Stories From The Greenbelt: Finding Connection on the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail
Written by Karen Graham, President, Oak Ridges Trail Association
A Hike Leader’s Reflection
As one of 34 active volunteer hike leaders with the Oak Ridges Trail Association, I’ve had the privilege of exploring and sharing some of Ontario’s most beautiful landscapes with fellow hikers. Each hike is a new opportunity - to connect with nature, to meet new people, and to experience the ever-changing beauty of the Oak Ridges Moraine.
What makes this trail so special is its diversity. From the towering hemlocks and white pines of the Ganaraska Forest to the rolling hills of Uxbridge and the rich biodiversity of the Northumberland Forest, no two hikes are ever the same. The trail winds through forests, wetlands, and meadows, offering something for every kind of hiker, whether you're looking to get your heart rate up or simply enjoy a peaceful stroll through the woods.
What makes this trail so special is its diversity. From the towering hemlocks and white pines of the Ganaraska Forest to the rolling hills of Uxbridge and the rich biodiversity of the Northumberland Forest, no two hikes are ever the same"
Our hike leaders are a passionate bunch, many are walking encyclopedias when it comes to native plants and wildflowers. We offer hikes at a variety of paces and distances to suit all levels, and we love introducing people to trails they’ve never explored before. Whether you're a regular or a first-timer, there’s always a warm welcome waiting.
Some of my favorite moments from 2024 hikes include:
- Jefferson Forest with Linda Weston, where the forest floor was blanketed in trilliums and the hills rose gently around us.
- A hands-on native grass and flower seeding session with Scott Cecchin in Northumberland Forest a beautiful reminder of the role we play in restoring and protecting these landscapes.
- Exploring the Aurora Arboretum with Karen Fullbrook, where the diversity of flora was truly inspiring.
- A magical autumn hike in Ganaraska West Forest with Bob Comfort, where the fall colours were nothing short of breathtaking.
Beyond the scenery, what keeps me coming back is the sense of community. Our hikes are a space to chat, laugh, learn, and sometimes just walk in companionable silence. They’re a chance to unplug, breathe deeply, and reconnect — with nature, and with each other.
All of our hike leaders are certified through Hike Ontario and trained in First Aid, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. We’re proud to be part of a movement that not only promotes physical and mental well-being but also fosters a deep appreciation for the natural world.
If you haven’t yet explored the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail, I encourage you to join us. There’s a trail — and a story — waiting for you.
Securing the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail: Why It Matters and What Comes Next
The Oak Ridges Moraine Trail is a treasured ribbon of green that winds through forests, wetlands, and communities across southern Ontario. But behind the peaceful beauty of the trail lies a complex and often invisible challenge: keeping it secure. But what does “Securing the Trail” mean?
To someone unfamiliar with trail management, “securing the trail” might sound like putting up signs or clearing brush. In reality, it’s about ensuring long-term, uninterrupted public access to the trail, now and for future generations. This means having formal agreements in place with the landowners whose properties the trail crosses, whether they are private individuals, municipalities, or conservation authorities.
Without these agreements, sections of the trail are vulnerable. If a landowner sells their property or changes their mind, we risk losing access — and with it, the continuity of the trail.
Why This Work Is So Challenging & What Needs to Change
The Oak Ridges Trail Association (ORTA) is a volunteer-driven organization. Years ago, we had a paid Executive Director who helped manage relationships with landowners and stakeholders. Today, that responsibility falls to our dedicated volunteers, and while their passion is unmatched, the scope of this work is simply too large to rely on goodwill alone.
Maintaining relationships with dozens of private landowners, multiple conservation authorities, and various municipalities is a full-time job. Without consistent communication and formal agreements, we’ve found ourselves in difficult situations. Recently, we discovered that some sections of the trail we believed to be on public road allowances are actually on private property — and we now face gaps in the trail where access is no longer guaranteed.
Many of our current trail sections are based on verbal or handshake agreements made years ago. These informal arrangements, while once sufficient, are no longer sustainable. If a property changes hands or a landowner reconsiders, we could lose access overnight.
To truly secure and enhance the trail, we need a new approach- one that includes:
- Formalizing Agreements: Ideally, we would secure easements or written agreements for all trail sections that cross private land.
- Dedicated Support: We need help — whether through funding for staff, partnerships with land trusts, or legal expertise — to manage and maintain these critical relationships.
- Ongoing Communication: Regular check-ins with municipalities and conservation authorities are essential to ensure agreements are current and that we remain aligned on shared goals.
- Strategic Planning: Identifying and addressing gaps in the trail, and planning for future growth, requires a coordinated, long-term strategy.
Why It Matters Now
The pressure on Ontario’s natural spaces is growing. Development, climate change, and increased trail use all pose challenges. If we don’t act now to secure the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail, we risk losing not just access, but the opportunity to protect and connect people with this vital landscape.
Trail securement is difficult, behind-the-scenes work — but it’s also some of the most important. With the right support, we can ensure that the trail remains a place of connection, discovery, and peace for generations to come.
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