For most of the year the expression “take a hike” is idiomatic and at worst, insulting. But come spring those on the receiving end may just shrug, grab a sturdy walking stick and head for the trails. This is also the time of year when the efforts of local volunteers play a big role in a favourite seasonal activity.

“I’ve been cutting grass along the river for the last 20 years,” said trail volunteer Ken Kurtz of St. Jacobs.

Kurtz works on a portion of the village’s Health Valley Trail, usually cutting the grass along the Conestogo River. As he walks to the entrance of the trail on a Tuesday afternoon, he points out a flowerbed near the trail map where the tulips planted by Kurtz and his wife Sheila have begun to grow. In the spirit of spring the longtime volunteer has also planted some tulips in the foliage along the trail for hikers and cyclists to enjoy.

“I planted tulips but didn’t tell anyone where they are, see if you can pick them out,” he said.

Smiling, he added that it brings him joy to see flowers grow.

“In the spring, once the ground has thawed out, the trails are groomed. The township looks after that, but there is a lot of work that volunteers do in terms of clearing branches, and some tree planting happens depending on the trails. Each trail is somewhat different,” said Woolwich Coun. Mark Bauman, a member of the Woolwich Trails Group that promotes outdoor activity and the use of local trails.

The follow-up to winter – and last week’s ice storm – has Bauman and numerous other volunteers taking to their trucks and tools, clearing fallen trees and large branches off the trails. It is not uncommon for groups to also help with other maintenance needs such as the bridge across the Health Valley Trail in St. Jacobs that saw preseason repairs this year.

Countless organizations and local chapters volunteer every year to care for a portion of local trails that span about 75 kilometers of the township. Bauman notes that the natural landscape has created a culture of outdoor enthusiasts.

“One day in May I went for a bike ride and in two kilometres I passed 75 people. I would say they are very well used,” he said.

Given all the use, it’s no wonder Woolwich trails require ongoing repair and maintenance. But what’s the appeal for volunteers who spend hours of their time at the task?

“There’s so many people using [the trail network], I think that’s part of the appeal. People can use it free of charge and we feel that we are giving back to the community by providing these facilities,” said Elmira Lions Club trail chairman Art Woods.

Along with individual volunteers the trails see heavy involvement from local organizations like the Lions Club and the Conestogo-Winterbourne Optimist Club.

Local Lions have a long history with Woolwich’s trails, Woods explained, taking care of three different locations including a portion of the Kissing Bridge Trail that runs from Elmira to Wallenstein. There is also the Lions Lake Trail near Floradale and the unfinished Elmira Ring Trail which, once completed, will circle the town’s perimeter.

“There were some times I would be out as long as there was daylight. It’s the opportunity of getting outside; it just gave me a memory of what it was like for me as a kid. I grew up on a farm and being outside was just another outlet to break up my day,” Kurtz said.

So the next time you walk along one of Woolwich’s many rural paths take a closer look at the surrounding flora. You might see a tree with a plaque dedicated to a loved one, likely planted by a member of a local club. Or you may catch a tulip hiding coyly along the trail; it might have been the work of a well-wishing trail volunteer. Seldom very noticeable for the casual observer, the small touches represent the stewards of Woolwich’s most scenic routes.