Baille Ard Recreation Association
58 Cottagedale Crescent B1P 6T8 Sydney, NS, Canada

"Why are trees such social beings? Why do they share food with their own species and sometimes even go so far as to nourish their competitors? The reasons are the same as for human communities: there are advantages to working together. A tree is not a forest. On its own, a tree cannot establish a consistent local climate. It is at the mercy of wind and weather. But together, many trees can create an ecosystem that moderates extremes of heat and cold, stores a great deal of wa...ter, and generates a great deal of humidity. And in this protected environment, trees can live to be very old. To get to this point, the community must remain intact no matter what. If every tree were looking out only for itself, then quite a few of them would never reach old age. Regular fatalities would result in many large gaps in the tree canopy, which would make it easier for storms to get inside the forest and uproot more trees. The heat of summer would reach the forest floor and dry it out. Every tree would suffer." The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben See more

I’m reluctant to share something publicly that’s so personal, but its important, so here goes... A few years ago my husband found a home in Ashby that was comme...rcially zoned so would enable him to grow his new business. I had been adamant that I would not stay in Sydney. For my spiritual, physical and mental health I need to be in the country, close to nature, ideally forest. We were eventually able to compromise because the Baille Ard forest and trails were only a mile away. Because of these beautifully constructed trails through this mature forest and complex ecosystem, we stayed in Sydney. My husband’s small business is now thriving and I get to visit a place that feels like I have been transported out of Sydney to the deep woods. I have gone there to walk in nature with friends who needed support. We always leave refreshed, renewed, connected and energized with smiles on our faces. I have gone there with my husband to add a quick shot of nature and time together before or after a busy work day. I have gone there alone in all weather and in all seasons. A few times it was because I was too anxious or depressed to do anything else. On those days, with a lethargic body and anxious mind (having also been unable to get myself to meditate) I convinced myself that I could at least take the little drive and walk the shortest loop for just 10 minutes. Doing something was better than nothing. Every time, I found myself walking faster and then jogging and then adding the larger loop. Ten minutes turned into 45. And it’s not just the exercise. It’s the the feel of the ground (or snow) beneath my feet. It’s taking in the fresh air with the scents of the earth and the season, the moss, the fungi, the sound of the brook, the light filtering through the canopy, the call of the birds. In winter, the seemingly magical patterns of the snow and ice decorating the forest and brook. In the spring, it’s the discovery around a bend of trillium flowers (I believe a threatened species?) reminding me of my childhood and the peepers in the vernal pools reminding me that spring always comes after winter, no matter how cold and harsh the winter is. At the end of each jog, I found myself meditating on one of the well- kept benches. On those days it was something I hadn’t gotten myself to do for weeks. I was back. My body felt stronger. My breaths were deeper and more full. My depressive anxious thoughts had quieted. I was feeling good about myself, good about the world, motivated again and full of appreciation. These trips inevitably included sharing joy and appreciation for this place with other people enjoying it for their own set of reasons. Usually it was people I didn’t know. Sometimes it was a conversation with an elderly man with his dog who says he comes there daily despite the weather and couldn’t say enough about what it has done for him. Sometimes it’s a runner speeding by, who shares a big knowing smile. Sometimes it’s a family with several generations, including babies and young children. Sometimes it’s teenagers flirting with each other as they walk. Decades of scientific research has found that even a short period of time in nature boosts outcomes in healthcare settings. It tells us that it improves brain functioning leading to greater productivity for workers. It reduces symptoms of ADHD, PTSD anxiety and depression. It boosts our immune systems. These are just a few of the documented findings. I am lucky enough to have this place that is able to heal me.

Many thanks to all users and neighbours of the Baille Ard Nature Trails for your support and patience as our volunteers work to rebuild and improve the trails for your enjoyment. The presence of machinery and our use of chain saws to deal with windfalls can take away from the serenity of your trail experience and of the neighbourhood but we are confident that you understand the value of our efforts. Hopefully our endeavours will ensure that the trails will be resilient enough to better withstand further extreme weather events.

We will be working on the trails every day. Tomorrow, we will be at the entrance shortly after 9:00 and work until around noon. We will focus on the area around the main entrance. [email protected]

Forging Community Partnerships Pictured are members of the Baille Ard Nature Trail committee: Ian MacDonald, Joe Dennis and Dennis Shea; as well as members of 36 Combat Engineer Regiment: Corporal MacKinnon, Master Corporal White, and Corporal Hayes. The two groups have collaborated on projects in the past, such as bridge building, that took advantage of the regiment's engineering expertise. We are identifying possibilities for future trail maintenance and improvement. Part...nerships such as this greatly benefit the Baille Ard Nature Trails and at the same time provide 36 Combat Engineer Regiment the opportunity to practise their skills and improve their relationship with the community. Contact Corporal MacKinnon at [email protected] for more information re 36 Combat Engineer Regiment.