Trail Building at Pearson

A dedicated group of students and adults spent their Tuesday afternoon working on one of the most used trails at Pearson. We rerouted a small section to reduce erosion and improve accessibility. This trail connects our campus to the neighbouring Pedder Bay Marina as well as the Galloping Goose, a 55-kilometre-long trail ideal for walking, running, and biking to places like Matheson Lake Regional Park.

Time spent in nature has significant physical, mental, and emotional benefits. After a long day of classes and activities, even a short hike can really help everyone in our community recharge. Trail work maximizes these benefits to trail users and minimizes negative impacts on the land.

We received expert support in our efforts from the Nature Trails Society [NTS], a local not-for-profit organization that builds, maintains, and advocates for recreational nature trails on Southern Vancouver Island. NTS President Kimberley Nemrava is a Pearson alum from the very first year of the college who clearly never lost her connection to the beautiful campus. She connected us with NTS Executive Director Daniel Cammiade, who made several visits out to the college to help us learn why trail maintenance is so important and put those lessons into action!

Our campus and all the trails surrounding it are located on the unceded traditional territory of the Sc’ianew First Nation. Trail work is one way to practice the complex responsibilities that come with the privilege of being able to live and learn on this land. This relationship is ongoing, and there will be future sessions of trail work as well as other initiatives like invasive species removal to care for the land on which our college is located.