Free Bruce Trail Workshops Run All Week at Burlington's MEC

The Bruce Trail runs through Burlington on its way from Niagara to Tobermory, and the last week of August is built around getting more people onto it. The first Bruce Trail Conservancy Week brings a free workshop every day to the MEC store at 1030 Brant St., along with conservancy resource kiosks in the store, from August 24 to 30.

The schedule sticks to practical ground. Monday covers choosing and packing a backpack, Tuesday is navigating with a map and compass, Wednesday is trail mix sampling, Thursday is picking footwear, Friday is treating your water, and Saturday is building a first aid kit for day hikes and the backcountry. Weekday sessions run 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., except Wednesday, which runs 5 to 8 p.m.

Sunday, August 30 is BTC Day. Conservancy staff and volunteers join MEC staff in the store from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with advice on where to hike nearby and information on volunteering, plus a 1 to 4 p.m. session on hiking with a dog that covers tick safety. MEC is donating 10 per cent of its MEC Label product sales that day, up to $3,000, to the conservancy.

"This week is really pulling together a community of expertise to help people make the most of their hiking adventures and get connected with our trail and conservation work," said Laura Tuohy, the conservancy's manager of community engagement. She said MEC stores have sold Bruce Trail reference maps and guides, hosted clinics and sponsored events for years, and the idea of a full week came out of talks about widening that partnership.

The conservation side of it is local too. Last year the conservancy bought 18 acres in Burlington to protect a stretch of the trail and create a nature sanctuary.