Tell us about yourself!
I am a retired high school chemistry teacher and grandmother to four wonderful kids. I love walking my dog, hiking with my friends, and playing golf.
Tell us about your volunteer experiences with the ECTA (When did you start? What do you do?)
I joined the Volunteer Maintenance and Vegetation Control Committee in 2015 under the excellent leadership of Darlene Sorrey Scott. In 2018 I became the committee chair and and have been in that role ever since. A lot of what I do is administrative: communicating with the Volunteer Maintenance Volunteers about upcoming outings, composing Google Form sign-ups and generating events in the East Coast Trail website calendar. I also use social media (Facebook, Instagram) to extend our reach and share the excellent work of the volunteers. Once the outings are organized, I, along with other committee members, lead the day-long maintenance outings along with an East Coast Trail crew member. We train first-time recruits in the pruning standards, and show them how to disperse the mountains of slash they make so the trail looks fabulous by the end of the day. We pick a scenic spot for lunch, and take lots of pictures to show everyone the difference these dedicated volunteers make.
What motivates (or motivated) you to volunteer? And what do you find most rewarding? (Or what are you looking forward to).
So many things are motivating: being on the trail, breathing in the fresh air and taking in the sights, sounds and smells around me; sharing the day with a group of enthusiastic volunteers and seeing their pride as the path transforms from barely visible to open and safe, and the feeling of satisfaction at the end of the outing.
What’s your favourite path and why?
I have many favourite paths; it is hard to pick one. The views on all sections of Stiles Cove Path are breathtaking, the rumble of beach rocks catches me every time I hike from Witless Bay on Mickeleen’s Path, eating my lunch beside the huge eratics on the Flats of Cape Spear Path, and Peggy’s Leg on Deadman’s Path also has a special place in my heart.
Tell us about a memorable experience you’ve had on the trail.
Again, there are so many of these! The ocean by the lighthouse on Spout Path looking like a bubbling witches cauldron because there were so many whales spouting; hiking through an ice-encrusted section of Stiles Cove Path, formed from a reversing waterfall, and of course, the experience of hiking a very wet, muddy Spurwink Path and forgetting all the slog as soon as the view of the Berry Head Sea Arch came into sight. Good times!
What’s next for you in (in your volunteer role)? Anything exciting on the horizon?
After 7 very fulfilling years, I am stepping back from my role as chair of the Volunteer Maintenance Committee. It is time to give someone else with fresh ideas a chance! I will continue to lead outings and participate in the TrailRaiser, and, of course, hike the trail.
What would you say to somebody who is interested in volunteering with the East Coast Trail Association? (but perhaps doesn’t know how to get started).
The East Coast Trail exists and continues to exist because of volunteers. Please don’t take this tabulous trail for granted! Please consider giving back to the trail you love to hike. I have worked with such dedicated and enthusiastic people over the last ten years, each person and outing has enriched my life and filled me with gratitude.
