Discovery Routes says trails don’t just exist, they are built and cared for by people who believe in their power to connect communities.
To mark National Volunteer Week, the local trails organization is recognizing six of the hundreds of Trail Champions whose efforts shape the Near North’s trail network.
“Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do,” says Jen McCourt, Executive Director of Discovery Routes. “Their contributions go far beyond trail maintenance. They are building stronger, healthier communities and helping people connect with the land and each other.”
Discovery Routes says:
– James Condie is often out grooming fat bike trails on the Laurentian Escarpment in North Bay before most have had their morning coffee.
– For more than 40 years, Linda McKenzie has championed the idea that everyone should be “outdoorable”, working to make nature accessible to all in the South River area.
– Andrée Morneault and Daniel Kaminski have helped create an accessible winter trail network at the Cranberry Snowshoe Trails in Callander.
– Brent Bull’s craftsmanship is reflected in the wooden bridges and structures he and his crew build to add challenge and variety to the mountain bike experience in North Bay.
– For Kara Mitchell, sustainability is at the core of her leadership as long-time Chair of the Forgotten Trails Association in the Almaguin Highlands.
To learn more or get involved, visit: discoveryroutes.ca/trail-champions/
