“My husband and I have always been passionate about the outdoors. However, after his life-changing accident, we found ourselves seeing the world through the lens of a wheelchair. It was a tough adjustment, and we often felt like we were missing out on the beauty of nature. That changed when I learned about a new accessible trail project at Grant’s Woods Nature Reserve. When I saw that, I instantly knew this organization truly understood the importance of making the outdoors accessible for everyone, regardless of their mobility. I wanted to be a part of that mission.
Since then, I’ve been volunteering in the office and with the invasive species removal team. I’ve learned so much about the different reserves, the wildlife, and the important work being done to protect species at risk. What’s even more special is that my husband has been able to access some of the trails, and we’ve been able to enjoy nature together again.”
–Pam Paylor is a Couchiching Conservancy volunteer and member
When it first opened in 2004, the Periwinkle Trail at the Couchiching Conservancy’s Grant’s Woods Nature Reserve was designed to be accessible. In practice, although the trail was wide and mostly flat, the loose earth trail increasingly meant a bumpy, frustrating, and sometimes impassable path for wheelchair users and strollers.
As the reserve’s popularity has grown, so too has the Conservancy’s commitment to enhancing its infrastructure, and increasing accessibility for its growing and diverse community.
In 2023, the Conservancy transformed the Periwinkle Trail into one that is much more accessible. The project involved extensive re-framing, stone laying, flattening, hazard removal, and bridge refinishing, ensuring safety and accessibility for all. A 230-meter section of the trail was meticulously upgraded, framed with durable 4×4 lumber and surfaced with compacted limestone screenings to create a smooth and stable pathway.
Building an accessible trail is no easy task – but one that has its own rewards. Planning for drainage and proper grading of the trail was a learning project for the Couchiching Conservancy. For drainage, water can undercut the trail easily so the correct culverts are essential. Did you know that gravel comes in many sizes?! Using the correct size of gravel ensures the stability of the trail. Following regulations for grading (creating the right incline for wheelchair use) is essential — and it can make the project much bigger and more expensive if you need to change the incline of a slope.
The Conservancy’s office and gazebo, also located at Grant’s Woods, were made accessible through a retrofit in 2016-17, and this sanctuary was already a cherished destination for nature enthusiasts and community members alike, with approximately 7,000 visitors exploring the network of four kilometers of trails every year. Now, not only for people with physical disabilities but also for families with young children, and for seniors, Grant’s Woods is a more welcoming nature destination.
But the work is not done. A phase 2 is planned which will extend the accessible trail into a longer loop and include designated pull-off areas with benches.
This achievement would not have been possible without the collective effort of Couchiching Conservancy’s staff, volunteers, local businesses, and generous donors. Special thanks go to the Accessible Trails Committee and supporters, including Miller Aggregate, Washago TimberMart, Orillia Home Hardware, Scott Design & Build, and numerous individual contributors.
To see some before and after images, visit Couchiching Conservancy’s website. If you have a land trust accessibility story to share with us, please reach out to us via [email protected].
Written by: Tanya Clark, Fundraising & Engagement Manager, and Meghan Duell, Conserved Lands Manager, Couchiching Conservancy
