Tell us about yourself!

Mostly I work and read books, watch movies. And I do a lot of hiking– every day I can. I try to get out for a little walk on the paths around my house, for the “air”.

Tell us about your volunteer experiences with the ECTA

I started near the beginning, but I wasn’t officially a part of the volunteer cadre until later. My neighbor, Janet Kelly, was rounding up people up in area during the 1990s to help clear out the cliff path, which is between Beachy Cove and St. Phillips. I did a little bit of that with her group but I didn’t formally join the ECTA until the early 2000s. I did
maintenance hikes quite often and some custodian work on an undocumented trail, which is Miners path now. I was custodian there for a number of years. In 2013 I started as the coordinator for the custodian program and have been doing that ever since. Every once in a while I will sit at tables at health and volunteer fairs with my hiking buddies.

What motivates you to volunteer? And what do you find most rewarding?

I’ve always wanted to see the trail put into place and maintained. I think it is important that we all have access to the water and the trails along the water. It is a common good. And I know that the government in the past has not always seen it that way, so the East Coast Trail is really important in establishing and promoting the trail as a common good. That’s the main reason why I keep on volunteering. I don’t want to see the trail turning into private property with no access.

What’s your favourite path and why?

They are all great, all wonderful! I am actually a custodian on the Goat Cove Path and we do that one almost every week. I like the Stiles Cove Path, and all of the paths on the Northern end of St. John’s, because they are close, easy to get to, and quite beautiful. I like being on the Witless Bay, Bay Bulls, Tinkers Point paths in the summer when the whales are in because you can actually see whales from the paths! It all differs according to the season. The only path I haven’t walked on it is Spurwink North and Caplin Bay Paths, so I need to do them this year. But I’ve hiked every other one so that’s great. I love it. I have two stellar hiking buddies, Robbie and Jantje, it’s always great.

Tell us about a memorable experience you’ve had on the trail.

The whales are fabulous, and the seals. There are actually quite a few seals and herds of seals on particular paths down the shore. My old dog used to bark at the seals and then they would actually follow us along beside the trail. I think they were following the dog barking. He was a black Lab, and they were wondering what he was all about. That was a treat. My favourite thing to do, though, is eating lunch on the trail. Next to the waves, ocean, beautiful scenery and good company.

What’s next for you in your volunteer role?

I’m kind of getting old and should probably hand this over, so if anybody reading this wants my position, they can come and see me. I would give them all of my files and any direction wanted. I am happy to continue, it’s not a hard job. Basically as custodian coordinator I keep track of all the custodians , who’s handing in their reports or not, and I make sure all the reports go into an online drive so a larger number of people can look at them. Then I do training every spring for new custodians. It’s not too hard of a job. If anyone wants to take it over, they are certainly welcome to. But I will continue to be custodian for the Goat Cove Path. It’s close to my house so easy for us to monitor.

What would you say to somebody who is interested in volunteering with the East Coast Trail Association?

Definitely do, it is really important. We must keep it going because if not, we might lose it to private property interests. I think it is important to maintain a presence on the trail all the time. The East Coast Trail association is very good about finding something for anyone who wants to volunteer. Some jobs are huge but there are many more smaller jobs that people can sign on for, like on the fundraising or maintenance groups. There are always ways to contribute and every little contribution helps. And the spring fundraising is coming up, which is usually a blast!

Thank you so much Dr. Cohen!

Are you interested in volunteering with the East Coast Trail Association? Check out the current vacant positions, and join us!