Founders’ Footpath
The Founders’ Footpath is an initiative to mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Bruce Trail. The idea was brought forward by the last living founder, Dr. Philip Gosling, to identify a section of the Trail where nature is at its best along the Niagara Escarpment, thus acknowledging what motivated the founders during the formative history of the Bruce Trail Conservancy.
Founders’ Footpath Introduction – April 14, 2024
This Bruce Trail Conservancy initiative was introduced at the Caledon Hills Bruce Trail 60th Anniversary Celebration.
Our Club is thrilled to be asked by the BTC to select and dedicate the first Founders’ Footpath. All members and friends are invited to help select the CHBTC Founders’ Footpath.
Members and Friends Share Suggestion Survey – May 1 – May 31
Think about sections of trail …
- Criteria based on the ideals of the founders’ intentions:
- BTC owned land/nature reserves in Caledon Hills section
- Prevalence of escarpment features (i.e., geological, landscape, vistas, bodies of water, habitats, flora, fauna, species at risk)
- Biodiversity
- Restored Habitats
- Nod to sustainability
- Minimal to no invasive species
- Few/minimal human-made structures
Founder’s Footpath Suggestions (.PDF)
Suggestions:
Footpath: Songbird Side Trail 1.8 km
Map # 16
BTC Protected Area: Songbird Nature Reserve
Footpath: km 42.5 – 47.0 and Darcy’s Side Trail 0.5 km
Map # 18
Description: South of 7th Line to north of 5 Sideroad
BTC Protected Areas: Humber Heights, Twin Waters Nature Reserve,
Mathilda’s Way, Dr. Philip Gosling Nature Reserve, Tall Timbers, Scarlett
Footpath: km 48. 9 – 51.8, Hemlock Ridge Side Trail 0.61 km, and Glacier Valley Side Trail 0.58 km
Map # 18
Description: Airport Road to 5th Line EHS Parking Lot
BTC Protected Areas: Cedar Highlands, Galbraith, Hemlock Ridges
Footpath: km 54.3 – 54.9 and 0.3 km of Griffith Ravine Side Trail
Map # 18
BTC Protected Area: Griffith Ravine
Footpath: Goodyear Memorial Side Trail 2.2 km, Rushing Rivers Side Trail 0.2 kim, and Upland Side Trail 1.2 km
Map # 18 (Note: side trails not shown)
BTC Protected Areas: The Akela and Scouters Heather and Ross Hamlin at Riverside Woods Nature Reserve, Rushing River Nature Reserve
Footpath: km 71.5 – 72.6 and Springwater Side Trail 0.32
Map # 19
Description: BTC Protected Area: Whitetail Refuge Nature Reserve
Top Three Contenders Announced – June 1
The top contenders will be announced in the Cal E-News and our Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Explore the Top Three Contenders
Rate Them Based On the Criteria
Vote For the Footpath That Best Exemplifies the Founders’ Intentions -June – August
Check the BTC Hike Schedule for Founders’ Path Contender Group Hikes or visit locations independently. Hike descriptions will be published on June 1st.