Leave no trace.  Pack it in?  Pack it out!

After 30 years in circulation, we're going to change the "I Hiked the Sydenham Section" badge.  Thank you for all the entries, the contest is now closed.   The winning design was announced at the Spring Social.    For further information, check our next edition of Sydenham Hiker newsletter, coming out in late May!

The Sydenham Bruce Trail Club (SBTC) was formed in July 1962.  Our volunteers have been working for over 60 years to preserve and protect the Niagara Escarpment, and provide public access via the Bruce Trail to this magnificent corridor of nature.

The Bruce Trail, Canada's oldest and longest footpath, provides the only continuous public access to the magnificent Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. It is one of only eighteen such reserves in all of Canada. The Sydenham section of the Bruce Trail is managed by the SBTC. 

The SBTC is one of nine clubs that are governed by the Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC).  The SBTC is governed by an elected executive.

Members of the SBTC volunteer their time to build and maintain the Bruce Trail along an established optimum route from Blantyre to Wiarton. The main trail in the Sydenham section is about 170 km long, with numerous side trails that provide access to the main trail or create loop walks. The work involves such activities as:  

• acquiring landowner permission

• building the footpath

• erecting structures such as foot bridges and signs

• regular trail maintenance such as pruning branches and weeds, cutting grass, re-painting blazes when needed

• stewarding the land we have secured, by monitoring for encroachments, and endangered species, and also helping remove invasive species

SBTC members do not always work alone. For major projects, some community groups assist. 

Another great way to volunteer is by leading hikes. If you have enjoyed our group hikes, maybe you’d like to lead a hike? We provide training and support. 

For more information on any of these opportunities, please contact us at volunteer@sydenhambrucetrail.ca 

The Bruce Trail Conservancy is an organization founded, built and supported by volunteers, donors, and members. Your membership in the Conservancy will help the Sydenham Bruce Trail Club continue in its efforts to preserve and protect the natural heritage of the Niagara Escarpment. The Bruce Trail provides an important link to over 100 parks and conservation areas along the Niagara Escarpment corridor and the Conservancy works to maintain the Trail throughout southern Ontario.

Your membership means that you are participating in securing the continued existence of the Bruce Trail. You'll have the opportunity to meet new people and get involved in our hikes, social gatherings, workshops and weekend outings. You also receive:

• Bruce Trail Magazine; the official magazine of the Bruce Trail Conservancy

• The Sydenham Hiker; our club newsletter featuring information on SBTC achievements and upcoming hikes and events.

• Discounts on products from the BTC Store and at various sports and hiking stores.

To join the Sydenham Bruce Trail Club (SBTC) you must join the Bruce Trail Conservancy:

• Visit the BTC Become a Member page: https://brucetrail.org/become-a-member/ 

• When completing the membership application select 'Sydenham' as your primary club.