SDG COUNTIES, Ontario - The Summerstown Trails are reopening, just in time for Christmas.
The popular trail system has been closed for weeks as SDG Counties continues to complete a major tree harvest at the Summerstown Forest, but it has been announced that the trail system will open to the public Dec. 24.
The ongoing tree harvest has removed a large number of ash trees, which have succumbed to the Emerald Ash Borer. Other broken and dangerously-leaning trees were likewise removed.
Friends of the Summerstown Trails (FOTST) have been hard at work as well, completing necessary clean-up activities and preparing trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fatbiking this winter.
“Both SDG Counties staff and our volunteers have been working diligently to reopen the trails as soon as possible," said FOTST President Vic Leroux. "Check the Friends of the Summerstown Trails (FOTST) Facebook page for trail conditions.”
Volunteers are also busy preparing for the coming winter season. The schedule for adult and childrens cross-country ski lessons has been posted, and registration is open on the FOTST website. The childrens program accepts those aged four to 12 and the sessions are held every Sunday at 1 p.m.
Other events and programs include Family Day Festivities, the annual cross-country ski, snowshoe and fat bike races, and the weekend rental of equipment. And of course, the Friends will again be hosting school groups on field trips throughout the winter, allowing between 600 and 800 students to experience a winter nature outing on skis or snowshoes.
To know more about what’s happening at the trails, visit the Friends website at www.summerstowntrails.com or follow their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SummerstownTrails