Huron Bruce Nature members enjoy G2G Rail Trail presentation

Huron Bruce Nature completed its season of monthly meetings with an introduction to the G2G Rail Trail (Goderich to Guelph), by Chris Lee, June 24.

Lee is a resident of Huron County who grew up in the Walton area hearing the Canadian Pacific railway trains running from Goderich to Guelph. The original line was completed in 1907 but was decommissioned in 1988. The land was bought by the provincial government and the rail ties and bridges were removed.
 

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Guest speaker Chris Lee stands with the G2G Rail Trail banner; photo by Christine Roberts

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Access to the rail trail was piecemeal for the first decade as individuals cared for some sections but many areas were closed. Eventually, some larger municipalities along the route leased sections of the trail for recreational use.

The Goderich to Guelph Rail Trail was incorporated in 2013 as a non-profit charity formed to encourage public engagement and to fund-raise for projects to complete the 132-kilometre corridor. Lee was assigned the role of board vice chairman and chairman of the trail advisory committee.

With tremendous support from local clubs and volunteers the trail was officially completed in 2021 and the entire surface groomed with stone dust. It is now part of a network of intersecting trails including the Trans-Canada Trail.

Lee’s presentation highlighted the many benefits of the trailway with particular emphasis on enhancement of quality of life through recreation and exercise, building connections between urban and rural populations and strengthening of historical and cultural ties.

There are many environmental benefits as re-wilding of the almost 1,000-acre track has greatly increased bio-diversity and provides not only a valuable connective corridor for wildlife but also an inclusive space for humans seeking a low-carbon transportation/recreation experience.

Although few in the audience were familiar with the G2G Trail, data from 2023 proved its popularity as more than 250,000 users made more than 600,000 visits. More information can be found at www.g2grailtrail.com.

Lee encouraged club members to explore the trail and get involved in stewardship and maintenance.

Huron Bruce Nature does not meet formally in July and August although several outings are planned. The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m. at the Point Clark Community Centre. The speaker will be Arunas Liskauskis, manager biologist with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. His topic will be the changing ecology of fish communities of Lake Huron. Inquiries can be made to christineroberts153@gmail.com.



The title page of Chris Lee’s presentation to Huron Bruce Nature, June 24; photo by Jeni Pepper



Speaker co-chairpersons Jane Neilsen (left) and Jayne Miltenburg (right) speak with presenter Chris Lee, following his presentation, June 24. (Christine Roberts)