Hope For Wildlife cancels open house due to extreme dry conditions

Hope For Wildlife cancelled its annual open house scheduled for Aug. 30 due to the severe dry conditions. Photo by Herald FileArticle contentThe severe drought-like conditions in Nova Scotia claimed another major event when Hope For Wildlife cancelled its annual open house scheduled for Aug. 30.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle content“This decision was made after careful consideration and in close consultation with the Department of Natural Resources,” read a post on the organization’s Facebook page. “With the province restricting travel and activities in forested areas due to drought conditions and many wildfires burning across Nova Scotia, we believe this is the most responsible choice and is in alignment with Hope for Wildlife’s mission.” On Aug. 5, the province banned travel on trails and in the woods due to the extreme, dry conditions. “The local access trails leading to our property are closed, creating additional road safety concerns,” continued the Facebook post. ” Given these factors, and many others, holding an event of this size would pose unacceptable risks to the community, wildlife, and their habitats that we work so hard to protect.” Hope For Wildlife said it will miss the opportunity to connect with the community at the open house that regularly draws thousands of visitors. The open house is also a major fund-raising event for the animal-rescue organization. “Our open house has become a cherished tradition for sharing our work. It’s a special opportunity to connect with our community, celebrate local wildlife, and thank you for your support.”Article contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle content The 45th annual Clam Harbour Sandcastle Competition was cancelled due to the severe weather conditions. Photo by ContributedArticle contentArticle contentCLAM HARBOUR SANDCASTLE EVENT CANCELLEDArticle contentSunday’s 45th edition of the Clam Harbour Beach Sandcastle Competition was cancelled.Article contentIn a news release on Wednesday, the Halifax Regional Municipality announced the cancellation.Article content“Residents’ safety is the municipality’s top priority,” reads the release. “This annual event typically attracts around 10,000 people to a rural area of the municipality, accessible by a single-lane road. Municipal staff have determined that, with continued dry conditions and no immediate rain in the forecast, the risk is too high to safely move forward with the event.”Article contentClam Harbour Beach, inside Clam Harbour Provincial Park, remains open, but the surrounding wooded park area is closed.Article content