GRCF rolls out online map of commemorative benches along trails
WITH ITS NEW ONLINE INTERACTIVE map, the Grand River Conservation Foundation (GRCF) has created an easier way for trail users who wish to honour or remember their loved ones to do so.
While the option to purchase a commemorative bench or kilometre marker has been available to residents for some time, the map, which shows where memorial options are available, makes it easier to pick a part of the trail that is meaningful in some way, said Paul Salvini, chair of the GRCF board.
“That might be a section of trail that’s convenient or close or memorable for you – those sorts of things.
It just helps you have a much better way than going up there, which we always still encourage and check out the trail in person. It’s just a very easy way from anywhere in the world to look at these spots along the trail.”
There are two options for people to celebrate their loved ones: a bench at a cost of $3,000 for a 10-year period and a kilometre marker for $2,500 for five years. Instead of traditional plaques, the benches will have the tributes carved into them. So far, there are two trails on the map: the Cambridge to Paris portion, and section of the Brantford to Hamilton rail trails. There’s the possibility for future expansion, Salvini said.
“If people have a specific area in mind, they’re certainly welcome to contact the GRCF and talk about other opportunities for making donations in places, whether it’s one of the conservation areas or something like that or other opportunities within the watershed that are available.”
However, this is not being used as a fundraising effort or initiative, Salvini said.
“In the case of the benches and mileage markers, there is no specific target in mind other than it’s obviously nice, as you go through the trail, to have places to rest and contemplate and enjoy the river.”
He said he is hopeful this will lead to more residents being aware of the conservation efforts in the watershed, which is home to a million people. Having quick access to as many trails as there are in the area is rare, Salvini added.
“To be able to very quickly get to a place within the watershed and enjoy nature is pretty amazing.
“We definitely hope it’ll bring awareness to the watershed in general, to the importance of conservation within the watershed, so that we have a place that we can all enjoy and multiple generations can enjoy into the future.”
The foundation is in the early stages of planning for a new nature centre at Guelph Lake Conservation Authority to replace the current centre that has been in use since 1982.
“We’ve seen to today 600,000 students go through that facility and learn about conservation, learn about the watershed and all the different plants and animals and insects and all the things that are important that maybe you might not have a chance to see, touch, feel and experience firsthand without something like that,” Salvini said of the nature centre.