August 15, 2024

Medway Community Forest Coop Summer 2024

Wetlands Appreciation Week!

Did you know that August 10-18 is Wetlands Appreciation Week?

To celebrate, join us on the morning of Saturday, August 17 at Stave Lake for a Photo Walk with professional photographer, Jason Dain. Jason will provide a brief introduction to some key photography concepts and then we’ll go for a walk in the forest to practice the techniques and explore and experience nature (and hopefully some wildlife)!

When: Saturday, August 17, from 8:00 – 10:00 AM
Where: Stave Lake Campground & Trails
Cost: Free/pay-what-you-can!
Who: Anyone! Open to all ages and skill levels.

Space is limited, so be sure to register in advance through the link below. You can check out all the events happening for Wetlands Appreciation Week on the Ecology Action Centre’s website.

Forestry Operations Update

Summer is a time for operational planning and preparation as we observe a pause in all active operations in respect of bird breeding season. As the fall approaches, we are preparing to return to the Northfield area of the Community Forest to complete three harvests; a group selection that was partially completed in the winter, a single-tree selection and a second entry expanding gap group selection harvest that was first initiated by Bowater in 2010.

As we plan our upcoming harvest areas, please stay tuned to our website and the province’s harvest plan map viewer for a chance to comment on our upcoming harvest plans

Our 8th Annual Forest Market is back!

The Forest Market brings a wide variety of people together around the central theme of the forest. From woodworkers and maple syrup producers to community groups, foragers and artists – there is something for everyone! It’s almost time for our 8th annual Forest Market in Annapolis Royal!

When: Sunday, August 25 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: Annapolis Royal Market Square
Cost: Free!

Meet some of our new vendors …. We hope to see you there!

This year, we have 28 exhibitors and will have lots of new vendors joining us at the Forest Market. From wooden spoons and art to mushrooms and fresh produce, there is something for everyone at this year’s market!

Liz Miles is originally from England, but now calls Canada her home. Liz uses the medium of Gouache paint, and the artwork she creates is an exploration of light, colour and shape, telling stories of living!

Awkward Acres Farm will be at the market selling fresh produce and more. Awkward Acres Farm is a local farm is West Dalhousie, Nova Scotia, that is doing its best to take care of its community, and the land while making, baking, and growing!

Louise is a local wood-turner, who works with a variety of local wood including, Nova Scotia spruce, birch, maple and black cherry. As the daughter of a carpenter, Louise’s love of wood started at a young age. Louise also turns driftwood combed from the beaches of the Bay of Fundy and makes a variety of items, including bowls, boxes, platters, pet urns and seasonal ornaments.

Come check out these vendors’ work, along with all our wonderful other vendors, at the Forest Market in Annapolis Royal on Sunday, August 25!

MCFC Campsite Update

The Stave Lake Campground project is slowly, but surely, coming together! We’re still hoping to open several campsites this fall and will definitely be ready for a full season in 2025. In the meantime, our staff is hard at work clearing trails, preparing campsites, and installing signage.

If you’d like to be notified when the campground is officially open or are interested in hearing about volunteer opportunities as they arise you can email our Recreation intern, Jessie at jessie@medwaycommunityforest.com or register to become a volunteer through the link below.

Learn more about our partner organization NSWWT

Want to learn more about our affiliate private land organization, the Nova Scotia Working Woodlands Trust? Join their virtual Information Session on Thursday, September 12 from 6:00-8:00 PM. This will be a chance to learn more about the Trust, meet some of their staff team and ask any questions you might have!

They will cover a range of topics including:

An overview of their programs
How their Easements work and property eligibility
How they are leveraging the carbon market to pay for long-term stewardship and monitoring
Much more!

You can register through the link below. You will be emailed a link to join after registering. Questions? Send them an email at info@nsworkingwoodlandstrust.org.

Our mailing address is:
Medway Community Forest Cooperative
PO Box 157
9793 Highway 8
Caledonia, NS B0T 1B0
Canada