Trail champions from around the region gathered at The Pines trails in Powassan last week to celebrate the contribution of volunteers to a thriving trails network across Nipissing and the Almaguin Highlands.
Across the Discovery Routes region, there are at least 56 separate community trail partners responsible for the stewardship of local trails – many of these groups rely entirely on volunteers who donate their time, energy, and talents to our trails. Discovery Routes launched a Trail Volunteer Appreciation Program to bring attention to the volunteers who devote endless hours to serve on committees, champion important trail issues and causes, maintain and manage local trails and coordinate trail events and programs that further the positive growth and development of the region’s trail network.
“The pandemic created a dramatic increase in demand for outdoor activities,” said Susan Christian, Chair of Discovery Routes in a release.
“We know that trails are powerful tools for individuals to improve mental,physical and emotional health and want to recognize and celebrate the countless volunteers in communities across the Near North who keep the trails we all love open and safe for all to enjoy.”
One such volunteer is long-time Powassan trail champion, Gerry Giesler, recognized for over 16 years of service to the trails community. Gerry was instrumental in improving paddling access to the South River Water Trail successfully getting portage trails around a number of hydro dams between Trout Creek and Powassan. Volunteering with the Powassan Recreation Committee,
Gerry has been involved in The Pines trail network, and is excited to see years of planning take shape in a new trail and water access at Love Lake in Trout Creek.
“I’ve always been an outdoors person and liked doing outdoor stuff. What it boils down to is I like sharing my knowledge and making sure other people can get to enjoy the outdoors too,” Gerry responded when asked why he volunteers.
“On behalf of the Municipality of Powassan we thank Gerry for many hours of dedication to trails and recreation in our community,” said Powassan Mayor Peter McIsaac who attended the trail walk.
Discovery Routes is a local charity that connects communities across the Near North through trails. The organization’s goal with the new Trail Volunteer Appreciation Program is to recognize the diverse community of volunteers that contribute to the trails network and inspire more individuals to get involved in their local trails community. More information about Discovery Routes and opportunities to get involved is available at https://discoveryroutes.ca/.
