Community Spirit Along the Trans Canada Trail
Stories from our Trail Care grant program
Earlier this year, trail groups across Canada came together in their respective communities to help prepare their Trail sections for the upcoming season, raise awareness about the Trail, and celebrate exceptional volunteerism as part of the Trail Care grant program.
Over 200 groups were awarded funding this year, and we’re so appreciative of the work they’ve accomplished. The spring Trail Care events highlights how dedicated volunteers clear trail sections, plant trees, engage their community and much more. Below is a look at some incredible volunteer-focused celebrations along the Trans Canada Trail.
Celebrating work well done with a barbecue
The Elkford Trails Alliance Society organized a trail cleanup on the Elk Valley Trail. Twenty-two volunteers cleared the trail and prepared it for spring and summer use. They also opened up the overgrowth in the overhead canopy. To celebrate and mark their appreciation for their dedicated volunteers, the Trails Alliance Society held a barbecue for participants.
Photo credit: Elkford Trails Alliance Society
A Bioblitz and bench dedication on the Headingley Grand Trunk Trail
In Manitoba, the Headingley Grand Trunk Trail Association held a separate trail cleanup day earlier in the season, on April 17, followed by a celebratory barbecue. On June 7 – International Trails Day – they organized a community celebration along the Trail. The event kicked off with an opening ceremony, in which sponsors were thanked and a bench was dedicated to the late Les McCann in honour of his contributions to the Headingley Grand Trunk Trail Association and the trail sector at large.
Following the opening ceremony, the Bioblitz portion of the event got underway, with participants moving through three Manitoba habitats: tall grass prairies, wetlands and forest. Partipants learned about native wildflowers, pond critters and birds. The event also included a community art project – participants painted wood butterflies, flowers and birds, which will be added to a wooden arch in the community’s nature playground. Over 60 people participated in the event, and 20 volunteers were present. Jim Robson, mayor of Headlingly, was present at the event, in addition to MLA Kathleen Cook.
Sharee Hochmann, Trans Canada Trail’s Coordinator, Philanthropy, says, “As a Manitoban, it was really nice to connect with a local trail group nearby, seeing the work and love they poured into this trail. One of the volunteers hand built wooden lounge chairs across the boardwalk of the marsh, which was very impressive and telling of the dedication put into the Headingly Grand Trunk Trail!”
Photo credit: Sunny Szpak-Holly, Sunny SH Photography
Shining a spotlight on longtime community volunteers
The Grand Narrows Waterfront Development Society on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, wanted to celebrate the significant contributions of five long-term members of the development society, who had each volunteered for 15 years or longer – adding up to a combined 75-years-plus of volunteer service!
After a cleanup activity, the group organized a Sunday Beer Garden event, where over 50 people attended to mark their deep appreciation for Terry MacNeil, Brenda Campbell, Elaine MacNeil, Donnie Campbell and Hoss Mackenzie. “Your time and dedication sit at the heart of our community and what we have here in Grand Narrows,” said Mike Johnson, chairperson for Grand Narrows Development Society (GNWDS). “Thank you for showing us the true meaning of service. Your impact is everlasting, and your spirit inspires us all!
Photo credit: Grand Narrows Waterfront Development Society
Fredericton Parks & Trails Day: support from over 230 volunteers
In Fredericton, New Brunswick, the city’s Parks & Trails Day was a great success. The event included a spring Trail clean-up, bringing together over 230 volunteers; Parks & Trails Day, with 26 participating organizations promoting health and wellness; 50 local artists displaying their work on the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge; and two celebratory barbecues, which collectively served up 600 free hotdogs to trail users. Fredericton Trails Coalition also welcomed a new volunteer and a new Board member, leading to a substantial increase in their “Adopt-a-Trail” program, with over two-thirds of the trail sections covered!
Stephen Marr, Fredericton Trails Coalition’s president, says, “The Trail Care grant has allowed user groups to go the extra bit to make trail events and programs more applicable and memorable, which in turn increases sponsorship funding, trail usability and inclusiveness and attracts a larger quantity and quality of volunteers to the cause. Let it never be said that it’s not all connected!”
Photo credit: Fredericton Trails Coalition
Celebrating community engagement across Canada through the Trail Care grant program
We’re so grateful for the dedicated volunteers who enhance the Trail, restore and improve wildlife habitat, build momentum in their communities and much more.
Trail Care is generously supported by Athletic Brewing, Columbia Sportswear Canada and Toyota Canada.
Learn more about Trail Care – and its impact in communities from coast to coast to coast – here.
Photo credit: Sunny Szpak-Holly, Sunny SH Photography
