerks@halifax.ca to sign up to speak You will have 5 mins to share your feedback on the amendments to the Regional Plan. Text on an image of another piece of paper: 2. Attend the hearing. Don't do public speaking? That's ok! Showing up still shows you care! No registration required but you will need a piece of government issued ID to enter. More info on the HRM website: https://www.halifax.ca/city-hall/regional-council/public-hearing-minimum-planning-requirements
December 10, 2025 at 10:25 PM
backlandscoalition.bsky.social
Important PUBLIC HEARING on Thursday, Dec. 11, 1 pm at Halifax City Hall: brnw.ch/21wY75R. Last chance to share views on provincial changes to HRM's Regional Plan. Of particular concern:
- Removal of actions to protect wildlife corridors
- Removal of 30m buffers for wetlands, watercourses & coasts.
An information graphic with an aerial photo of a wooded wilderness area. In the top left corner is a red "URGENT" stamp. A piece of paper with a paperclip has the text: Public Hearing on Amendments to HRM's Regional Plan 1 pm Thursday, December 11 - that's tomorrow! Halifax City Hall How to have your say even if you can't attend (more info on next image in the comments/replies) For the full post, visit us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DSFw-ajkTik/?img_index=1 Or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BacklandsCoalition/posts/pfbid02s9EvxAqKsWVb7oqXT5g1nJHYg6bQx5A78XPB9Rofdi3KqHpimQV8Aqsai5p6MLwl
December 10, 2025 at 10:16 PM
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
backlandscoalition.bsky.social
Public input due Oct. 24! Amendments to the #HalifaxRegionalPlan will dictate how HRM does urban planning for decades: engagehalifax.ca/2025-plannin.... Our city can grow while still protecting our environment. Share your thoughts with [email protected] by tomorrow! @ecologyaction.bsky.social
Image description: A graphic with an aerial view of downtown Halifax. A text overlay includes logos for Our HRM Alliance and the Ecology Action Centre. Text: Give your feedback on 'Amendments to the Regional Plan' by October 24. It's never been more important to speak up! Learn more: https://engagehalifax.ca/2025-planning-changes Send all comments to regionalplan@halifax.ca. For more background, see this excellent analysis from EAC / Our HRM Alliance: On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQCv54Rjze5/?img_index=1 Or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EcologyActionCentre/posts/pfbid0zBAQQBMQ5w6J1aQWmxyuVcFCyLDKiadEH9ytf7PyFLUBfJ1ookjJCyN7X7tnwvP5l
October 23, 2025 at 4:02 PM
backlandscoalition.bsky.social
ICYMI: The @nsgov.bsky.social has banned activities in wooded areas until Oct. 15 (or when conditions improve). This includes the fire-prone #HalifaxBacklands, encompassing Shaw Wilderness Park, @nsnaturetrust.bsky.social lands, McIntosh Run trails etc. Learn more: backlandscoalition.ca?p=8176
A photo of a forest, with a red and white sign in the middle that reads "Temporarily closed"
August 11, 2025 at 6:24 PM
backlandscoalition.bsky.social
Experience the Urban Farm of Spryfield in a wonderful new way on August 6 at 7 pm, as anthropologist/educator Trudy Sable leads a sensory walk! Limited attendance; adults only—register by emailing [email protected]. More info: www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=... #UrbanFarm #Spryfield #nature
A Sensory Walk with Nature at the Urban Farm in Spryfield During this walk led by Trudy Sable PhD., we will pay attention to how we relate to the world through our senses, even mirroring its movements. We will explore just “being” present to our experience, tuning into the elemental qualities that make up our world —earth, water, fire, wind and space. Wednesday, August 6 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Limited attendance — please register early by emailing urbanfarmspryfield@gmail.com. Event graphic includes a photo of Dr. Trudy Sable, walking in a wilderness area.
August 2, 2025 at 4:44 PM
backlandscoalition.bsky.social
Wow Halifax! Thanks to all who wrote in or spoke up in support of #UrbanWilderness areas at the #HalifaxRegionalPlan public hearing last week. We continue to work toward our goal of protecting the #HalifaxBacklands for the benefit of all. Read more: backlandscoalition.ca?p=8119 #KeepTheBacklandsWild
A photo of a rocky area in the Halifax Backlands. The text overlay on a dark green rectangle says: "Wondering what happened at the Halifax Regional Plan public hearing?"
June 26, 2025 at 8:50 PM
backlandscoalition.bsky.social
Still getting up to speed on all the sudden changes to the #HalifaxRegionalPlan? So are we, and the public hearings are June 19-20 at #Halifax City Hall! For info on issues related to the #HalifaxBacklands, visit our website: backlandscoalition.ca?p=8119 @williamslakecc.org #KeepTheBacklandsWild
A photo of a dramatic sunset over the Halifax Backlands. The text overlay says "The Halifax Backlands need your help ... and it will only cost you 5 minutes. Details in the caption." Complete details are here on our website: https://backlandscoalition.ca/?p=8119
June 18, 2025 at 10:20 PM
backlandscoalition.bsky.social
From Phases 1 to 3, we saw positive engagement with @hfxplanning.bsky.social and reasonable timeframes. But not now. This is a huge decision for the future of our beautiful city. What happened to good governance?
Sincerely, The Backlands Coalition 🌳🌲 3/3
#HalifaxRegionalPlan #KeepTheBacklandsWild
A photo of a forest with a green thought bubble overlay showing this text: "From Phase 1 to Phase 3, we saw positive public engagement and reasonable timeframes. But not now. What happened to good governance?"
June 15, 2025 at 6:56 PM
backlandscoalition.bsky.social
We are trying so hard to provide input to the DRASTIC changes in the new Halifax Regional Plan. This is our right! (Every citizen's right!) And it's not possible in the extremely short timeframe. 2/3 #HalifaxRegionalPlan #rezoning #development #HalifaxBacklands #KeepTheBacklandsWild
A photo of a forest with a green thought bubble overlay showing this text: "We are trying so hard to provide input to the DRASTIC changes in the new Halifax Regional Plan. This is our right! And it's not possible in the extremely short timeframe."
June 15, 2025 at 6:50 PM
backlandscoalition.bsky.social
Dear @hfxgov.bsky.social ... what gives?!? Not much time for public consultation on the new Halifax Regional Plan, from a tight turnaround on a 1,900-page document to little advance notice of this Thursday's public hearing, 1 pm on a weekday. 1/3 #Halifax #UrbanWilderness #KeepTheBacklandsWild
A photo of a forest with a green thought bubble overlay showing the text "Dear Halifax Regional Municipality ... what gives???"
June 15, 2025 at 6:47 PM
backlandscoalition.bsky.social
Did you know the #HalifaxBacklands are a research "playground" for budding scientists from our local universities? Our Bird Team joined @dalhousie.bsky.social students in 2024 to share knowledge on local #birds and #SpeciesAtRisk like Mountain #Sandwort. Learn more: www.instagram.com/p/DKkG7bJsyG...
On the left is a photo taken during a hike on March 23, 2024, showing several members of our Backlands Coalition Bird Team with two Dalhousie student researchers who spent last summer working on our Nighthawk Project. They are standing in a rocky area of the Halifax Backlands and looking down at plant life growing in among the granite. On the right is a closeup view of Mountain Sandwort, a species at risk that can be found in the Backlands. To learn more, connect with us at @backlandscoalition on Facebook or Instagram, or visit our website: https://backlandscoalition.ca/
June 6, 2025 at 9:01 PM
backlandscoalition.bsky.social
Come meet some feathered friends on a Guided Bird Walk, as part of Bird Week across HRM (May 24–31). District 11's Bird Walk will be taking place at the Urban Farm of Spryfield on Sunday, May 25 starting at 9:30 am. Register here: forms.gle/GR1DjFYD1z93.... #Halifax #BirdWeek #BirdWalk
An event poster showing a photo of an owl and illustrations of other birds.
May 1, 2025 at 10:13 PM
backlandscoalition.bsky.social
Thanks to Paul Brothers, host of Global News Morning in Halifax, for highlighting our #BacklandsSuites art exhibition! Joining him in conversation were curator/textile artist Frances Dorsey and watercolour painter Catherine Perehudoff Fowler. #BacklandsArtists #UrbanWilderness #KeepTheBacklandsWild
A screen capture of a post on X from Global Halifax. It shows Paul Brothers, host of Global News Morning, interviewing curator/artist Frances Dorsey and fellow artist Catherine Perehudoff Fowler. They are discussing the Backlands Suites group exhibition, which remains on view until the end of April at the Chase Gallery in the Nova Scotia Archives. For a link to the interview and more information on the exhibition, visit our website at https://backlandscoalition.ca/. For artist profiles, visit us on Instagram at @backlandscoalition.
April 10, 2025 at 8:42 PM
backlandscoalition.bsky.social
Tune in to Global News Morning on Wednesday for a segment on the #BacklandsSuites art exhibition! (Estimated broadcast times 6:30 & 8:30 am.) The group show is on display throughout April at the Chase Gallery, Nova Scotia Archives. #BacklandsArtists #ArtistsoftheBacklands #KeepTheBacklandsWild
A screen shot showing an image of Paul Brothers, host of the Global News Morning show in Halifax. On Wednesday morning (April 9), the show will broadcast an interview about the Backlands Suites art exhibition.
April 8, 2025 at 11:20 PM
backlandscoalition.bsky.social
#BacklandsSuites Afternoon with the Artists: Join us from 1-3 pm today at Chase Gallery, Nova Scotia Archives. Celebrate the unique beauty of the #HalifaxBacklands and meet the talented group of nine artists in this group exhibition, which is on view until April 29. backlandscoalition.ca?p=7547
Please join us for an afternoon with the artists to kick off "Backlands Suites," an exhibition exploring the unique beauty of the Halifax Backlands through the eyes of nine talented local artists Saturday, April 5, 2025 1-3 p.m. Chase Gallery, Nova Scotia Archives 6016 University Avenue, Halifax Read Frances Dorsey's curatorial statement on our website for more information on the artists of the exhibition: https://backlandscoalition.ca/?page_id=7540 An illustration on the poster shows an art easel, with a landscape painting in progress.
April 5, 2025 at 3:55 PM
backlandscoalition.bsky.social
🌿🐾 Celebrate #EarthWeek with us in the #HalifaxBacklands! Join a free guided hike through our wild and rugged landscape, hosted by @ecologyaction.bsky.social. Learn to use iNaturalist to identify local species. 🦋🌱 April 13, 1-4 pm; register at ecologyaction.ca/get-involved.... #BacklandsBioblitz
An event poster showing a lily and lilypads in a lake. The text overlay says: Earth Week Backlands Bioblitz! Sunday, April 13, 1-4 pm in the Halifax Backlands Logos along the bottom for organizations collaborating on this event: Ecology Action Centre, Our HRM Alliance, HalifACT, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Treasured Wetlands of Nova Scotia, and the Backlands Coalition. For more info and to register for the hike, visit https://ecologyaction.ca/get-involved/events/earth-week-backlands-bioblitz A dark blue background with white text overlay that says: Join us for a guided hike through the rugged Halifax Backlands, home to two of the Treasured Wetlands of Nova Scotia. Explore this unique wilderness while contributing to real conservation science! Learn how to use iNaturalist, a free app that helps identify and log local species, adding valuable data to a community science project. Your observations will support ongoing research and conservation efforts in the region. Expect a slow pace, moderate terrain with some off-trail hiking. To fully participate, bring a smartphone with the iNaturalist app downloaded. Register at https://ecologyaction.ca/get-involved/events/earth-week-backlands-bioblitz
April 1, 2025 at 10:49 PM
backlandscoalition.bsky.social
We're thrilled to welcome back Dalhousie University students Siobhan Herold and Madeleine Kurtz, who spent last summer studying the #CommonNighthawk in the #HalifaxBacklands. Join us April 9 to learn about their findings, 7 pm at the Chocolate Lake Community Centre. All are welcome - bring a friend!
An event poster featuring images of birds against a blue background. Text in a green circle: 7 pm, Wednesday, April 9, 2025 Chocolate Lake Community Centre Backlands Coalition Bird Team Gathering All are welcome! Including presentations on the Common Nighthawk Studies by Dal students.
March 30, 2025 at 7:07 PM
backlandscoalition.bsky.social
Save the date for #BacklandsSuites! We are excited to bring the stunning beauty of the #HalifaxBacklands to the Chase Gallery at the #NovaScotiaArchives. Running April 3-29, this art exhibition features work by nine notable local artists. #KeepTheBacklandsWild #Halifax #urbanwilderness #halifaxart
A poster to promote the "Backlands Suites" art exhibition, running April 3-29, 2025 at the Chase Gallery, Nova Scotia Archives. Images show partial views of artworks by nine artists in the show, who include: Joshua Barss Donham Frances Dorsey Jennifer Escott Graham Fowler Geoffrey Grantham Ron Kuwahara Frankie Macaulay Catherine Perehudoff Fowler Christopher Webb For the Chase Gallery's hours of operation, visit https://archives.novascotia.ca/chase-gallery/.
February 18, 2025 at 6:40 PM