The District of Squamish is encouraging all trail users to grow out their grass roots by adopting a local trail.
The Adopt a Trail program is designed to help organise maintenance efforts throughout Squamish's extensive trail network. Ideally, each trail will eventually have an individual, family, business or other group acting as a steward looking after minor maintenance duties like clearing fallen branches and reporting hazards, vandalism and major maintenance needs.
District trails co-ordinator Todd Pope said he's already receiving calls from interested people while companies are beginning to see the program as a great team-building activity. And that's no surprise, he said.
"We totally understand that we have the trail network because of our volunteers and we're very lucky in the community to have such a dedicated group of people that do go out and maintain and look after a lot of our trails," he said.
"Everyone gets something out of it by getting out and getting some exercise."
Volunteers will be expected to regularly visit their trail from April to October. Choosing a trail can easily be done online and trail types range from single-track mountain biking to leisurely walking paths like those around Nexen Beach. The Adopt a Trail website is available at www.adoptatrail.ca and features an interactive trail map that locates and describes the trails up for adoption. Volunteers can also submit applications online.
According to the district, Squamish has 313 trails covering 222 km. Well-maintained trails are important to local riders, hikers and runners but it also attracts visitors to the community, said Mayor Greg Gardner.
"Our trails system is world class and that is directly attributable to the volunteer spirit of our community. The benefit of the Adopt a Trail program to the community will be a trails system maintained to the high standards set by those who build it."
Meanwhile, Pope is optimistic the community will run with the program once the snow starts to clear because it's such a great way for people to come together for a common, healthy goal.
"Just from the calls and emails I've receive already, I think once the word gets out there it will definitely take on a life of its own. If it becomes popular then that's a good thing and we'll look into expanding the program."
