The Ontario Pathways Rail-Trail Project is a 100% volunteer driven effort. From clearing trail and rebuilding bridges to raising money for materials, Ontario Pathways depends on the generosity of community members to keep the rail trail on the right track. You, your family, business or service organization can help by:
- Using the trail often!
- Joining Ontario Pathways to show your support.
- Getting your scout troop, church group or civic organization involved.
- Joining in on one of the Saturday work parties
- Making a financial, tax-deductible contribution.
Volunteer
Ontario Pathways is a private non-profit that depends upon membership and volunteers. We do not receive any tax dollars, nor do we have any paid workers. We have existed for 25 years (beginning in 1993). We maintain about 25 miles of trails for non-motorized use.
There are four crews or activities which regularly need the help of volunteers. They meet weekly, monthly or seasonally. If you join a crew, your name will be added to a group email list and you will be notified of the work site, time, etc. We supply all tools. Please wear appropriate clothing and know that poison ivy exists along our trail; bring water and bug spray as needed. You can also check work site information on this web site for weekly postings of location. Should there be a cancellation due to weather, an email will be sent to registered volunteers by 7:30 on the day of the event.
For more information or to volunteer, please send an email with your contact information to: mailto:OPtrail@ontariopathways.org
If you wish to reach the Maintenance Volunteer Portal, click here.*
Mowing - We are always in need of people to help mow the trail! We split the trail into bite-size pieces and each person maintains their section. We provide a commercial zero turn mower.
Wednesday Crew – meets every Wednesday at 8:30 at various trailheads. The tasks include trimming and removing brush, improving the canopy and collecting any trash along the trail.
Thursday Crew – meets every Thursday at various trailheads. Similar to the Saturday crew, this group takes on whatever projects present themselves, from washouts to removing dead trees and fixing drainage problems.
Saturday Crew – meets monthly or as needed at designated locations. The tasks are varied and may include downed tree removal, drainage improvements, construction projects, etc.
Pumpkin Walk – Many volunteers are needed for this annual event which draws up to 2,500 people. Most work is done in October.
Community Service Projects - Ontario Pathways also has many projects suitable for scout troops, 4-H groups, Eagle Scout projects and community service projects.