26 September, 2025

Celebrating a Dedicated Volunteer in the Town of Riverview, New Brunswick

00Volunteer in Riverview | Trans Canada Trail

In 2009, Ash Arrowsmith, Community Coordinator with the Town of Riverview, New Brunswick, coordinated a walk on the Dobson Trail as part of the town’s programming for older adults. He worked with Jim DeWolfe, past president of the Fundy Hiking Trails Association, to coordinate a guided winter walk and marshmallow roast. “Jim’s passion for the Dobson Trail, his commitment to volunteering in his community and his deep respect for Mother Nature was contagious. I would even go so far as to say that the experience was magic. Since that walk, I have felt continuously inspired by past and present trail volunteers to share that magic with others and help shape the trail stewards of tomorrow,” Ash says.

And for over 15 years, Ash has demonstrated a deep commitment to trails, nature and community initiatives in and around Riverview. He has filled several roles within the Fundy Hiking Trails Association, and has been involved with Recreation New Brunswick, Friends of Mill Creek Nature Park, the Outdoor Council of Canada and the SouthEast Regional Trails Council.

building with painting of wildlife in a field

Photo credit: Town of Riverview

A community-driven leader with a passion for inclusion

When David Shea, Ash’s colleague at the Town of Riverview, heard that Trans Canada Trail had created a fund aimed at recognizing and celebrating exceptional volunteerism along the Trail, nominating Ash was a no-brainer. Earlier this year, with funding from Trans Canada Trail, the Town of Riverview held a recognition ceremony to honour Ash’s contributions. They provided him with a gift card and framed certificate, as a thank you for all of his hard work over the years.

“Ash Arrowsmith is a passionate, innovative and community-driven leader whose work has significantly enhanced the accessibility, visibility and impact of trail systems in New Brunswick,” says David. “A dedicated volunteer with the Fundy Hiking Trails Association since 2010, Ash has spearheaded trail improvement projects, modernized communications and created inclusive programming. His work fosters health, inclusion and a sense of belonging – values at the heart of what we do,” he continues.

Some of these initiatives stand out: nighttime snowshoeing, Pride bonfires, and adaptive trail tours such as his Parks for All project, in which people with mobility challenges are invited to explore the beauty of Riverview’s Mill Creek Nature Park, at no cost, with the help of volunteers who take them through the park on an electric golf cart.

Photo credit: Town of Riverview

Over a decade volunteering with Fundy Hiking Trails Association

As a volunteer with Fundy Hiking Trails Association, Ash has served in a variety of positions, including Trail Section Monitor, Communications Coordinator, Membership Coordinator and Vice President. His contributions include editing and distribution of a new version of the Dobson Trail guidebook, advocating for trail and infrastructure improvements, and making several upgrades to the organization’s online reporting system and other operations.

In addition, Ash designed and helped host community programming, including outdoor education for youth, guided hikes, bushcraft basics courses and much more.

covered bridge over a body of water at sunset

Photo credit: Town of Riverview

Bringing the community together along the Riverfront Trail

David adds that Ash has also coordinated several events and programs in his role with the Town of Riverview. Highlights include Light Up Riverview, a six-week holiday light display that draws thousands of visitors annually to a one-kilometer stretch of the Riverfront Trail, part of the Trans Canada Trail. He has also contributed to accessibility-mapping projects along the Trail, working with paracyclist Matt Kinney to gather lived experience data on sections of the Riverfront Trail in Dieppe, Moncton and Riverview.

playground

Photo credit: Town of Riverview

‘An incredibly rewarding experience’

“Contributing to our community in a positive way is incredibly rewarding,” says Ash. “I also feel a strong connection to fellow Canadian volunteers across the country who dedicate themselves to maintaining their sections of the Trans Canada Trail. The physical and mental health benefits people gain from spending time in nature on our trail are invaluable, enriching the lives of people from coast to coast to coast. I love being a part of that.”

He adds that on a personal level, the Dobson Trail plays a key role in his family’s health and wellness. “If I’m feeling sad, that’s where I go to feel better. If my friends or family are feeling sad, that’s where I take them. The trail works its magic every time. My partner and I have joked that we will never be able to move away from Riverview; we love and value that the Trans Canada Trail and Wabanaki forest are within minutes from our home.”

He loves camping, hiking, cycling and geocaching with his family, though says his favourite season is winter: “No pesky bugs, and the campfires just hit different.”