News and Events
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NEW TRAIL AT BOYNE VALLEY SPRINGS
In 2007, Chris Walker, the BTC Trail Director, died suddenly of pancreatic cancer. Donations in his name were used to acquire the Boyne Valley Springs property in the beautiful Mulmur hills of Dufferin.
On Saturday October 24, about 50 volunteers gathered to build the reroute of the main Trail on this land. Dufferin Trail Director Earl Cowan had done a masterful job of trail design: the route passes a bubbling brook, climbs through abandoned farm fields with lovely views into the Boyne Valley, and then enters a magnificent forest, now referred to as Walker’s Woods.
Along the volunteers were seven current or former Trail Directors from BTC clubs, each there with strong memories of all that Chris had meant to the organization. Dufferin volunteers were supplemented by those from Sydenham, Beaver Valley, Caledon Hills, Toronto and Iroquoia. Of the 8 work teams, two were led by Dufferin members Carl Tafel, Ron Ritchie and Marlis Butcher. With such an experienced work force, the quality of the trail building was exemplary.
In the forest is posted a sign:
WALKER’S WOODS
This majestic hardwood forest has been named in memory of Chris Walker
Chris, a former Trail Director, was a long-time trail volunteer
who did so much to help the Bruce Trail to achieve the optimum route
and thus to preserve the beauty of the Niagara Escarpment
for all of us to enjoy…
One interesting detail was the presence of three generations of the Olivers, the previous owners. For close to fifty years they had owned this land and were proud that it was to be preserved and enjoyed by people who shared their love of Escarpment country.
This trail reroute is about 3 km in length and begins at km. 24.9 (in the current Trail Reference). Anyone who values the Escarpment and enjoys walking the Bruce Trail should get out to explore the beauty of this newly secured land. It is a clear demonstration of what the Land Securement program can achieve. As Jack Morgan said at day’s end, “Chris would have been proud.”
Ross McLean
Bruce Trail Day Draw Winners
The Dufferin Hi-land BTC held a Free Draw on October 4, Bruce Trail Day, at Mono Cliffs Park. The winners each won one copy of Trails of Light, Photographs of a Canadian Biosphere, The Bruce Trail by Theresa Kazmierczak-Stubler. The winners are: Barbara Sonzogni of Grand Valley, Jane Chan of Markham, and France Rochette of Toronto. Congratulations.
Toronto Dominion helps build a boardwalk
On a warm day this September a volunteer crew from Toronto Dominion Bank under the direction of Marles Butcher and Ralph Tremills buils a new boardwalk in Mono Cliffs Provincial Park. For more pictures, click on the photo below.
(TD staff unless otherwise noted:)
Back row (l to r): Devon Wright, Sam Rahimali, Rodger Zhang, Mohamad Ali Zahwi, Ed Mrozak, Margo Clarke, Chris Kivell, Charmaine DeJuliis, Anne Reinbergs, Cam Wiginton, Simon Look, Aman Sandhu.
Front row (l to r): Peter Campbell, Tony Hopkins & Ian (DHBTC), David Sampy, James Griffin & Ralph Tremills (DHBTC), Marlis Butcher (DHBTC & TD)
At work off the photo: Mary Chong, Tim Carter