My First Year as a Bruce Trail Conservancy Volunteer

As an avid hiker of the Bruce Trail my whole life, I have spent countless hours exploring the trail. It has provided me not only with adventure and activity, but also an escape from daily stress, immersion in the serenity of nature and has inspired creativity and self-reflection. When I found myself with some extra time in my schedule, I decided it was time to give back to the trail that has been such a positive influence on my life.

My journey began as a Trail Monitor, where I discovered the joy of connecting with nature while ensuring the trail's safety and preservation. I was invited to walk a section of trail with Volunteer Coordinator Peter Morin who so kindly helped me to learn how to identify various safety concerns on trail, and how to report them to trail maintenance to be addressed. I walked away feeling like I could actually make a difference! It felt wonderful to be able to hike the trail I already loved, while being able to ensure it remained in great condition for all to enjoy. I was officially hooked. Little did I know that this was just the beginning of an incredible adventure. I can now proudly say I am a Trail Captain of my own lovely section of trail and take great pride in walking it as often as possible and look forward to continuing to work to improve the trail experience in my area.

Not long after becoming a monitor, I joined the weekly trail maintenance crew, where I found a community of like-minded and incredibly hard working individuals who shared my passion for the outdoors and dedication to preserving this magnificent trail. I was welcomed with enthusiasm and provided with so much opportunity to try new things and learn new skills. I have helped build steps, bridges, and boardwalks as well as assisted with trail re-routes, side-logging, grading and more! The camaraderie, fun, and rewarding hard work I experienced with this group have left a lasting impact on me. I felt a sense of belonging and purpose that I hadn't experienced in a long time. I've even been able to apply some of my new skills to some projects at home.

I found that I loved working on maintaining the trail and the community so much, I wanted to try out other areas of volunteering as well! Last year I was lucky to help represent the Bruce Trail Conservancy at the Outdoor Adventure Show and Pride in Toronto. Connecting with fellow hikers, learning about their experiences on trail and sharing my own was fantastic. My favourite part is seeing folks eyes light up when they shared a particularly special experience they had on trail as well as chatting with new hikers that had no idea we had such a beautiful long trail right on our doorstep! I always left these events feeling energized, excited and inspired.

Well wouldn't you know it, I still wanted more! So, when I saw the need for a Newsletter Coordinator for the Iroquoia Club, I decided to give that a try as well. This role has given me a new perspective on the importance of communication within our volunteer community and the value of sharing our stories. I'm excited to continue working with this talented team to produce engaging content that informs and inspires our members. Not just stories of all the great work that is happening on trail, but all the great experiences that our hikers share with us as well. These stories help connect us to the trail and to the great community that cares for it and enjoys all it has to offer.

The Bruce Trail volunteer community has brought happiness, light, purpose, and hope into my life, especially in these very trying times. The friendships I've formed and the experiences I've had have enriched my life in ways I could never have imagined. Its also inspired me to go back to school this year, and pursue my passion for conservation in new and exciting ways.

Looking ahead to the new year, I am eager to explore more opportunities to volunteer, particularly in the conservation side of things. There are some incredible projects, like the McNally Seed Orchard and the new Healing Gardens, that I am excited to learn more about and hopefully lend a helping hand. I am committed to continuing my work with trail maintenance and the newsletter as they give me such joy, and I invite you to join me on this incredible journey. Together, we can protect and preserve the Bruce Trail for generations to come while experiencing the joy and fulfillment that comes from being part of this amazing community.

If you've ever wondered if volunteering is for you, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try. The Bruce Trail volunteer community is a welcoming and supportive group of individuals who share a common goal: to preserve this ribbon of wilderness, for everyone, forever. You never know the impact it might have on your life until you take that first step. So, lace up your boots, and let's hit the trail together!