Maitland Trail Association seeking volunteers for numerous positions to help preserve trails

Currently, the MTA struggles to find volunteers due to a lack of awareness, busy schedules of a younger generation, and competing with other service groups that also need volunteers.

The MTA is seeking volunteers to join various positions within the organization.

Currently the MTA usually has around 49 volunteers for the Candlelit Walk, 34 volunteers on the roster for repair and maintenance crew, and over 55 volunteers for the El Camino event.

“There are many different volunteer opportunities with the MTA,” said Philip Paquette, President of the MTA.

“Each plays a vital role in keeping our community thriving. Volunteers come and go, but one thing always remains true – we can never have too many helping hands.”

The MTA is well-served by the retired population and have teams that meet during the day. The organization would like to recruit the next generation of trail enthusiasts and have evening and weekend opportunities that can accommodate a younger person’s schedule.

The MTA is looking for volunteers for the following positions:

• Trail Rangers: These volunteers work in teams of two and inspect and clean up sections of the Maitland Trail twice a year (spring and late summer). They monitor the conditions of the trail and carry out minor trail repairs and record major work for the maintenance crew to address.

• Repair and Maintenance Crew: These volunteers build, maintain and promote the Maitland Trail. They meet weekly from April to June and September to November, weather permitting.

• Hike Leader: These volunteers organize guided hikes along a chosen section of the trail. Hike Leader Certification Training is provided by Hike Ontario.

• Environmental Team: These volunteers work diligently to remove invasive species and replace them with native plants and trees.

• Special Events: These volunteers help with events such as the Candlelit Walk and the El Camino. The Candlelit Walk is a moonlit walk on Family Day weekend. This past year 49 volunteers helped make this event a success. The El Camino is a weekend long event held in September hosting hikers from all over Ontario. This year, over 55 volunteers assisted in running this event to help raise funds for continued maintenance of more than 80-km of trails.

Since 1975, the Maitland Trail Association (MTA) has maintained over 80-kilometres of public-use trails in and around Goderich.

This non-profit, volunteer-driven organization works to ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience for all, while educating visitors about the area’s rich natural and cultural history.

MTA’s volunteers work tirelessly to preserve both the trails and their surrounding ecosystems.

The organization is seeking more volunteers who share a passion for the outdoors to join the team.

Other volunteers working with the MTA speak highly of the organization’s camaraderie, while helping protect the environment and preserve the natural beauty of the trail.

For those interested in a conversation to discuss the possibility of volunteering with the MTA, inquire first. From there the organization will talk through current volunteer needs and help you find a role that’s a good fit for your interests, comfort level and availability.

“Ideally, the repair and maintenance crew are looking for hands-on, self-styled handy people who like to attach themselves to a project and see it through to completion,” said Con Melady, Lead Coordinator of the Repair and Maintenance Committee.

“Also, we have room for people who like to manage trail safety, be environmentally conscious, dig dirt, carry materials and walk several kilometres per outing.”

According to the MTA, volunteer needs come up throughout the year, and the organization welcomes new helpers whenever they are ready. The first step is to get in touch.

The MTA is also seeking individual volunteers to sit on the Board of Directors, specifically in the position of Treasurer coming available in the spring, and a position for someone skilled in website design and maintenance.

For those interested in joining the team of volunteers for the MTA, visit www.maitlandtrail.ca or contact the MTA via email at mta@maitlandtrail.ca