Gabriola Land and Trails Trust’s (GaLTT) brand new, beautiful, coloured trail map is hot off the presses and you can pick one up at Saturday’s Farmers’ Market or from Artworks, North Road Outdoor Clothing Store, Mid-Island Co-op, Page’s Marina, or the Visitors’ Centre at Twin Beaches. They’re only $3 each, so it’s worth buying a few extras for your visitors.

The map brochure was designed by Cameron Murray and Judy Preston. It shows all the legal public trails on the island, including those in the 707-acre park. It also shows beach accesses, parks, familiar landmarks, and the road system. On the reverse side are described 25 walks, identified by numbers on the map. Some of GaLTT’s newly licensed trails allowing public access to specific privately-owned land are included.

Note that these trails don’t just appear and stay clear by themselves. They are maintained in walkable condition by very hard-working volunteer crews led by GaLTT member Randy Young. The crews regularly remove fallen trees, cut back overgrown brush, and control the spread of invasive plants like blackberry and broom all around the island. To avoid swampy ground or protect riparian areas, they sometimes also build boardwalks.

It’s a big job, which they’d be happy to have help with. Give Randy a call. He’ll be leading a group in Drumbeg Park on June 24, at 1.30, to continue last year’s excellent work clearing the broom before it goes to seed.