Your local trails have been good to you during the pandemic and now it’s time to give back.
That’s the premise behind the first BC Trails Day on Saturday, June 5.
The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCB) is partnering with volunteer groups, the public, and land agencies to mark the event, care for B.C.’s trail systems, and educate people about responsible recreation.
One of the local groups participating is the Whistler Off-Road Cycling Association (WORCA). It’s hosting a volunteer trail work day on the Far Out/ Flashback trail in Cheakamus from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.
“While it has been great to see a significant growth in trail usage over the past year, it also increases the need for additional trail maintenance,” said Trevor Ferrao, WORCA’s executive director, in a release. “Keeping the trails clean and safe for outdoor enthusiasts takes a tremendous amount of volunteer effort, and two of the best ways people can help B.C.'s trails is to support their local outdoor groups by joining a trail maintenance event and becoming a member.”
If you can’t take part in one of the planned events, ORCB suggests hitting the trails on your own with a trash bag and gloves in tow to help with clean up. Participants can also share social media posts explaining why they’re celebrating trails with the hashtag #BCTrailsDay for a chance to win prizes.
“Over the past year, British Columbians have turned to community trails and greenspaces to stay healthy and boost their connection to nature and community,” said Louise Pedersen, executive director of ORCB, in a release. “There are more recreation users on the trails than ever, and that means more wear and tear. BC Trails Day is an opportunity to come together and give back to the trails we love and bring attention to the many benefits that they provide.”
For more visit orcbc.ca/event/bc-trails-day-2021.
