Kalamalka Rotarians and volunteers are rolling up their sleeves in celebration of International Trails Day Saturday.
Crews will be digging out a new trail behind Venture Training, on the historic Vernon ski hill and ski jump.
The trail will eventually connect Old Kamloops Road with the Turtle Mountain section of the Gray Canal trail.
“Creating this trail has been on the back burner for many years but funding has not been available,” said Ken Beall with the Ribbons of Green Trail Society. “Kal Rotary started planning this project last year and now it looks as if it will be built.”
The trail is on a steep section of land and the trail will be cut into the slope by hand. It will be a hiking grade trail about 12-16 inches wide in order to prevent over-scarring the hill.
“The view from the trail is breathtaking,” said Beall.
While Kal Rotary is building the trail, it is expected the city will complete the construction and fencing of the bottom gentle-sloped part of the trail in time for dedication on International Trails day next June.
Trail construction will start at 9 a.m. Saturday behind the Bike Shop at Venture Training. If you are interested in helping out contact Beall at 778-932-1143.
Trails Day will also be celebrated with other fun, free/low-cost activities around town.
There is a free, guided interpretive walk at Swan Lake Nature Reserve Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The park entrance is off of Old Kamloops Road (by Stawns Honey). There is a free shuttle from the Vernon Recreation Centre available at 12:30; pre-registration for the shuttle encouraged, and can be done at the Rec Centre.
There are also hydration and information stations at:
n Grey Canal Trail – Silver Star Foothills – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parking off of Blackcomb Way.
n Kalamalka Provincial Park – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Twin Bays parking lot.
The Vernon Community Arts Centre is also hosting trail-inspired art activities at 11 a.m. and again at 1 p.m.
