Splitrock Narrows Land Conservation

The Dufferin Hi-Land Bruce Trail is proud to announce their preservation of Splitrock Narrows. Once a mighty glacier, this now majestic meadow filled with rolling hills, passageways, lavish forests, and wildflowers offers members of the Bruce Trail the ability to enjoy hikes extended from the Optimum Route, with the help, commitment, and donations of the club.

By joining the Bruce Trail Club and the Dufferin Hi-Land Club, participants will be able to explore the 73 acres of prime Niagara Escarpment forest, cliff, and meadow, just north of Mono Cliffs Provincial Park. On April 22, 2012, members alike will have the brilliant opportunity to explore Splitrock Narrows, including the crevice system, early wildflowers, and unbelievable views along with the company of others.  With the generosity of members and participants of the event, the Bruce Trail Club and the Dufferin Hi-Land Club will be able raise the projected costs , $410,000,for preserving the land by May 24,2012.

So for those who are interesting in helping with this great cause, here are the details regarding the time and location of the event.

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         The exploration of Splitrock Narrows will be between 10 am and 3 pm on April 22, 2012

·         Location: 1 km north of the 25^th Sideroad, Mono, on the 2^nd Line EHS

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      Directions: From Highway 10, proceed north past Orangeville to the 25^th Sideroad and turn right. Proceed to the 2^nd Line EHS and turn left. Follow the signs for the event and parking.

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      Directions: From Airport Road, proceed north pas the Hockley Valley to the 25^th Sideroad and turn left. Follow the signs for the event and parking

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          While the Bruce Trail is not currently on this property, its location can be seen on Map 19 of the 26^th Edition Bruce Trail Reference, just north of the northern end of the Walter Tovell Side Trail

For more information, please visit the Bruce Trail website at http://brucetrail.org/pages/land-conservation/splitrock-narrows, or call 1-800-665-4453

Bruce Trail Photo Contest

Yes, one of your Bruce Trail photos could be on the cover of this year’s summer issue of the Bruce Trail magazine. All members will have the opportunity to submit a photo(s) that are quintessentially “Bruce Trail” as part of the 4^th Annual BTC Photo Contest. Images may include landscapes, trail features, flora, fauna, and/ or people. They can be anything from volunteers hard at work clearing bush along the trail to a glistening river that flows alongside the wildflower-lined path. In addition to having the winner’s photo being features on the cover of the next magazine, a Bruce Trail gift pack and mounted print of their magazine cover will also be given.

Here are some more details about the contest to consider.

Entries

• The contest is open to Bruce Trail members only; however, voting is open to everyone who visits http://brucetrail.org/

• Since the winning photo will be featured on the summer issue of the Bruce Trail magazine, images that are noticeably fall or winter will be disqualified

• A panel of BTC judges will select 10 finalists

• Once 10 finalists are chosen, voting is open to the public

• Images from all 10 finalists will appear inside the Summer 2012 issue

• Photos must be taken along the Bruce Trail or one of its side trails

• To enter, use your Member Login and submit by March 21, 2012

• Members may submit up to 3 photos

Dates to Remember

• Photo entry deadline is March 21, 2012 at 11:59 pm EST

• Voting takes place between March 28 and April 18, 2012

• The winner is announced on April 19, 2012

For more information about the contest and to see photos from last year’s finalists, please visit http://brucetrail.org/pages/contests

March Break Hiking Safety Solutions

Welcome to March!

With March break, the highlight of most students’ spring, looming just around the corner, we wanted to take some time to discuss hiking safety in the snow and ice.

The Dufferin Hi-Land Bruce Trail is, of course, open to everyone during the March break, with regularly scheduled hikes taking place – for further information, see our Calendar page!  When visiting the trail, it is essential to take the weather conditions into consideration. As this winter has been unpredictably warm and then cold, you can expect that there will be snow and ice to contend with.

So especially for younger and inexperienced hikers, here are some safety tips to ensure everyone enjoys the trail safely and comfortably.

• Use the right gear – make sure that you are wearing appropriate footwear for winter hiking. You’ll want hiking boots that are both warm and waterproof. These should not be the same pair of walking shoes you’d wear in the summer
• Wear insulated layers – you’ll be warm while hiking but stopping for a break will find you cool if you aren’t dressed properly.
• Try to pick sunny days that follow a storm – you’ll get the enjoyment of both the sun and the snow while it lasts
• Carry a map and a flashlight – its best to know where you’re going, but you should always carry both, just in case. The last thing you want is to be caught in the dark, uncertain of where you’re going, especially in the shorter winter days
• Pack water and use sun protection – even though it isn’t a sunny, hot, summer day, make sure to avoid dehydration and the harsh effects of the sun to get the most out of your hike
• Hike with a group, or at least a friend – its best to have someone with you in case problems arise. An added bonus is the company and bonding that you’ll enjoy on your hike. If you have to hike alone, or insist upon it, make sure to let someone know where you’ll be in case of emergencies
• Bring a cell phone – a fully charged cell phone is a great tool to bring with you. It’s lightweight, the camera ensures you can capture the best winter scenes and will be invaluable should an emergency arise.
• A solid walking stick, or two hiking poles, with a sharp point is very helpful when negotiating steep ice covered paths frequently found in woods during the early spring.

We could go on about the tips for winter hiking for days, but these are some that we feel are essential for an enjoyable day on the Bruce Trail. For additional tips and tricks to make the most of the icy or snowy trails, you can check out:

http://www.trailsforhealth.ca/winter+trail+tips.aspx

http://www.tenpoundbackpack.com/winter-hiking-tips/

Be safe and enjoy the trails this March Break!