The Pemberton Valley Trails Association (PVTA) celebrated B.C.'s trails on Saturday, June 4 by cleaning up trails in the South Rutherford Zone—a popular mountain- and dirt-biking destination in the south of Pemberton.
The Pemberton Off Road Cycling Association (PORCA) and the Pemberton Dirt Bike Association (PDBA) were also there to help out on the day with support from Pemberton’s Rotary Club. The hard-working volunteers enjoyed a meal and a social ride once the job was done.
The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) started BC Trails Day back in 2021, and the event has gone from strength to strength since. In 2023, BC Trails Day events were held in 60 communities around the province, Pemberton included. The event fosters awareness about responsible recreation and environmental stewardship while promoting access to and enjoyment of the province’s outdoor spaces.
Executive director of the PVTA, Allison Gilchrist, said BC Trails Day gives the organization a chance to celebrate local volunteers.
“In 2023 alone, over 700 hours of trail maintenance work was completed by volunteers,” she said. “It’s also an important day for us to recognize the rights and titles of the Líl̓wat Nation, whose unceded lands we gratefully recreate on today.”
Bree Thorlakson, executive director of PORCA, stressed that the day is an invaluable opportunity for local trail stakeholders.
“It is an opportunity to connect with community, share knowledge and take care of the trails that are invaluable to our physical and mental health and wellness,” she said.
