Our Trails
Overview
Marked trails are laid out in the wooded Commonland for both walking and Nordic skiing. One of these trails was an original portage used by Indigenous peoples to traverse from Sandy Lake to Little Balk Lake. The trails are on lands which are on the very edge of the Precambrian Shield, where the southerly Deciduous Forest fades into the Boreal Forest of the north.
The landscape is quite rugged with forested areas of fascinating geologic complexity, revealed in road cuts along lake shores and on bare rock hills. Marble, granite and other rock types are covered by pines, oaks, and a number of other broadleaf species. Some trails follow the shoreline of the lakes, offering access to most of our waterfront.
Stewardship
Stewardship is the recognition of our collective responsibility to retain the quality of our Commonland forests, trails and waterfronts; and to manage these natural resources in a way that conserves their environmental, recreational and economic value.
Stewardship is also a journey – the commitment that comes with being good stewards takes time and effort. There is a role for everyone in stewardship:
- the Boad of Directors are elected to provide leadership in the development of policies that support stewardship of the Commonland;
- volunteer teams help with the implementation of the policies and the ongoing maintenance of the Commonland; and
- all Members provided input and feedback and ensure their use of the Commonland aligns with the Association’s stewardship goals and policies.
A Trails Stewardship Team comprised of volunteers helps with the ongoing maintenance of the trails and the implementation of the Association’s trails stewardship policies and projects.
Stewardship activities include the grooming of the trails, identification of trees in proximity of the trails that present a hazard to people using the trails, and monitoring adherence to the Trails Management Policy.
Do you have an interest and time or skills to help? Contact the Director – Trails.