Avondale trail system work party

On November 17th the West Hants Trails Association (WHTA) was grateful for the help provided at a trail work party by the grade 10 Options and Opportunities (O2) class from Avonview High School. With members of WHTA leading, the group was split into three smaller groups and some great progress was made in making Phase 2 a reality. Phase 2 will augment the exiting Westbrook trail in Avondale with new trails, making it a trail system. The new trail section being developed in Phase 2 will include an additional scenic loop meandering along the Westbrook upstream from the existing trail bridge on Westbrook trail. It will take users through mature Acadian mixed wood forest, regenerating forest and an abandoned rail bed. This additional 2.0km of trail will link the existing trail to the Avondale Sky winery, where an additional trailhead and parking will be provided as a second option to the existing trailhead and parking at the community hall. The students learned how to construct trails to a standard that will make them safe for all users and minimize environmental impact. The students were a huge help in making the link between the railbed and the winery a reality. They cleared new trail, made bench-cuts on steep slopes, moved structures for reuse from areas that will be rerouted, and began construction of structures to navigate wet areas. The WHTA would like to thank Sean Connelly and his students from the O2 program for putting in a truly amazing effort on a chilly day. By helping develop trails in West Hants they are facilitating access to affordable recreational opportunities with a connection to the local natural landscape, providing opportunities to improve the physical and mental well being of residents.