Unpaid locals are often the heart and soul of trail maintenance; their dedication to keeping trail networks clean and well-groomed helps make nature accessible.
In recognition of their work, the Pemberton Valley Trails Association (PVTA) is inviting community members to mark International Trails Day on June 7 with hands-on trail work, a BBQ and plenty of community programming.
"When we come together to celebrate the trail, we celebrate what it means to be Canadian," said Mathieu Roy, Chief Executive Officer of Trans Canada Trail in a release. "Nature is essential to Canada's national identity and trails are a vital way for people across the country to enjoy our vast natural landscape. International Trails Day is a perfect time to recognize how our trails connect us not only to nature, but to one another as well."
Pemberton's trail enthusiasts will begin the day at 9 a.m. at the bottom of Happy Trail. Attendees will get to join in on the PVTA's routine trail maintenance work, giving volunteers "a hands-on opportunity to contribute to their local trail network," according to a release.
Then, at noon, the Trails Day shifts to One Mile Lake parking lot for a celebration courtesy of the Trans Canada Trail Care Grant Program. Attendees will be treated to a volunteer appreciation BBQ, kid-friendly scavenger hunt hosted by Stewardship Pemberton, fire mitigation walk led by the Spel’kúmtn Community Forest team and a Lil'wat forester, giveaways and more.
Celebrated annually on the first Saturday in June, International Trails Day is marked by celebrations in nine provinces and two territories connected by the coast-to-coast Trans Canada Trail. Pemberton is holding B.C.'s only official Trails Day event.
