Ways To Get Involved | Bruce Trail Conservancy

Ways to Get Involved

Volunteer With Us

A community of volunteers have been the driving force behind the Bruce Trail for over 60 years. Today, more than 1,500 volunteers donate their time and talents to the Bruce Trail Conservancy and its nine Bruce Trail Clubs. Without this remarkable year-round support, the Bruce Trail Conservancy and the Bruce Trail would not be what it is today. They strive to keep it going today, and they’re looking for you to join them as the next generation of volunteers.

Why Become a Volunteer with the Bruce Trail Conservancy and its Bruce Trail Clubs?

Volunteering with the Bruce Trail Conservancy and its Bruce Trail Clubs is a way to get involved with and give back to the community helping to conserve and care for the Niagara Escarpment – home of the Bruce Trail. You’ll help secure the Bruce Trail, share and learn skills, be a part of a team, and develop lasting friendships.

There are roles for people outdoors and inside, for people who love manual labor and those who are excellent organizers. Whether you’ve had years of experience or you’re brand new to volunteering, we look forward to helping you have the experience of a lifetime on the Trail of a lifetime.

Volunteer Spotlight

John Harrison

“When I retired, I wanted to volunteer with an organization that was beneficial to people and the environment. The Bruce Trail Conservancy was an obvious choice. That was over 13 years ago. I still very much like the staff and volunteers I meet, and the work I do, both at the BTC office and on the Trail. I am proud to be part of the rich volunteer history of the Bruce Trail Conservancy and its work to protect, conserve, and restore a significant corridor of the Niagara Escarpment.”
– BTC Office & Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club volunteer

Ian Grindall

“I started volunteering for the BTC in the office and on trail maintenance right after I retired in 2019. It has been the perfect counterbalance to the high stress job I left behind, and reminded me that an office can and should be a happy place to work and still achieve the objectives of the organisation. The staff are always welcoming, always express their thanks for the help of volunteers, and being in the head office I get to learn something from time to time about the BTC that I wouldn’t otherwise know! When I set out to volunteer, both on the trail and in the office, I never anticipated that I would get so much back in return, in terms of satisfaction, fulfilment and friendship.”
– BTC Office & Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club volunteer

Alina Lin

Alina Lin

“I enjoy being able to hike or work with like-minded people. I get to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds, learn new skills and knowledge, and share my experiences. I moved to Canada in 2009 and more than half of my friend circle and some best friends were made through volunteering! I also feel a sense of accomplishment seeing my volunteering efforts make a difference.”
– Toronto Bruce Trail Club volunteer

Bruce Trail Clubs

The Bruce Trail Conservancy has nine Bruce Trail Clubs, each corresponding to a section of the Bruce Trail. Each Club is entirely volunteer run. Volunteers are responsible for most of the day-to-day work keeping the Bruce Trail open. In addition to trail maintenance, club volunteers build and repair boardwalks and other structures, steward Bruce Trail Conservancy protected natural areas, monitor and manage rare plants and invasive species, develop management plans for their sections, and much, much more.

Find Your Local Bruce Trail Club

Choosing a Bruce Trail Club

Volunteer Roles and Descriptions

The Bruce Trail Conservancy is governed by a board of directors and supported by strategic and operational committees.
Learn more about our board of directors

The Bruce Trail Conservancy relies on its dedicated office volunteers and our archivist. Both roles spend regular time in the office helping with many different tasks, including:

BTC Office Volunteer

Help out in the office in a variety of capacities, stuffing envelopes, data entry, answering phones and serving customers in the store.

BTC Archivist

Maintain BTC items of historic importance.

BTC Outreach Event Volunteer

Promote the Bruce Trail Conservancy, encourage supporters, and sell memberships and merchandise, by staffing an information booth at a community event, trade show (like the Outdoor Adventure Show), or BTC-hosted event.

Bruce Trail Day Volunteer

Support the biggest outreach event of the year. Help with planning, or promotion, or day-of-event support (like set up, tear down, hike or activity leading, parking assistance, etc.) Bruce Trail Day is held on the first Sunday in October. Planning starts early in the year.

Volunteers maintain the Bruce Trail and its side trails keeping the footpath safe, navigable, and enjoyable. From painting blazes, to building structures, to monitoring trail conditions, volunteers are needed every step of the way. Volunteer positions include:

Trail director: Responsible for the planning, maintenance and overall quality of the Bruce Trail in the Bruce Trail Club’s section, and for the overall organization and operation of the Club’s trail work.
Trail captain: Maintains the Bruce Trail and side trails in a designated section of the Bruce Trail.
Trail maintenance volunteer: Helps with construction and repairs on the Bruce Trail.

Collect important biodiversity data as you hike! Our citizen scientists are helping to develop a map of flora and fauna along the Bruce Trail. Whether you are a trained botanist, mycologist or ornithologist, or just interested in learning more about the different species calling the Bruce Trail home, the Bruce Trail Conservancy can use your help. Using the free powerful online tool iNaturalist, you can collect much needed data while you are out hiking the Bruce Trail. Learn more about our iNaturalist Bruce Trail Conservancy Project

Each of our nine Bruce Trail Clubs offer an extensive program of organized hikes, throughout the year, for members and non-members. Trained volunteers are responsible for leading and organizing these hikes – sharing with others the wonders of the Bruce Trail and the Niagara Escarpment.

Volunteers are a vital component of our land stewardship program. Volunteer land stewards actively care for each of the properties that are owned or managed by the Bruce Trail Conservancy. As the Bruce Trail Conservancy acquires more land in our efforts to establish a conservation corridor containing the Bruce Trail, our land stewardship needs grow. Learn more about our land stewardship program. Land stewardship positions include:

Land steward director: Each Bruce Trail Club has one land steward director to coordinate the work of the land stewards in that Club.
Land steward: Land stewards are the caretakers of each Bruce Trail Conservancy protected natural area. They visit their assigned property at least twice a year, complete annual reports on the conditions of the property, provide input into the stewardship plans, and help to organize and carry out stewardship activities such as tree planting, garbage removal, and installing signs and fences.

Landowner relations volunteers help the Bruce Trail Conservancy maintain healthy working relationships with landowners, both public and private, whose land the Bruce Trail crosses, and resolves concerns as they may arise.

Each Bruce Trail Club has their own board which oversees the activities of the Club. There are many possible volunteer roles on the Bruce Trail Club Boards, including:

Bruce Trail Club President
Responsible for the general overseeing of Bruce Trail Club operations, and for the direction, development and promotion of the overall objectives and goals of the Club
Bruce Trail Club Vice President
Act in place of the club president when the president is unavailable and to be the president elect
Bruce Trail Club Secretary
Record proceedings of all Bruce Trail Club board and club executive meetings
Bruce Trail Club Treasurer
Responsible for the custody of the funds of the Bruce Trail Club and all financial matters affecting the Club
Bruce Trail Club Director – Member at Large
Participate in the Bruce Trail Club board’s deliberations and decisions in matters of club policies, programs and finances
Bruce Trail Club Archivist
Keep safe all of the important records of the Bruce Trail Club
Bruce Trail Club Fundraising Director
Help to promote and collect funds through events or other initiatives to support the Bruce Trail Conservancy at the club level
Bruce Trail Club Hike Director
Provide direction to all Bruce Trail Club hike leaders and compile a list of all upcoming hikes for the Bruce Trail Club newsletter
Bruce Trail Club Land Steward Director
Implement and promote the land stewardship program at the Bruce Trail Club level
Bruce Trail Club Landowner Relations Director
Maintain a healthy working relationship with landowners and resolve issues as they arise
Bruce Trail Club Membership Director
Retain and increase the Bruce Trail Conservancy membership at the Bruce Trail Club level
Bruce Trail Club Newsletter Editor
The main administrative contact in producing the Bruce Trail Club newsletter
Bruce Trail Club Public Relations & Publicity Director
Publicize Bruce Trail Club’s activities, aims and objectives
Bruce Trail Club Trail Director
Responsible for the planning, maintenance and overall quality of the Bruce Trail in the Bruce Trail Club’s section, and for the overall organization and operation of Trail work
Bruce Trail Club Volunteer Coordinator
Coordinate volunteers throughout the Bruce Trail Club, and to facilitate the recruiting, training and recognition of all volunteers in the Club

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are the heart and soul of the Bruce Trail, and there are many opportunities to get involved.
Thank you for your interest in giving back to the Bruce Trail Conservancy and the Bruce Trail through volunteering.

Head Office Volunteers: Support the BTC Front Desk team in customer service calls, store and ecommerce operations, or the Fund Development team in its efforts including: making donor thank-you calls, assisting with seasonal mailings, and researching grant opportunities.
Bruce Trail Day Volunteers: Support the biggest outreach event of the year. Help with planning, or promotion, or day-of-event support (like set up, tear down, hike or activity leading, parking assistance, etc.) Bruce Trail Day is held on the first Sunday in October. Planning starts early in the year.
BTC Outreach Event Volunteer: Promote the Bruce Trail Conservancy, encourage supporters, and sell memberships and merchandise, by staffing an information booth at a community event, trade show (like the Outdoor Adventure Show), or BTC-hosted event.

Secretary

The Toronto Bruce Trail Club is welcoming applications for its Board of Directors. Send a resume to mcorner@sympatico.ca by Dec 17, 2023 and a cover letter expressing your interest and background. The start date will be after the April 2024 Annual General Meeting. A complete description of the roles and duties of these positions can be found here on the TBTC website: https://bit.ly/46N5bd1

Vice President
Hike Director
Events & Fundraising Director

Support Roles

Advertising Coordinator
Responsible for promoting the BMBTC as a valuable avenue for advertising local and sometimes farther reaching businesses.
Newsletter Coordinator
Work directly with the board members and other volunteer teams to produce a bi-monthly digital newsletter
Communications Team Member
The Communications Team focuses on helping the board and volunteer teams get their content onto social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook.
Events and Fundraising Committee Member
You will help bring back some pre-covid events, and then help create new events that engage all parts of our community around a love for the Bruce Trail.
Biodiversity Team Member
The main purpose of the Biodiversity Team will be to protect and enhance the biodiversity of the BTC Blue Mountains Club’s Trail network and its owned and managed properties, which would involve:
- identifying and controlling invasive species.
- plant and wildlife monitoring and reporting
- tree planting programs
- restoration work
  
  The scope of work could be endless as programs are developed and other groups such as NVCA and local municipalities and educational institutions could be co-opted.

If any of these roles are of interest to you, and you would like to learn more, please apply online.

Vice President
Land Stewardship Assistant Director
Volunteer Coordinator

Social Event Coordinator – The Social Event Coordinator is responsible for the arrangements of the Annual General Meeting and for the Landowner appreciation event; and for any special social function held by the Club; he or she may request assistance in this task from the Board or the membership at large; and for such duties as may be assigned to him or her. The role requires good organization and interpersonal skills. Will also need the ability to store some items needed for events, such as storage bins and folding table.

Public Relations Director – responsible for the public image of the Club in the community and for maintaining this image through the use of media; by liaising with other Directors and Volunteers on projects/events. It is most important for the Public Relations Director to have excellent communication and people skills. Knowledge of publications and marketing are desirable assets.
Vice President
Student Hike Coordinator

If you are interested in learning more OR, volunteering in general with the Club, please email chbtcmembershipdirector@gmail.com with your name; phone number and a preferred time for an initial conversation.

Vice President
Trail Activities Director
Membership & Volunteer Director
Land Relations Director
Hike Leader
Trail Maintenance
Trail Captain

Trail Maintenance Director
Hiking Director
Director at Large

No vacant positions at this time

Vice President
Hike Coordinator
E-Notes Editor

If you are interested in any of these positions

Volunteer Recognition

Volunteers are the soul of the Bruce Trail, and we appreciate all of their efforts! Extraordinary people put in thousands of hours of volunteer work every year to manage and promote the Bruce Trail in an effort to keep it open and in good repair.

The Calypso Orchid Environmental Award is awarded to an individual, volunteer group, institution or company that has demonstrated a significant contribution to the restoration and preservation of the Bruce Trail and/or the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve, or significantly enhanced the education of users or potential users of the Trail and/or the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve. The recipient needs not be a member of the Bruce Trail Conservancy. Exemplary actions by the recipients can have either a direct and/or indirect effect on the Bruce Trail. Meritorious actions can be a single event or undertaken over several years.

Background: In the spring of 1956 Arthur Storey saw his first calypso orchid on a trip to Tobermory. Twenty years later Lloyd Smith commemorated the event by carving a diamond willow walking staff for him, including a likeness of a calypso orchid on the handle. In 1997 Arthur donated the walking staff to the Bruce Trail Conservancy, with the wish that an environmental award be established. The Calypso Orchid Environmental Award was established in 2000.

Nomination Information:

Submit a completed online nomination form by June 30.

2000	Peninsula Bruce Trail Club
2000	Chippewas of Nawash First Nations
2001	John Burton
2001	Margaret Reed
2003	George Francis
2005	K. Elizabeth Kümmling
2006	Walter M. Tovell
2006	Leonard O. Gertler
2007	Bruce Krug
2008	David Moule
2011	Keen Canada
2012	Ned Morgan
2013	Bruce Trail Expedition for Kids
2014	not awarded
2015	Kevin Warburton
2016	The Town of Blue Mountains
2017	Anne Clock
2018	Bob Hann and Joan Nuffield
2019	Laurence Christie
2020	Gosling Foundation
2021	David Knox

The Ross McLean Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes a volunteer who has shown extraordinary contributions to the Bruce Trail Conservancy within the last year. The award is not intended to recognize a lifetime of contributions as that would preclude volunteers who have been with us for a short time. Any form of volunteering for the Bruce Trail Conservancy may be considered for this award.

This annual award was renamed in 2020 to honour the passing of its first recipient and remarkable volunteer, Ross McLean.

Nomination Information:

Submit a completed online nomination form by June 30.

2000	Peninsula Bruce Trail Club
2000	Chippewas of Nawash First Nations
2001	John Burton
2001	Margaret Reed
2003	George Francis
2005	K. Elizabeth Kümmling
2006	Walter M. Tovell
2006	Leonard O. Gertler
2007	Bruce Krug
2008	David Moule
2011	Keen Canada
2012	Ned Morgan
2013	Bruce Trail Expedition for Kids
2014	N/A
2015	Kevin Warburton
2016	The Town of Blue Mountains
2017	Anne Clock
2018	Bob Hann and Joan Nuffield
2019	Laurence Christie
2020	Gosling Foundation
2021	David Knox
2022	Brian Cornfield

This award is presented annually to an outstanding trail worker. For more than a decade Susan Oleskevich was a loyal trail maintenance volunteer. During this time, she was Trail Director for the Conservancy, and for the Caledon Hills and Toronto Bruce Trail Clubs.

When Susan died suddenly in the summer of 1995, a group of her friends wanted to donate a lasting symbol of her contribution to the Trail. From these discussions came the Susan Oleskevich Award. The contributions of Susan Oleskevich deserve to be remembered. With the annual presentation of this award, her memory will remain strong and provide a source of motivation for all of us as we continue our volunteer commitment.

The criteria for selection are that the winner shall:

Have been actively involved in the physical work of trail maintenance and development
Have long-standing commitment to trail work
Be an outstanding trail worker

Nomination Information: Submit a nomination to the Bruce Trail Conservancy Trail Director, Dave Moule at dmhiker6@gmail.com by July 31.

1996	Ken Ingham
1997	Laurence Christie
1997	Charles Grant
1998	Barry Westhouse
1999	Graham McCallum
2000	James Swalwell
2000	Frank Holley
2001	Clayton & Anne Roberts
2001	Elsa Karha
2003	James & Ann Couse
2004	George & Joan Bowman
2005	Dave Sheppard
2006	Ralph Tremills
2006	Tys Murra
2007	John Cunningham
2007	Robert Light
2008	Frank Bouma
2009	Mac McDonald
2010	Dennis Gallant
2011	John Hollingsworth
2012	Ralph Tremills
2013	Ron Spotton
2014	Andrew Costley
2015	Rose-Mary Mitter
2016	Rick Edwards
2017	Richard Pomeroy
2018	Vince Zvonar
2019	David Paape
2020	Jim Standen
2021	Carl Alexander
2022	Dick Edwards

Named in honour of Cheryl Duke who was a loyal an office volunteer for almost 30 years, this annual award is given in recognition of the invaluable contributions made by our volunteers at the Bruce Trail Conservancy head office. Recipients are chosen annually by BTC staff and the award is presented at our year-end celebration.

1998	The Mop Brigade
2006	Cheryl Duke
2006	Jim Standen
2006	Karl Massfeller
2007	Doug Gordon
2007	Chris Cropper
2008	Jeanne Keldson
2009	Maureen Case
2010	John Harrison
2012	Sarah Veldhoen
2012	Stella Parr
2014	Dorothy Wengler
2015	Frank Spadafora
2016	Nick Avery
2017	Donna Plyley
2018	Cheryl Duke
2019	Hugh Fuller
2022	Stella Parr

The Bruce Trail Conservancy Honorary Membership is a prestigious award given to a member who has made a lasting, significant volunteer contribution to the organization at both the Bruce Trail Club and Bruce Trail Conservancy levels. The nominee must have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and commitment and have accomplished significant achievements in furthering the Bruce Trail Conservancy mission. The recipient is awarded a certificate and a complimentary lifetime membership.

Nomination Information:

Complete the online nomination form by June 30.

Awarded annually to the Bruce Trail Club completing the most significant trail project that places the Trail on the Optimum Route, or adds a worthwhile new side trail.

The trophy honours Tom East, an early trail builder, especially in the Caledon Hills section. He is a Past President of the BTC, and the founder of the BTC’s Escarpment Preservation Fund.

Nomination Information: Submit nomination to the Bruce Trail Conservancy Trail Director, David Moule, dmhiker6@gmail.com by July 31.

1988	Toronto
1989	Beaver Valley
1990	Dufferin Hi-land
1991	Toronto
1992	Beaver Valley
1993	Dufferin Hi-land
1994	Blue Mountains
1995	Peninsula
1996	Iroquoia
1996	Caledon Hills
1997	Caledon Hills
1998	Iroquoia
1999	Sydenham
2000	Iroquoia
2001	Peninsula
2002	Peninsula
2003	Sydenham
2004	Peninsula
2005	Sydenham
2006	Peninsula
2007	Peninsula
2007	Iroquoia
2008	Sydenham
2008	Niagara
2009	Beaver Valley
2010	Caledon Hills
2011	Sydenham
2012	Sydenham
2013	Dufferin Hi-land
2013	Caledon Hills
2013	Caledon Hills
2014	Caledon Hills
2015	Sydenham
2016	Peninsula
2017	Sydenham
2018	Blue Mountains
2019	Sydenham
2020	Peninsula
2021	Beaver Valley
2022	Niagara

Awarded annually to the Bruce Trail Club completing the year’s most significant trail project which improves or protects the environment.

Philip Gosling is a Founder of The Bruce Trail Conservancy. He was actively involved in much of the early work done to secure landowner permission for the Bruce Trail, and the initial blazing. The Award acknowledges the pivotal work done by a BTC Founder and his late wife in developing and building The Bruce Trail.

Nomination Information: Submit nomination to the Bruce Trail Conservancy Trail Director, David Moule, dmhiker6@gmail.com by July 31.

2002	Iroquoia
2003	Beaver Valley
2004	Iroquoia
2005	Toronto
2006	Sydenham
2006	Dufferin Hi-land
2007	Caledon Hills
2008	Niagara
2009	Sydenham
2010	Iroquoia
2011	Dufferin Hi-land
2012	Beaver Valley
2013	Caledon Hills
2014	Niagara
2015	Peninsula
2016	Toronto
2017	Peninsula
2018	Sydenham
2019	Niagara
2020	Toronto
2022	Blue Mountains

The Bruce Trail Conservancy Years of Service Awards recognize volunteers who have contributed so many years to volunteering directly for the Conservancy, either through committees, boards, workgroups, or at the Head Office. Awards are given out for 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of service.

Years of service awards have been recorded since 1993. In 1993 a catch-up award was given to all volunteers, and volunteer time given since 1993 are all that is counted towards the years of service awards.

The Calypso Orchid Environmental Award is awarded to an individual, volunteer group, institution or company that has demonstrated a significant contribution to the restoration and preservation of the Bruce Trail and/or the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve, or significantly enhanced the education of users or potential users of the Trail and/or the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve. The recipient needs not be a member of the Bruce Trail Conservancy. Exemplary actions by the recipients can have either a direct and/or indirect effect on the Bruce Trail. Meritorious actions can be a single event or undertaken over several years.

Background: In the spring of 1956 Arthur Storey saw his first calypso orchid on a trip to Tobermory. Twenty years later Lloyd Smith commemorated the event by carving a diamond willow walking staff for him, including a likeness of a calypso orchid on the handle. In 1997 Arthur donated the walking staff to the Bruce Trail Conservancy, with the wish that an environmental award be established. The Calypso Orchid Environmental Award was established in 2000.

Nomination Information:

Submit a completed online nomination form by June 30.

The Ross McLean Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes a volunteer who has shown extraordinary contributions to the Bruce Trail Conservancy within a the last year . The award is not intended to recognize a lifetime of contributions as that would preclude volunteers who have been with us for a short time. Any form of volunteering for the Bruce Trail Conservancy may be considered for this award.

This annual award was renamed in 2020 to honour the passing of its first recipient and remarkable volunteer, Ross McLean.

Nomination Information: Complete the online nomination form by June 30.

This award is presented annually to an outstanding trail worker. Susan Oleskevich was a special Bruce Trail volunteer. For more than a decade she was a loyal trail maintenance volunteer. During this time, she was Trail Director for the Conservancy, and for the Caledon Hills and Toronto Bruce Trail Clubs.

When Susan died suddenly in the summer of 1995, a group of her friends wanted to donate a lasting symbol of her contribution to the Trail. From these discussions came the Susan Oleskevich Award. The contributions of Susan Oleskevich deserve to be remembered. With the annual presentation of this award, her memory will remain strong and provide a source of motivation for all of us as we continue our volunteer commitment.

The criteria for selection are that the winner shall:

Have been actively involved in the physical work of trail maintenance and development
Have long-standing commitment to trail work
Be an outstanding trail worker

Nomination Information: Submit nomination to the Bruce Trail Conservancy Trail Director, David Moule, dmhiker6@gmail.com by July 31.

Named in honour of Cheryl Duke who was a loyal an office volunteer for almost 30 years, this annual award is given in recognition of the invaluable contributions made by our volunteers at the Bruce Trail Conservancy head office. Recipients are chosen annually by BTC staff and the award is presented at our year-end celebration.

The Bruce Trail Conservancy Honorary Membership is a prestigious award given to a member who has made a lasting, significant volunteer contribution to the organization at both the Bruce Trail Club and Bruce Trail Conservancy levels. The nominee must have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and commitment and have accomplished significant achievements in furthering the Bruce Trail Conservancy mission. The recipient is awarded a certificate and a complimentary lifetime membership.

Nomination Information: Complete the online nomination form by June 30.

Awarded annually to the Bruce Trail Club completing the most significant trail project that places the Trail on the Optimum Route, or adds a worthwhile new side trail.

The trophy honours Tom East, an early trail builder, especially in the Caledon Hills section. He is a Past President of the BTC, and the founder of the BTC’s Escarpment Preservation Fund.

Nomination Information: Submit nomination to the Bruce Trail Conservancy Trail Director, David Moule, dmhiker6@gmail.com by July 31.

Awarded annually to the Bruce Trail Club completing the year’s most significant trail project which improves or protects the environment.

Philip Gosling is a Founder of The Bruce Trail Conservancy. He was actively involved in much of the early work done to secure landowner permission for the Bruce Trail, and the initial blazing. The Award acknowledges the pivotal work done by a BTC Founder and his late wife in developing and building The Bruce Trail.

Nomination Information: Submit nomination to the Bruce Trail Conservancy Trail Director, David Moule, dmhiker6@gmail.com by July 31.

The Bruce Trail Conservancy Years of Service Awards recognize volunteers who have contributed so many years to volunteering directly for the Conservancy, either through committees, boards, workgroups, or at the Head Office. Awards are given out for 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of service.

Years of service awards have been recorded since 1993. In 1993 a catch-up award was given to all volunteers, and volunteer time given since 1993 are all that is counted towards the years of service awards.

To nominate a volunteer, follow the button to complete the form. We appreciate all submissions, but we cannot guarantee that all volunteers will be profiled.

Nominate a Volunteer

Watch the 2023 Volunteer Awards Video

Volunteer Resources

Whether you’re experienced or new to volunteering with the Bruce Trail Conservancy, these resources can be helpful in your role.

All Volunteers

Land Stewards

Guide to Land Stewardship

Trail Maintenance Volunteers

A Note for Trail Maintenance and Land Steward Volunteers on Reports

The Trail Status Report Form and the Annual Monitoring Form are not currently available on BTC website.
Please connect with your Trail Director or Land Stewardship Director for instructions and links to this year’s form.

The Accessible Ontario Disability Act and the Bruce Trail Conservancy Volunteers

Does this apply to me?

The Accessibility Standard for Customer Service applies to all organizations (public, private and non-profit) that provide goods or services either directly to the public or to other organizations in Ontario and that have one or more employees in Ontario.

Training

The customer service standard requires training to staff and volunteers on providing customer service to people with disabilities.

This includes hike leaders, board members, Head Office volunteers and staff.

An online course is available by following this link http://accessforward.ca/customerService/intro, or you can read this pdf document AODA Customer Service Training.

Hike Leaders – Please note the following statement –

This statement should be used, if necessary, to let people know what to expect when hiking the Bruce Trail:

While there are a few portions of the Bruce Trail within Conservation Areas that are wheelchair accessible, use of the majority of the Trail is suitable for foot traffic only. To participate in an organized hike, you need to be able to complete the specified length of the hike on your own or with your own support person within the time allowed. Please refer to the hiking schedule for hike details.

This statement can also be added to your Club Newsletter hike listings.

Log in for specific volunteer resources

Contact us for more information

Bruce Trail Conservancy Youth Council

Join a network of conservation-minded youth and be the voice of the next generation for the Bruce Trail Conservancy!

We are seeking passionate individuals, ages 18-25, who are interested in trails and conservation, to join the Bruce Trail Conservancy Youth Council and share their skills and voice in support of preserving a ribbon of wilderness.

Why Join the Bruce Trail Conservancy Youth Council?

– Connect with other youth to discuss relevant environmental issues

– Provide advice to the Bruce Trail Conservancy on ways to further engage youth in meaningful ways

– Participate in online and in-person events centered around environmental education, hiking, and professional development

– Learn about and help develop opportunities for youth volunteering along the Bruce Trail

– Get relevant, timely volunteer experience in an environmental, non-profit setting

– Support the Bruce Trail Conservancy’s mission to preserve a ribbon of wilderness, for everyone, forever

– Receive a BTC Youth Council Member badge

Ways to be Involved

Join as a General Member at any point to be involved in meetings, attend virtual and in-person events, and share your voice.

Applications for the 2023-24 Executive Committee have closed.

Executive Committee members will take a leadership role on the Youth Council, serving in their role from August 2023-May 2024.

Executive Committee Members will:

Determine the goals and objectives of the Youth Council
Plan and execute events
Help build the youth network of the Bruce Trail Conservancy

A chair and vice chair will be selected to lead the group, and a staff advisor from the Bruce Trail Conservancy will support the executive committee and youth council.

The role of an executive committee member will require a regular commitment of joining monthly virtual meetings, with additional calls as needed, assisting in planning of events, and being an active member by serving as a voice for youth in the Bruce Trail community.

Executive committee spots will be limited. If you are not selected to join the executive committee this year, you will be invited to join as a general member with lots of opportunities to still be involved. You only need to apply once. The executive committee will dissolve at the end of each May, with a new executive committee to be selected annually each fall.

All general member applicants will be invited to join Youth Council meetings and will receive regular communications. This is a flexible opportunity for those interested in getting involved.

General Members will:

Provide their voice and opinion on important issues related to conservation and the environment with relation to the Bruce Trail Conservancy.
Participate in events and professional development opportunities.
Be invited to join the BTC Youth Council social media group to stay connected with other involved Youth Council members, and attend virtual and in-person events.
Attend regular Youth Council meetings.

General Member Application

Under 18?

If you are under 18 years of age, please review our Minors Volunteering Policy with your parent or guardian.

For more information about the volunteer program

iNaturalist Bruce Trail Conservancy Volunteer Project

Collect important biodiversity data as you hike the Bruce Trail

We’re looking for volunteer citizen scientists to help us better understand the biodiversity along the Bruce Trail. Whether you are a trained botanist, mycologist or ornithologist, or just interested in learning more about the different species calling the Bruce Trail home, the Bruce Trail Conservancy can use your help. Using the free powerful online tool iNaturalist, you can collect much needed data while you are out hiking the Bruce Trail.

Corporate Volunteering

The Corporate Volunteering Program will be relaunching in 2023.

Is your company looking for a unique volunteer opportunity? Look no further than the Bruce Trail.

Corporate volunteering provides an opportunity to support your local community, do some team building, and boost morale amongst your staff. Come join us for some fresh air, hiking and some hard work giving back to the Bruce Trail Conservancy!

A typical corporate volunteering event includes:

A staff guide from the Bruce Trail Conservancy to lead the day and the activity
An interpretive hike along the local section of Bruce Trail
An opportunity to give back through a rehabilitation activity that may include a trail clean-up, invasive species removal, planting, or another activity as per the needs of the land

For more information and find out about available dates, start by completing the form here.

For more information or to get started planning your corporate event with the Bruce Trail Conservancy, please get in touch.

Join us at an event!

See our event listings