Trail Care Event: Amisk Wacîw Mêskanaw Trail
A community gathering on the longest river valley pedestrian trail in North America
On June 1, International Trails Day, volunteers and staff from the River Valley Alliance and Trans Canada Trail joined local organizations and community members along the Amisk Wacîw Mêskanaw Trail (Beaver Hill Road Trail) to celebrate community and spread awareness about trails, nature and well-being.
Kristen Gabora, Director, Trail Development and Volunteers at Trans Canada Trail, was present at the event, along with River Valley Alliance staff members Kristine Archibald and Makennah Walker. Several groups were in attendance to promote wellness and community connection: Sista Walk Edmonton, Fort Saskatchewan Trail Alliance, the North Saskatchewan Watershed, Talking Rock Tours and more. The Edmonton Mountain Bike Alliance was there to promote mountain biking and trail development, and they distributed bear bells to participants.
A guided walk, information sharing along the Trail and a barbecue lunch
In the morning, the River Valley Alliance hosted a guided walk along the trail. Event participants enjoyed a barbecue and hot dog lunch. Trail Care funds were also used for giveaway items for participants, coffee and informational pamphlets, so that event organizers could show their thanks for volunteers’ support and spread awareness about the Trail.
“The Trail Care Day event was specifically designed to celebrate and recognize the contributions of volunteers. This recognition helps to boost volunteer morale and satisfaction, making them feel valued and appreciated,” says Makennah. In addition, “taking volunteers on a walk along the trail not only provided them with an enjoyable experience, but also allowed them to see the impact of their work firsthand,” she adds.
A VIA Rail giveaway and a huge thanks to Trail Care sponsors
Trail Care is supported by generous sponsors Columbia Sportswear and Toyota Canada. In addition, to encourage trail users to visit more sections of the Trail, VIA Rail and Trans Canada Trail held a giveaway contest at the event. Two lucky winners each received a $250 travel voucher for VIA Rail.
Growing the longest river valley pedestrian trail in North America
The River Valley Alliance aims to connect the Amisk Wacîw Mêskanaw Trail (Beaver Hill Road Trail) in a continuous 100-kilometre trail system that spans six municipalities from Devon to Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, along the Trans Canada Trail.
Volunteer/organizer spotlight
Kristine Archibald, River Valley Alliance’s Executive Director; Makennah Walker, Communications and Marketing Manager; and Tara Delver, Administrative Assistant with the RVA, all contributed to this excellent event.
The Amisk Wacîw Mêskanaw Trail event demonstrates how volunteers across Canada come together to enhance their community by raising awareness about trails and the benefits of nature. Tens of thousands of volunteers pitch in annually to maintain and improve their local trails, and we are very grateful for their dedication.
