The Chilliwack Park Society has a busy summer ahead.
They’ve put in the hard work to create a network of beautiful trails in the Community Forest in the Eastern Hillsides, and now they’re taking their energy and determination elsewhere.
“We’re expanding our work to other trails in Chilliwack, where we’ve identified a need for trail work,” said Roxanna Froese, a director with the Chilliwack Park Society.
The Summer Hiking Trail Maintenance will take place along several local trails including: Pierce, Williams Ridge, Baby Munday Liumchen, Airplane Creek, and the Gloria lookout.
“Our goal with the Park Society all along has been to support all greenspaces in Chilliwack. We got started with the Community Forest and this is our next project,” Froese added.
Groups of volunteers will be clearing fallen trees and storm washout, trimming back overgrown foliage along the routes, and doing all they can to ensure the trails are safe and in good shape for all hikers to enjoy.
Their first maintenance day was July 2 at Pierce trail. About a dozen people spent the day clearing blowdown from winter storms, brushing the trail, and clearing off the bridge.
“Everyone can get involved. Work needs to be done at all points along the trail. People with less hiking ability can work right at the trail head,” Roxanna explained. Each person will be given tasks according to their skill level, and children are welcome to help on family friendly dates.
Strong hikers can bring their efforts further up the trail and work their way down. The team also needs certified chainsaw workers who are able to do some technical work.
Work on the Gloria lookout will be an overnight camping trip (Sept. 10 to 11), due to the distance up to the site and the amount of work that needs to be done.
As an added incentive, those who participate in summer trail maintenance will be eligible to win some great hiking or camping-related prizes.
Upcoming trail maintenance days include July 23, July 27 and several more. Join the team and select the days you can volunteer by signing up for the Summer Trail Team mailing list at chilliwackparksociety.ca.
