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Events
Our interpretive program is led by volunteers.
All events are free with activity levels ranging from easy to difficult.
We’ll be practising social distancing at all events.
Trail Accessibility Guide
Join us for a guided hike led by a knowledgable member of the Friends of Taylor Head Society.
We have graded our hiking trails as EASY or MODERATE for hikes under 3 kilometers, and DIFFICULT for hikes over 3 kilometers, such as the Headland Trail. Most outings exceed three hours, so do not forget to bring drinking water, something to eat, and appropriate outdoor clothing.
Easy or Moderate
Hike is under 3 kilometres (1.86 miles)
Difficult
Hike is over 3 kilometres (1.86 miles)
You need sturdy footwear such as walking shoes, hiking sneakers, or hiking boots. Street shoes or sandal-type footwear with open toes and heels are not suitable for these rough hiking trails. If you have questions about the conditions of the trails, just give us a call.
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BIRD WATCHING: FALL MIGRANTS
Saturday, September 26. Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00p.m.
Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: DIFFICULT
On this outing we will walk the Spry Bay Trail and Headland Trail. It is a good opportunity to see and photograph migrating shorebirds including Yellowlegs, Whimbrels, and other foraging travelers. We also expect to see migrating fall warblers as well as a variety of our year-round, resident species.
You will encounter rugged terrain on this 5 hour walk, so wear hiking boots or other sturdy footwear. Bring a lunch, water, and binoculars.
Leader: Peter Oickle 902.499.4114
MAGICAL, MYSTERIOUS, MUSHROOMS
Sunday, October 04 (no rain date).
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: MODERATE
Discover how mushrooms (fungi) are absolutely essential to our well being. Forests would not grow without them. Orchids wouldn’t bloom without them, and some even glow in the dark. Throughout history, mushrooms have been regarded with fear and fascination.
Learn the facts about what is edible and what is poisonous, and where (and when) to find them.
The trail is rough, so wear appropriate footwear. Bring water and a trail lunch. No rain date.
Leader: Dr. Scott Cunningham. Scott has a Biologist with a doctorate in molecular biology. His specialty is the mushroom flora of the region.
Contact: Warren Parsons. 902-772-2207
Extended Park Season Activities October – December
Through a partnership agreement between The Friends of Taylor Head Provincial Park and NS Department of Lands and Forestry, the Park gate is open beyond the normal mid-October closing date until early December. During this extended open period, in the absence of regular park staff, FOTHP volunteers take on responsible for garbage collection and toilet maintenance.
HIGHWAY 7 ROAD CLEAN UP
Sunday, October 18 (Rain Date October 25). Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00p.m.
Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the park entrance gate on Highway 7.
Level of difficulty: DIFFICULT
No rain date.
Garbage along the roads detracts from the scenic beauty for visitors driving to Taylor Head Park.
Within the park boundaries, the roadside and ditches are generally trash-free, but ditches along Highway 7 sprout coffee cups, bottles, and cigarette packages at an alarming rate. In spring and autumn, the Friends of Taylor Head Park conduct a trash pickup along about 6 km of Highway 7 between the Mushaboom Bridge (near Mushaboom Road) and Twin Bridges Road. Safety vests and garbage bags are provided.
Before starting, there is brief safety talk. We welcome both members and other volunteers willing to assist. For safety reasons participants must be at least 12 years of age.
Contact: Stephen Mildenberger 902-885-2394
LATE SEASON GUIDED HIKE
Saturday, November 07. (No rain date)
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 pm.
Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Bull Beach parking lot.
Level of difficulty: MODERATE with EASY SECTIONS
Late autumn is a special time to experience the natural wonders of Taylor Head Park. The air is fresh, cool, and clear. There are no biting insects, and lots of elbow room on the trails.
Join us for a walk on the Bull Beach Trail and the Bob Bluff Trail to Psyche Cove Beach (Taylor Head Beach), then along the beach to Powers Pond looping back to the main parking lot. Shuttle or walk the Park Road back to the Bull Beach parking lot.
Hiking on exposed coastline in November can be cool and damp, so good boots and seasonally appropriate clothing is recommended. Bring snacks, lunch, and water. No rain date.
Leader: Peter Oickle 902-499-4114
Alternate contact: Warren Parsons 902-772-2207
BIRD WATCHING – WINTER BIRDS
Sunday, November 22. (No rain date)
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: DIFFICULT
On this leisurely walk along the spectacular Headland Trail, we focus on birds that typically overwinter along our coastline. We expect to see lots of Eiders, Grebes, Scoters, Dovekies, Guillemots, Mergansers, Harlequin Ducks, Long–tailed Ducks, and Purple Sandpipers.
Hiking on exposed coastline in late November can be challenging, so waterproof boots and seasonally appropriate clothing is recommended. Bring snacks, lunch, and a hot drink. This should be a good warm-up to the Christmas Bird Count. All birders and nature lovers are welcome. No rain date.
Leader: Peter Oickle 902.499.4114
LATE SEASON GUIDED HIKE
Saturday, December 05. (No rain date)
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 pm.
Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Bull Beach parking lot.
Level of difficulty: MODERATE with EASY SECTIONS
Late autumn is a special time to experience the natural wonders of Taylor Head Park. The air is fresh, cool, and clear. There are no biting insects, and lots of elbow room on the trails.
Join us for a walk on the Bull Beach Trail and the Bob Bluff Trail to Psyche Cove Beach (Taylor Head Beach), then along the beach to Powers Pond looping back to the main parking lot. Shuttle or walk the Park Road back to the Bull Beach parking lot.
Hiking on exposed coastline in December can be cool and damp, so good boots and seasonally appropriate clothing is recommended. Bring snacks, lunch, and water. No rain date.
Leader: Peter Oickle 902-499-4114
Alternate contact: Warren Parsons 902-772-2207
CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
TBA
The Nova Scotia Sheet Harbour Christmas Bird Count is one of about 30 counts that take place around the province. The count area extends in a circle around Taylor Head Park and from Tangier to Sober Island. All the trails in the park are covered. Teams composed of 2-4 counters are assigned an area to count. Birders will meet later in the day back at the Spry Bay Community Hall to sum up the count and a delicious hot meal will be available.
These bird counts are sponsored by the National Audubon Society, Bird Studies of Canada, NS Bird Society, and the Friends of Taylor Head Park.
NOTE: Please notify Jim or Warren if you plan to attend. No rain date.
Leader: Jim Cameron 902-885-2970
Alternate contact: Warren Parsons 772-2207