Volunteer Opportunities
The Dufferin Hi-Land Bruce Trail Club needs and welcomes volunteers for a variety of activities. Getting involved is usually very personally satisfying. You get out of doors, you meet and work with other people, and you contribute to the maintenance of a Trail that can be enjoyed by thousands of people in a season. Some activities to consider are listed below. If one of the following opportunities is of interest to you, please e-mail or call the appropriate Director, President Tony Hopkins, or Volunteer Director Susan Preyde.
Trail Maintenance
A lot of work is needed to maintain the Trail. Why not consider joining us on a Trail Maintenance Day ? You will be carrying out tasks to keep the Trail open and safe so that hikers will enjoy their experience when they hike our section. You could be doing tasks such as building bridges and stiles, sidelogging a hill, constructing a boardwalk over a wet a rea, removing fallen trees, clearing grass and brush, putting up signs, or painting blazes. Usually you are part of a work crew. Scheduled Trail Maintenance Days are on weekends, but specific tasks may be carried out when volunteers are available.
Trail Captains
As in the other eight Clubs, the Dufferin Hi-Land section of the Trail is divided into sections, each of which is under the scrutiny of a Trail Captain. The Trail Captains inspect their sections three times per year and fill out a report on what needs to be done. If you would like to become a Trail Captain, please contact Trail Director Earl Cowan or Assistant Trail Director Ralph Tremills.
Hike Leaders
The Club always needs hike leaders and ideas for special hikes. The most important requirement here is the interest to be on the Trail and to help others to enjoy hiking. The fundamentals of leading an enjoyable and safe hike are provided. If you have any questions, or would like to become a hike leader, please contact Hike Director Rick McCoy or Volunteer Director Susan Preyde.
Executive Positions
Volunteer Positions Available Dufferin Hi-Land Bruce Trail Club
Public Relations/Publicity Director
Responsibilities include:
-publicizes Club activities, aims and objectives
-promotes the BTC in the community
-appoints assistants as required
-responsible for media relations
Qualities needed:
-good people and communication skills
-computer skills
Supervision, training and direction provided by Club President and Club Board of Directors
Tome Commitment: 3-6 hours per month
Fundraising Director
Responsibilities include:
-organizes fundraising activities for the Club
-appoints assistants as required
Qualities needed:
-good people and communication skills
Supervision, training and direction provided by Club President and Club Board of Directors
Time Commitment: 2-6 hours per month
How to apply or get information
If you would like to apply for one of the above positions, if you have any questions about the above positions, or to receive a copy of the Volunteer Orientation Booklet, please contact Susan Preyde, Volunteer Director, Dufferin Hi-Land Bruce Trail Club duffhiland@hotmail.com 705-458-0167
Special Events
There are several occasions where volunteers are required for special tasks. This includes maintaining a checkpoint on an End-to-End hike, assisting with Bruce Trail Day in October, participating in events such as the Alliston Potato Festival, and organizing social or fundraising events. Please contact Volunteer Director Susan Preyde if you would like to assist.
Land Securement
Many of us may not realize that, at present, only 47% of the Bruce Trail is considered secure and safe from development. And perhaps even fewer of us realize that the Bruce Trail Conservancy is the only charitable organization working to preserve public access to the Niagara Escarpment while restoring its natural habitat. In order to conserve the Escarpment, the Conservancy acquires land in two ways: through purchase with funds raised by donations and fundraising efforts or by a landowner donation.
We would appreciate being informed of properties that come up for sale along the Optimum Route. If you frequently travel the roads near and along the Dufferin Hi-Land section of the Trail, you could be a "securement spotter" and help us to preserve this natural treasure!