The Oldest Tree in Shubie Park
As many frequent visitors to Shubie Park will know, there is a ravine of old hemlock trees within the woods. Several of these trees are majestically large, and lead one to wonder just how long they have stood. Thanks to the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, who took a core sample of one on Open Forest Day, we now know exactly how old the largest one is: 178 years. That means that this tree began its growth in 1838, in-between the two stages of construction of the Shubenacadie Canal, and is the oldest tree in the park as far as we know.
By the time the second stage of construction began, in 1854, this tree would have been a decent size, but too small to be harvested, which could be part why it still stands to this day. So the next time you are walking through the park, take a moment to find this tree, which is near the off leash area near the beach, and appreciate it in all of its glory.
– Martin Earle
A Tale of Two Bridges
In Fall River and Waverley there are bridges that pass over the Shubenacadie Canal Waterway, between Lake Thomas and Lake Fletcher, and Lake William and Lake Thomas respectively. Historically, there was a bridge built over the canal at Waverley for a railway, but today it is a road bridge.
This railroad bridge contributed to the downfall of the canal as a commercial enterprise by preventing boats from traveling up and down the canal. Similarly, the current day Waverley bridge prevented paddlers from traversing the waterway, as it was too shallow to take watercraft through. If you wanted to paddle from Lake William to Lake Thomas, you had to portage, until now.
The centre line under the Waverley bridge has been cleared of rocks, and, when the water rises after construction on the Fall River bridge is completed, there should be a clear channel for small boats under the bridge. Paddlers should be able to travel freely along the historic waterway once more.
The same should be true for the Fall River bridge when it is completed. Workers are being careful not to in-fill the central channel with rock. When the water level rises again, there should be a clear channel for paddlers and animals alike.
– Martin Earle
Flume House Photos
Lots of progress has been made on the flume house over the last two weeks. A significant amount of masonry work has been done inside the building, siding has been put up on parts of the frame, and the roof timbers have been assembled! Check out our photos below! This first batch of photos were taken on August 4th.
Stay tuned for more updates and new photos. As always, we would be very happy to see any that you have taken! Feel free to visit the Greenway site and see the progress for yourself. Just remember, it is an active construction site, so visitors are not allowed within the fenced in area. Thanks for reading!
– Martin Earle