Making a new trail section where none exists occurs in multiple stages. It begins with landscape surveys to bring out a choice path through this woodlot winding from the entrance to the exit. Following the pink-ribboned way plotted by the surveyors, a team of hard-working volunteers cut and trim to create the route. Next, the blazers begin their work, adding the white or blue rectangles hikers can follow to stay on track.
Now done, the Wetlands loop needs the final stage to begin. “We need walkers; we need boots on the ground,” says Trail Co-Ordinator Bruce Graham. Bruce knows trails. “With more walkers, the tread-way gets established,” he notes.

The Wetland Loop entrance is west of Rd 112 at Km 40.4 with parking along Rd 112.

Wildlife Tracks on the Loop

Late spring is the very best time to hike such a trail. Pesky insects such as mosquitoes and gnats are not a hindrance now. The diversity of wetland flora will amaze you. I walked the path and took in the colours of trillium, white and purple, along with yellow marsh marigolds. The vibrant greens of ferns rising from the ground, along with fiddleheads along the path, will surprise you.
When Bruce, along with Terry Aitken, completed the ribboning of the path in late winter and early spring, the area looked like a worked woodlot, with trees felled and tractor-rutted routes waiting to turn to mud. Still, life finds a way to return with the new spring growth, green and vivid.
Walking the 2.0 km is a treat you will not want to miss. The path needs your boot treads.

Ferns springing upwards