> TRAIL DOS AND DON’TS

With more than 10,000 km of trails in Ontario’s Greenbelt alone, there are endless possibilities for outdoor fun. Maximize your enjoyment — and everyone else’s — by following these trail-etiquette tips. Do stick to the designated trail. It takes just one person to walk through a patch of tall grass, and one more to follow, to create an unsanctioned trail. These unofficial trails compact soil and introduce foot traffic to environmentally sensitive areas. Also, if a trail is closed for the season, don’t use it. It may be closed to protect seasonal nesting grounds or allow for plant regeneration. Don’t let your dog run off-leash. Canines (and canine scents) spook wildlife, affecting normal foraging and resting behaviour. Dogs can also spread invasive plants by running through weeds, catching seeds in their fur, and scattering them throughout a protected area. Keeping your pets on-leash protects their safety and all wildlife in the area. Don’t litter. Choose reusable, recyclable packaging for your snacks and picnics, and be prepared to carry your trash and recyclables back to the parking lot. Trash cans are not a standard trail feature. Do choose the right trail for your ability and activity. Check online, refer to conservation area pamphlets, and read trail head maps to find a trail that’s right for your activity and ability. Just as it’s inconsiderate to mountain bike on a pedestrian trail, it’s unwise to push a stroller on a winding single-track trail. The right trail will ensure your nature walk is always blissful!