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As summer winds down and the first signs of fall arrive, we’re reflecting on an eventful summer season at the Medway Community Forest. Like many across Nova Scotia, our community felt the impacts of wildfires and the uncertainty they bring to our forests, homes, and ways of life.
At the same time, summer was full of bright moments—welcoming new faces to our team, celebrating our 10th anniversary, and gathering with community members in the woods. Despite the challenges, this season has been a reminder of the strength and resilience in our community, and of the importance of working together to care for the forests we all depend on.
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This summer, we welcomed two new staff members to our team!
Callen Singer is joining us as our new Administrative Assistant. Callen has built a career that spans photography and various administrative roles in government, healthcare, veterinary, and private sector settings. Growing up on Nova Scotia’s South Shore, she spent much of her time exploring forests and the outdoors. Today, she continues to nurture that passion through hiking, backpacking, skiing and mountain biking, and she is especially interested in conservation and protecting the natural spaces she enjoys.
Zach Zimmerman is joining the team as the Ecological Forestry Coordinator. Zach is an environmental professional originally from Washington, D.C., with a passion for birds, trees, and the wild places they call home. He holds a degree in Environmental and Agricultural Science from McGill and a Master’s in International Forestry, and studied in both Wales and Edmonton. He brings a deep curiosity for the natural world, with a special love for the mountains of Northern West Virginia.
We’re thrilled to have Callen and Zach on board!
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Forestry Operations Update
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This summer was challenging for many in the forest sector – and for the forest – due to the extreme drought we experienced throughout July and August and the fires that broke out near Long Lake, just north of the MCFC license area. We saw the impacts of this drought throughout the license area, with trees showing signs of distress from the lack of moisture and watercourses drying up to a near standstill, including the mighty Medway River. We are especially thankful for the hard work and dedication of the Department of Natural Resources fire crews, our local volunteer fire fighters, relief crews from other parts of Canada and the many forestry and heavy equipment contractors who have been working tirelessly to fight the Long Lake fire complex.
MCFC made the decision to pause all field work during these extreme conditions and we’re all hoping for more rain in the forecast! As conditions improve, we will be ramping up our stewardship work once again. After our harvest tender process in the spring, we have partnered with the successful bidder, Freeman Lumber, to move forward with 11 harvest sites across the East and West Branch districts of our license area. We’re especially excited to move forward with a research project, in partnership with the University of New Brunswick, that will study the effects of tree marking on a range of economic and ecological indicators in an individual tree selection harvest near Alma Lake.
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10-Year Anniversary Bird Shirt
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Pre-orders are now open for our 10th anniversary t-shirt, featuring artwork by local artist Emily Powers. This 100% cotton, unisex tee showcases Species at Risk birds from the Medway license area. The first batch sold out fast, so don’t miss your chance to grab one!
Local pickup is available in Bridgewater, HRM, and Caledonia. If you live outside Atlantic Canada and would like to order a shirt, please reach out to us at info@medwaycommunityforest.com, and we can arrange shipping for an additional cost.
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AGM
In July, MCFC hosted our Annual General Meeting. Members gathered to review bylaws, share yearly reports, and reflect on the projects and progress we’ve made together. It was also an opportunity to connect, celebrate achievements, and look ahead at what’s next for our co-operative.
Outreach Events
Beyond the AGM, summer offered plenty of opportunities to get outside and learn together. From our very first (and hugely successful) Intro to Fly Fishing Workshop to a guided bird walk, community members enjoyed hands-on experiences that deepened their connection to the forest. We also hosted our 9th Annual Forest Market, where local producers and artisans came together to share their goods and stories.
Community Partners Meeting
Earlier this summer, MCFC hosted our annual Community Partners Meeting, bringing together 25 participants from 13 organizations to reflect on 10 years of community forestry and set priorities for the decade ahead. Highlights included celebrating successes in ecological forestry, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid treatment, and community outreach, while also identifying areas for growth, like economic sustainability. We’re grateful for the collaboration and excited for what the next 10 years will bring—read more through the link below.
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You're Invited: MCFC's First Gravel Ride!
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Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 19, 2025! We’re launching the very first Hemlock Hustle Gravel Rally, a new cycling event that invites riders of all skill levels to explore the Medway’s gravel roads and trails.
It’s more than a ride—it’s a celebration of community, forests, and the people who care for them. Expect great company, beautiful scenery, delicious food, a laid-back atmosphere and a chance to support local stewardship. Learn more, preview the routes and register through the link below!
A big thank you to our sponsor, Tilia Builders, for supporting this event!
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Get Involved: Volunteer & Sponsorship
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We’re looking for event sponsors and volunteers to help us keep the event accessible, safe, and community-driven, while also promoting sustainable recreation in a community-managed forest.
Sponsorship: We're offering a range of sponsorship packages, from $250 to $ 1000+, and are happy to work with you to create a package that suits your needs. This is a great opportunity to be a part of a day of connection, adventure, and care for Nova Scotia’s forests.
Volunteering: We're also looking for a couple more volunteers to lend a hand on rally day. Whether it’s setting up, helping with registration, or cheering riders along the route, every bit of support makes a big difference. Volunteers will receive free food/drink on the day of the event.
If you or your business would like to get involved as a sponsor—or if you’d like to volunteer your time—we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch at info@medwaycommunityforest.com.
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Stave Lake Campground: Ready, but on Hold
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For the past couple of years, one of MCFC’s big dreams has been to establish a backcountry-style campground within our community forest license area. This summer, that dream came to life. After weeks of dedicated effort—building woodsheds, installing bear-hang systems, clearing trails, and preparing sites—we were officially ready to launch our campground...Unfortunately, soon after opening, provincial fire restrictions led to the closure of the woods, meaning the campground isn’t yet open for public use.
While we wait for conditions to improve, you can still get a sneak preview of what’s to come and follow along on updates by visiting the campground page on our website.
We’re excited to welcome campers as soon as it’s safe, and we’re confident this new space will become a hub for outdoor adventure, community connection, and appreciation of the forest.
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Thank you for your support and interest in the Community Forest. If you're in need of a new cozy sweater, check out our merch store!
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