15-05-2025
Powassan man honoured for dedication to local trails
A gathering was held at the Pines Trails in Powassan, Ont. on Thursday to celebrate 'trail champions' from around the Nipissing region.
Pine Trails gathering June 29
A number of volunteers from the Nipissing region gathered Thursday at the Pines Trails in Powassan, Ont. to celebrate local 'trail champions.' (Supplied/Discovery Routes)
Discovery Routes is a charity organization that connects communities across the north through trails. There are at least 56 separate community trail partners responsible for the stewardship of local trails. Most of the groups rely entirely on volunteers who donate their time and energy to maintaining and improving the trails.
The organization has launched a Trail Volunteer Appreciation Program to bring attention to the volunteers who dedicate so much of their time to serve on committees, to act as champions for important trail issues, to maintain local trails and coordinating trail events or programs that further the development of the region's trail network.
'The pandemic created a dramatic increase in demand for outdoor activities,' said Susan Christian, Discovery Routes chairperson, in a news release Friday.
'We know that trails are powerful tools for individuals to improve mental, physical and emotional health and want to recognize and celebrate the countless volunteers in communities across the north who keep the trails we all love open and safe for all to enjoy.'
Officials with the organization say they hope the program will inspire more people to get involved with their local trails.
On June 29, the program honoured long-time Powassan trail volunteer Gerry Giesler as a 'champion,' recognizing him for more than 16 years of service to area trails.
Gerry Giesler
Gerry Giesler was named a 'trail champion' at a walk on the Pine Trails network on June 29/23. (Supplied/Discovery Routes)
Giesler was instrumental in improving paddling access to the South River Water Trail by successfully getting portage trails established around a number of hydro dams between Trout Creek and Powassan, said officials. He volunteers with the Powassan Recreation Committee and has been involved in the Pines Trails network for a number of years.
When asked why he volunteers, Giesler said it is exciting to see years of planning take shape and new trails and water access set up in the region – like at Love Lake in Trout Creek.
'I've always been an outdoors person and liked doing outdoor stuff,' he said in the news release.
'What it boils down to is I like sharing my knowledge and making sure other people can get to enjoy the outdoors, too.'
Volunters Pine Trails network walk
Area volunteers walked the Pine Trails network on Thursday to celebrate local 'trail champion' Gerry Giesler. (Supplied/Discovery Routes)
'On behalf of the Municipality of Powassan we thank Gerry for many hours of dedication to trails and recreation in our community,' said Powassan Mayor Peter McIsaac, who was in attendance at Thursday's walk.
For more information about Discovery Routes, visit their website or Facebook page.
