Adopt A Trail

The New Brunswick Trails Council Inc. is dedicated to high quality recreation experiences for citizens and visitors of New Brunswick through promotion, education, facilitation and other functions required for the development and management of a world class trail system.

Who?
Individuals, non-profit organizations, service clubs, municipalities and businesses may apply to take responsibility for a section of trail. The first step is to read the guidelines carefully, then select a section of trail that you feel can be cleaned effectively by your group. Then file an application with The Local Trail Sponsor or the New Brunswick Trails Council Inc. Each sponsor needs an Authorized Group Representative and an Alternate to serve as contacts with the Local Trail Sponsor.

Alert! Applications are handled on a 'first-come, first served' basis. So file your application now!

Where?
Almost any section of trail may be adopted.The minimum length for adoption is one kilometre, although lengths can be tailored to the size of the adopting group.

When?
Actual clean-up activities take place twice a year, in the Spring between April 15 and June 30, and in the Fall between September 1 and October 31.

Signs
Official signs will display 'Adopt A Trail/Adoptez Un Sentier', the 800 number, the NB Trails Council Inc./Sentier NB Trail logo, the name of the adopting group, the length of trail being adopted and the Local Trail Sponsor name and logo.

Two signs will be installed, one in each direction. The costs of the signs will be shared between the NB Trails Council Inc. and the Local Trail Sponsor.

Supplies
The Local Trail Sponsor provides garbage bags to sponsors. The sponsoring organization is responsible for contacting the Local Trail Sponsor a week in advance to obtain garbage bags and safety information.

General Information
The "Adopt A Trail" program is a joint effort of the New Brunswick Trails Council Inc., trails' sponsors, and the volunteer groups working together to keep trails clean and picturesque. Participant responsibilities are divided as follows: New Brunswick Trails Council Inc. will supply garbage bags and coordinates the Adopt A Trail" program. Trail sponsors distribute material to volunteers and seek people to participate in the program. Volunteers organize activities in a chosen region and ensure maintenance. The program allows various groups to "adopt" a section of the trail, maintain it and ensures that their efforts are recognized on installed signs.

Odds and Ends
Let's all aim to make our trail litter-free and our "picture province" even more beautiful.

Equipment
Workers should dress appropriately. Don't forget your thermos bottles and lunches. Gloves are a must for dealing with wet and unpleasant trash. Areas around trails are frequently wet, so rubber boots are the ideal footgear. Sneakers are risky and sandals are definitely not suitable. Volunteers should use extreme caution when handling suspicious-looking materials. Watch out and avoid hazardous plants such as poison ivy. A first aid kit is an excellent idea. Know the location of the nearest
medical emergency facility and pre-select the most direct route. Know the location of the nearest telephone. Always have transportation available.

Safety
Safety is paramount. The sponsoring group must provide supervision: at least one adult for every eight (8) participants under the age of 18.

Let's all aim to make our trails litter-free and our 'picture province' even more beautiful.