Thank you Dufferin Hi-Land Bruce Trail Landowners
With the wood fire crackling and snow on the ground, I reflect upon the year. More than ever, I feel we are so lucky to live here with the Bruce Trail providing an amazing place to unwind and connect with nature.
A month ago I met a lady who is completing the trail. She schedules hiking three consecutive days doing 25KM in eight hours. She stops to absorb the views, take photos, quiet breaks and lunch. She has a stressful job and I quote, “You would not believe the stuff I leave on the trail”, referring to clearing her mind and becoming reinvigorated.
On another occasion, I encountered 12 young children and three adults. They were from an outdoor school near Alliston. The kids were having a wonderful time exploring rock formations of the escarpment, with teachers explaining the impact of the ice age. I thought about the innocence of youth, how precious it is, and how gratifying to see them enjoying and learning about the trail.
This time of year I visit each landowner with trail on their property to thank them for sharing their land with others.
Without you most of what I described above would not happen since both places were on private property. One landowner said he felt privileged to have trail on his property since he wanted to see people enjoying the outdoors the same as he could.
These three encounters really stuck in my mind as a way to relay a huge thank you, to you, our landowners. Without your generosity we would not have access to the wonderful views, peaceful forests, babbling streams, plants, and animals.
Carl Alexander
Land Acquisition and Stewardship Director
