Welcome to the first Birchdale Letter—I’m starting these monthly musings because writing is how I love to communicate, and I want to share the unfolding story of this place with all of you.

Change, though constant, unfolds in ways both surprising and inevitable. Birchdale mirrors this idea well. Six years ago, Tracey Erin Smith, little dog Matzo, and I were drawn to Southwest Nova Scotia by the land, the people, the stories, and the sense of possibility. We didn’t plan on arriving in a pandemic… but we were drawn to the idea of a place that could offer back to a world in need.

What we quickly learned was how much the communities that have helped keep Birchdale alive had to offer us! The Tri-Counties of Digby, Shelburne, and Yarmouth are often called Nova Scotia’s best-kept secret. Sometimes I wonder if those lucky enough to spend time here want to keep it that way. But… it’s because it’s so special that it must be shared.

Like tending an old building in the woods—without change, the building falls down. With too much change, the building falls down. But with just the right amount,…you got it…a beautiful building stands strong.

New Energy, Shared Vision

This past spring marked a significant change for us. We began working in partnership with Nicola Roberts-Fenton, whose presence as Operations Manager brings fresh energy, ideas, and enthusiasm to our shared vision. Birchdale is open for business!

We are thrilled by the new energy many of you witnessed this summer. We’ve added chickens, a rooster, and rabbits to our family, and made significant improvements to several buildings. We have so many plans ahead, and are guided by a wish to balance between just enough and not too much change.

Since our return from Calgary, we have been shaping the business with Nicola. We’ve had tremendous help—most especially from John and Easton, who along with Nicola and their two dogs Daisy and Waylon, have been living on-site all summer. And there have been countless people and offers that have made many of the wins and wonders of this past summer possible.

And like many of you, we’ve worked with the realities of the severe drought conditions facing our region. And throughout we’ve hosted many wonderful guests through Airbnb and our website, held Tracey’s 4th annual SOULO retreat, offered yoga sessions, launched our first Birchdale Unplugged, and celebrated Springtime fun!

Honouring Those Who Came Before

As we look ahead, we carry with us the memory of those who came before. For many years, Helen Matthews guided Birchdale with care and dedication, shaping it into a place of welcome and creativity. Before Helen, the monks of Nova Nada tended these grounds, anchoring it in a tradition of quiet reflection, activism, and service. And before the monks came the Kemptville business folks, Spencer Harris, the amazing Ring family (twice!), Yarmouth business folks, and founder Omar Roberts—all contributing to the life and possibility of Birchdale.

Each chapter adds to a larger story, one that continues to evolve with every season.

What’s Ahead

Today, we are energized by all that is happening. The cabins are being rented once again, inviting new and returning guests to experience Birchdale’s unique blend of peace and vibrancy. And…our calendar is full of upcoming events:

• Eve of Equinox: A gathering to mark the coming of the next season
• Birchdale Unplugged-Fall Edition: Music, food, and toe-tapping too
• Halloween: It’s legend!
• Sunday Suppers: Fine Dining in the Woods-A tradition on the rebound!
• The Birchdale Letter: Monthly musings and updates from the woods.

Through every change, Birchdale remains itself: a living place of history, presence, community, connection, and renewal.

Thanks for reading,

Sarah