Friends of Island Lake to host Trail Donation Day

October 16, 2017 · 0 Comments

Show your love for Island Lake Conservation Area this Sunday (Oct. 15) at the annual Trail Donation Day.
The event is hosted by the Friends of Island Lake (FOIL) and takes place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers will collect donations for trail developments and improvements at the intersection of the west trail and north dam. Donations can also be made at the gatehouse or online.
“Trail Donation Day is a great opportunity for the whole community to come out and support the park,” FOIL Chair Mike Walker said. “Our lakeside trail is special. It connects our communities and neighbours. It encourages healthy lifestyles, nature appreciation, tourism and economic development. We want everyone to enjoy it, today and for generations to come.”
Funds raised by FOIL over the past year have been used to build several trail turn-a-rounds and three accessible fishing piers along the Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail.
“Island Lake is a unique venue that can be enjoyed by everyone, all year long. It provides a great opportunity to introduce children to nature, and is an exceptional place to improve or maintain a healthy lifestyle,” said Craig Stevenson, general manager of Canadian Tire Orangeville. “We are pleased to be able to support the Friends of Island Lake.”
The event is sponsored by local businesses including Canadian Tire Orangeville, The Grime Team — Royal LePage, Blackstock Ford Lincoln and Lord Dufferin Centre Retirement Residence.
Since 2005, FOIL has worked with Credit Valley Conservation Foundation to help raise more than $1.8 million in donations to complete accessible trails around Island Lake Conservation Area. The trails help connect the municipalities of Orangeville and Mono.
The number of people on the trail has exploded since July 2015, when final bridges built on the Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail created a full trail loop around Island Lake. Trail use has increased more than 350 per cent. Fall is the busiest time on the trail, averaging close to 20,000 visits per month.
For more details about FOIL’s Trail Donation Day, visit www.cvcfoundation.ca