PO Box 1, Guelph, ON Canada N1H 6J6 Telephone: 519 836 9147, Internet: www.guelphhiking.com
Volume 40, #1 - March, 2012
wells. Thinning these trees will promote the growth of maple and ash saplings. The goal includes keeping the vista open so Guelph is visible from the hill’s high point.
Blackbridge to Lake Road, January 15, 2012 Due to uncooperative weather, what was originally to be a crosscountry ski or snowshoe outing on Section 3 of the Speed River Trail, turned into a pleasant hike for an energetic group. Photo courtesy of Bill Mungall, who also led the hike.
Starkey Trail Update By Kathy Somers Expect to see work on this trail and forest in 2012. The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) will be thinning the Starkey forest over the next couple of years. The plan is to thin every decade, moving toward a more naturalistic forest that favours regeneration of native species and diversification that improves its health and its value to us and wildlife. The Eastern White pine planted in 1972 gave quick protection of groundwater sources feeding Guelph’s
Do you remember the interpretive posts that were along this trail and the paper maps stocked in the box at the trail entrance? We still have some of these maps. The posts will be reinstated this spring with eleven interpretive stations explaining the surroundings. There will also be QR codes on the posts, enabling people with smart phones to read the interpretative material from our website. The GRCA has received a TD funding grant to address the wet spots on the looptrail and work is planned to begin in early 2012.
This spring our hiking club will have a work party to clean the parking lot of litter and debris. Those on our trail maintenance volunteer list will be contacted. If you’d like to add your name to this list, e-mail Dave at: dculham@gmail.com. Dates to Remember Saturday, April 28 Doors/Trails Open - Guelph Saturday, May 12 International Trails Day See the Hike Schedule pages for details.
Join us for a SUMMER SOLSTICE POTLUCK PICNIC June 20 at 6:00 pm Riverside Park, Guelph Bring plates, cutlery, lawn chairs and your favourite food dish to share. Coffee and juice will be provided. Evening hikes around the park after we eat.