VOLUNTEER WITH US

The association is completely run by volunteers: from board members to hike leaders and from trail maintenance workers to our webmaster and newsletter editor, we are all members who volunteer to help manage the club and the trails.  We are always looking for volunteers to help with short-term projects or to take on some of the ongoing roles required to run the club and to maintain the trails in good order. 

Positions Currently Open:

Carolinian Crest Work Party

We'll have our first work party April 19. Meet at 8:30 AM at the end of Fen Ridge Court, which is south of highway 403 off Oak Park Road.The work site is about a kilometer from parking spot and all down hill.  

Work to be done includes widening the trail by cutting and removing saplings, removing brush, and clearing large old logs off the section of trail south from our big oak tree and fireplace. This will improve visibility for hikers and bikers. Tools needed are loopers, hand saws, axe and gloves. Tools supplied will be: a gas driven 12" beaver blade cutter, battery chain saw, battery pruner, and wagon to haul stuff. 

At 11 AM our resident artist and fire-minder, Patrick, will serve hot snacks. The menu includes marinated steak cubes, shrimp, and spicy sausage on a bun with mustard and onion. Served fresh from the grill at the fireplace.

Director, Volunteering (Board position)

The director of volunteering will:

• manage our network of volunteers involved in trail maintenance and other activities
• plan, lead and implement volunteer recruitment activities
• organize volunteer training, recognition and retention activities
• maintain our database of volunteers

This position requires 5-15 hours per month, attending board meetings (10 times a year) and working and liaising 
with other board members.

Work Party Volunteers

The GVTA develops and maintains an extensive trail system along the grand river. These require grooming, removing fallen trees, cutting back overgrowth, installing boardwalks and bridges etc. This is all done by a fantastic group of volunteers. Consider joining us once or twice monthly for a few hours. Projects are posted on the web site so volunteers can select what interests them and work at their own pace. Meet the gang, learn new skills, have some fun, get some exercise and experience the satisfaction of contributing to our great outdoor community.

Here's an example of the sort of work we'd get your help with (not an exhaustive list!):

• Rerouting and widening hiking trails
• Adding access bridges
• Installing handrails to widen bridges for bicycles
• Installing posts, with chain for hikers
• Replacing supports for board walks
• Removing short bridges, installing drain pipes.
• Dialogue with land owners, e.g., to allow us to open new trails
• Examining unpassable stretches
• Organizing work parties for trail maintenance
  
  

If you're interested in this work, please contact: trailmaintenance@gvta.on.ca

If You Are Available and Can Check One of These Criteria: 

• You want to gain experience in a new skill
• You want to meet new people
• You are passionate about hiking
• You are interested in the environment and helping your community
• You want to see great hiking trails in this area 

Volunteers are always needed! 

If you have some time and would like to volunteer with us for administrative, hike leadership, trail maintenance activities, or would like more information, email us at  volunteering@gvta.on.ca.