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As (hopefully) the last of the snow melts and the forest begins to wake up, the Medway Community Forest is gearing up for an exciting spring and summer season. We’re welcoming two new staff members in the coming months and planning more outreach opportunities than ever before! From bird walks to fly fishing, community events to forest planning, there’s a lot happening in and around the Medway Community Forest. In this newsletter, you’ll find updates on upcoming events, forest operations, job opportunities, and ways to get involved as we celebrate 10 years of community-led stewardship.
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Upcoming Events with the MCFC
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We have a couple of exciting events coming up this spring in and around the Medway Community Forest License area!
On Saturday, April 26, from 11:00-2:00 PM, we will be hosting a Learn to Fly Fish Workshop at McGowan Lake in partnership with the LaHave River Salmon Association, Fish Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Salmon Association. Due to an overwhelming amount of interest, this event is now full, but we are accepting names for a waitlist in case some additional space opens up. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please email us at info@medwaycommunityforest.com.
On Sunday, May 25, from 7:00-9:00 AM, we will be hosting a guided bird walk in the Medway Community Forest License area. Led by Dr. Cindy Stacier, a Species at Risk bird researcher, and Jason Dain, a professional wildlife photographer, you'll learn to identify species at risk birds and capture stunning wildlife photos. This event is perfect for both seasoned birders and newcomers looking to connect with nature. You can register for this event through the link below!
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We have lots more exciting events coming up this summer, including our AGM, the annual forest market, and a gravel bike rally. In the coming weeks, we will send out a summer schedule so you can add all the dates to your calendar!
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Forestry Operations Update
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As spring arrives, we’re looking forward to the return of migratory songbirds and the beginning of our “Singing Season”, MCFC’s annual pause in all forestry operations from May 15 to July 15. The above photos are of two raptor nests we found last summer during harvest planning. Each nest will be protected with no-harvest buffers and seasonal restrictions on when we do the harvesting in the vicinity of the nest/buffer next fall. Don’t miss our upcoming guided bird walk for your chance to spot some of the migratory birds that call the license area home (for the summer).
While we aren’t actively managing the forest during this singing season, we will be busy making plans for operations later in the year. We anticipate 2025 to be a busy season for harvesting and silviculture at MCFC!
We will be posting a new harvest tender in the coming days encompassing a range of harvesting treatments for over 10,000 tonnes of wood in the East and West Branch Medway regions of the MCFC. If you are a harvesting contractor or wood buyer interested in reviewing and bidding on the tender package, please contact our Operations Manager, Matt Miller (matt@medwaycommunityforest.com).
On the silviculture front, we will be partnering with the Family Forest Network to pilot a “Restoration Thinning” treatment, aimed at stands that are too tall for traditional pre-commercial thinning specifications. MCFC is also a participant in the Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve’s 2-Billion Trees Project that will help improve the resilience of our forest through the planting of climate adaptive tree species on several sites across the license area this spring and summer.
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MCFC License Area Extended for Another Year
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We’re pleased to share that MCFC has successfully secured another one-year extension agreement for our license area with the Province. This important step ensures continuity in our operations and supports the ongoing work of our team and partners as we transition toward a long-term agreement. As we mark 10 years of community-led forest stewardship, this extension reflects the strong foundation we've built and our continued commitment to growing that success into the next decade. We’re grateful for continued support from the Department of Natural Resources and look forward to building on this momentum and finalizing terms in our new long-term agreement in the months ahead.
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Hemlock Hero Volunteer Training
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As our HWA Strike Team gears up for another busy treatment season, we are starting to plan our next Hemlock Hero Volunteer Training days this spring/summer.
Hemlock Heroes are trained citizens who volunteer to help conserve mature Eastern hemlock forests across the province. Hemlock Heroes venture into some of the most beautiful forests in Nova Scotia; featuring spectacular old growth trees within moss-covered tapestries—areas that are rarely seen by the general public.
Interested in participating in Hemlock Hero Training this Spring/Summer? Sign up below to be the first to know about our next training session!
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We're Looking for Event Volunteers!
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Do you like gravel biking? Do you have experience in event planning or volunteering, specifically with bike races or other outdoor recreation events?
Please fill out the volunteer form below and indicate in the additional skills section that you are interested in helping with our upcoming bike event in the fall!
We want to hear from you!
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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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