We developed a formal agreement with TRCA in 2019 to permit volunteers to help out on the trails. Our volunteers give hundreds of hours of their time each year to help with routine trail upkeep, removal of fallen trees, trail improvement projects and generally keep the trails in better shape than the TRCA can manage on its own. We work in partnership with other groups – the Durham Mountain Biking Association, Oak Ridges Trail Association and Uxbridge Horsemen’s Association. Together we mow trails several times a season, improve or re-direct trails, built step-overs into trails, and install signage to improve navigation.
We monitor the trails for fallen or dangerous hanging trees. In the case of trees lying across the trail, trained volunteers head out to remove them. We notify TRCA if we find dangerous trees – trees that are leaning, or overhanging the trail – these are dealt with by tree experts with TRCA.
Accomplishments
Over the past few years we’ve replaced aging boardwalks with more sustainable trail surfaces. We’ve replaced signposts deep in the forest. We removed a footbridge which had decayed and become dangerous.
Many of these tasks have required a long walk deep into the forest. We’ve developed creative ways of carrying materials in and out of the site and our relationships with property owners adjacent to these trails has helped us shorten some of the distances we need to carry or haul materials and equipment.
