Chief Trail Patrol Warden's Report - March 2015

Chief Trail Patrol Warden’s Report – March 2015

(Victor G. Henrikson)

to the CHPTA Board of Directors April 2015 Meeting

Number of Trail Patrol Wardens submitting a March 2015 report: 4

TRAIL	# OF OUTINGS	# OF HOURS
Heritage Park	3	5
Salt Marsh	1	2
Shearwater Flyer	1	3
Bissett Lake	7	9.5
Forest Hills	0	0
Other Nova Scotia Trails*	1	1.5
TOTAL	13	21

*Halifax Waterfront Trail

Due to the significantly inclement weather, the number of outings and associated hours on our trails were drastically reduced during the month of March. The snow and ice covered trails resulted in very few Trail Patrol Wardens being able to brave the elements to carry out their volunteer duties. Once the snow and ice disappears, it will be more favourable and safe to begin patrolling on a frequent basis.

Comments/Observations Reported by the Trail Patrol Wardens for our various trails:

Heritage Park

1.     The parking lot was inaccessible during the latter part of the month due to the amount of snow. In some places, the snow was as high as the fence posts.

2.     A shopping cart was buried under snow at the Patrick Lane trail entrance.

Salt Marsh Trail

3.     A gentleman visiting from Ontario expressed how much he enjoyed the Salt Marsh Trail and views from it.

Bissett Lake Trail

4.     The snow was so deep on the trail just prior to Bissett Road that one Trail Patrol Warden who is over 6 foot 2 inches was over his knees in snow and a couple of times almost up to his waist.

5.     Three men were observed ice fishing on Bissett Lake.

6.     Many young skaters were out enjoying the winter conditions by playing hockey and skating on the Bissett Lake.

Various CHPTA Trails

7.     Snow shoe and cross country ski marks could be seen on several of the trails. This may have been the best and safest way to manoeuver the snow/ice covered trails.

Reported Wildlife Sightings:

Arctic Terns, Bald Eagles, Black Ducks, Blue Jays, Canada Geese (in the hundreds), Chickadees, Crows, Northern Cardinal (female), Doves, Common Goldeneye, Goldfinch, Junco, Common Mergansers, Mourning Pileated Woodpecker, Robins, Sea Gulls, Song Birds, Snow Buntings Starlings, Squirrels and the claw from the remains of a Blue Crab.

Evening Grosbeak

Where is the food? 

 Many Song Sparrows frequent the trails.