CORNWALL, Ontario – The Township of South Glengarry and the Friends of the Summerstown Trails (FOTST) held a joint press conference on Saturday, Nov. 5 to unveil four new interpretive signs which will be installed at various locations on the cross-country ski and snowshoe trails at the Summerstown Forest. The unveiling took place at the beginning of the annual
Clean-Up Day organized by FOTST to remove trash and complete maintenance work on the trails in preparation for the upcoming winter season.
The production of these signs was made possible through a grant obtained from the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TDFEF). Leigh MacDonald, Branch Manager of the TD Bank on 9th Street in Cornwall, was in attendance representing the TDFEF. She explained that funds collected from employee and client donations, and matched by TD Bank, are granted to local organizations in support of environmental projects. While the TDFEF is a national charity, locally raised funds remain in the region.
The interpretive signs were developed by the FOTST to inform trail users about the birds, trees and wetlands of Summerstown Forest, specifically targeting the thousands of grade school students who visit the trails every winter on school outings. The signs also include a message about conservation.
“The Township of South Glengarry is pleased to partner with the Friends of the Summerstown Trails and TD Friends of the Environment Foundation on this initiative,” stated Mayor Ian McLeod, “The trails are enjoyed by residents and visitors throughout the region and these signs will certainly enhance the experience of trail users.”
“This initiative was achieved by a coming together of the private sector, local government and the Friends of the Summerstown Trails, but the most important thing is the message on the panels,” added FOTST President Paul Couture. “I hope the information contributes in some way to raise awareness of the importance of the natural world in our local community.”
