Would you like to help maintain the natural beauty of the Ganaraska Forest & Watershed?
The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA) works to ensure that local watersheds, lakes, wetlands, woodlands, and natural habitats are conserved, managed and restored. The conservation authority develops and maintains programs that protect life and property from natural hazards, such as flooding and erosion and works to provide opportunities for the public to enjoy, learn from and respect the region’s natural environment.
Ganaraska Conservation relies on volunteers to help expand and improve programs, as well as make our delivery of service unique and successful. Program volunteers are responsible to GRCA staff for their performance and project supervisors will determine if a volunteer should be denied volunteer privileges. Volunteers are expected to maintain the GRCA’s high quality of service and to conduct themselves in a professional, helpful manner at all times.
Volunteers agree to support the GRCA without expectation of remuneration or special consideration. The GRCA supports its volunteers by providing training and guidance in their program areas.
With over 11,000 acres of forest and conservation lands that include an extensive trail network, the Ganaraska Forest provides incredible opportunities for outdoor recreation, education and resource management. Volunteer opportunities may also be available through the GRCA’s watershed services program for environmental monitoring and/or stewardship programs such as tree planting, Yellow Fish Road and other community public events.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the GRCA.
Trail Maintenance Programs
For Individuals
What is a Ganaraska Forest Trail Maintenance Volunteer?
The GRCA has developed a new Ganaraska Forest Trail Maintenance (GFTM) opportunity that might be just right for you and your friends.
This opportunity is open to volunteers over 16 years of age, working in groups of two or three, on GRCA mapped trails within the Ganaraska Forest. Volunteers will remove debris and smaller trees with non-powered, hand tools and document larger blockages for the GRCA. Volunteers under 18 must have a guardian present, who is also a GFTM volunteer.
All volunteers must participate in training provided by the GRCA, as well as have and wear their own applicable, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while in the Ganaraska Forest and during the training event.
For additional information and to volunteer, please see the Volunteer Forms section.
Note: The Application Form must be saved to your desktop computer and cannot be completed on a mobile device.
You can save the PDF to your computer by clicking on a download link or icon in your browser window or by right-clicking on the Application Form (Individual) button and selecting Save Target As or Save Link As.
Enter your information, save the PDF and email the completed form to volunteer@grca.on.ca.
For Groups / Organizations
What is a Ganaraska Forest Trail Maintenance Agreement?
Under an Agreement, volunteer groups and organizations are able to carry out trail maintenance to support recreational opportunities within the Ganaraska Forest, which would otherwise be prohibited under the Conservation Authorities Act. Such activities include cutting or removing plant material and maintaining trail surfaces.
For additional information, please see the Volunteer Forms section.
How To Apply
Please request a Ganaraska Forest Trail Maintenance Application form from the Ganaraska Forest Recreation Technician at evanosch@grca.on.ca or by calling 905.885.8173 x 325.