Trail Talk August 6th 2026

This is the time of year that Golden Rods are blooming. There are at least eight varieties that can be seen in Huron County, with Early Goldenrod being the most common one at present.  I always like goldenrods, which sometimes are blamed for causing allergies, when it is far more likely to be caused by ragweed which has an inconspicuous bloom at a similar time.

One of my favourite plants is Blue-eyed grass.  When the flowers are not in bloom it is quite difficult to spot it from regular grass. There is a lovely group at Hullett just North of the Purple trail entrance that was blooming a while ago.

After a heavy rain what seemed to be a well cleared and trimmed trail, can be a problem.  Small shrubs tend to lean across the trail and if still wet from rain, can soak the passing hiker.  The rain not only results in more vigorous growth but also results in puddles which become breeding grounds for more biting insects.   I have noticed that there is a big difference in bothersome insects between and within trails. The Sugar Bush trails tend to have more biting insects than most other trails.  Some hikers tend to be bothered by insects more than other hikers.  When my sister from Scotland came for a visit every black fly bite caused a swelling and itchy lump, while all I had was a small spot of blood where the black fly had bitten me.

When I went to St Mary’s I enyoded a short walk by the Thames river.  A Blue Heron was standing on a rock, and I had to watch it closely to be sure it was not a statue. It finally turned its head, but still allowed me to come fairly close, compared with most other blue herons that I have seen that quickly fly away.  The Avon trail Association holds a Wildwood Challenge hike on Saturday October 24^th when you can hike a 22 km loop which is near St Mary’s.  Registration cost $35, but there are only a few openings left.

On July 29^th I tripped over a concealed stump, and sprained my ankle.  I am always cautious about tripping over the many roots on the trails but this stump was in the middle of the trail and blended well into the background. I have since cut it off.

The Maitland Trail Association is pleased to announce that it has once again received funding through the Invasive Species Action Fund (ISAF) to support the removal and control of invasive buckthorn along the local trail system.

The initial focus of this work was in the Maitland Woods, where buckthorn continues to pose a challenge to the health of the surrounding forest. Once established, buckthorn can spread quickly, crowding out native plants and reducing the variety of vegetation available to wildlife. Managing it is a difficult and ongoing task that requires time, equipment and continued follow-up.

Funding from ISAF will help offset some of the costs associated with this important work. Depending on the progress of the project, efforts may later expand to another section of the trail system, potentially near the G2G Rail Trail and Dunlop Tomb area.

Removing invasive species is an important part of protecting healthy forests, preserving native plant communities and maintaining enjoyable trail environments for everyone. These projects also support the long-term resilience of the natural areas through which our trails travel.

The Invasive Species Action Fund is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. The Maitland Trail Association gratefully acknowledges this valuable assistance and the support it provides for a challenging but essential part of trail stewardship

Events.

Sunday August 9th Cycle 10a.m.-12.30 p.m. MacGregor Point Park . Meet at the Park  entrance gatehouse (permit office). Obtain a Park day pass from a library or pay $14 day pass or we can prearrange a ride to the park.

Difficulty – Mostly beginner with some moderate as some of the trail is bumpy due to roots and stones

Deer Run Bike Trail 11 km easy, Old Shore Road Trail 6 km easy, Kempfs Trail 0.8 km (20 min) easy

After the ride can stop for coffee at Cedarvale Wellbeing located on the edge of MacGregor Park.

Or a cold plunge and sauna for those interested in the opportunity.

Helmets are required. Maitland Trail Association Waivers are required and please complete a waiver at

www.maitlandtrail.ca/cycling/ in advance of the ride. One for each participant. Call 519-530-9019 if you

need assistance. Please pre-register with Donald Andrew 519-530-9019 call or text.

Saturday August 15^th 9.00-11 a.m. Hike the Morrison Dam Conservation Area and the MacNaughton-Morrison Trails

Meet at Morrison Dam Conservation Area, parking at 71108 Morrison Line,Exeter (south side of the dam).

Approximately 8 km hike. Scenic views along the Morrison Dam reservoir system and the McNaughton-Morrison Trail.

Level: Level 1, moderate to brisk pace. Some uneven surfaces, no significant hills.

For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Susan Ethelston at susan.ethelston@gmail.com

Saturday August 22nd 11a.m. -Noon BRVTA meet at  40905 Summerhill Road for a hike

Note that the Maitland Trail between Londesboro road and Little Lakes Road remains closed due to a landslide.

The Maitland Trail map shows distances that were about 300m different from the km posts.  The posts up to 41 km have now been moved to correspond with the map distances.

The September 22- 23^rd Maitland Camino is getting close to being fully booked.

Tuesday Trompers meet at 9 a.m. on Tuesday to hike for about an hour. If you wish to be on this email list, send an email to mta@maitlandtrail.ca

Midweek hikers meet at 9 a.m. and hike for 1 ½ to 2 hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Contact Patrick Capper at pcapper99@gmail.com

LIFE hikers meet every Friday for a hike of about 1 1 /2 hours, with a choice of pace, striders moving a little faster than the strollers.  The hikes now start at 9a.m. and can be joined through One Care.