The new 1.6 km CapU50 Trail connects existing pathways including the Seymour Greenway Trail and the path through the central forest with a new footpath in the wetland area north of the Bosa Centre for Film and Animation.

“The idea was to make a trail loop that would highlight some of the biological wealth on campus,” says CapU biology instructor, Rachel Clearwater. “A trail that you can do quickly at lunch or between classes.”

Getting the project off the ground took a community effort. Clearwater and groundskeeper, Jo-Ann Cook collaborated on the proposal to the University’s 50th anniversary Great Ideas fund. Once funding was secured, they consulted with the University Facilities department and faculty from Biology, Outdoor Recreation Management, Geography and Early Childhood Care and Education. Sofia Paco, a student volunteer with the CapU Works program, took on the role of project manager.

“It’s been a really interesting process figuring out how instructors and students use the nature spaces on campus and what they value, and then coming to a consensus on the best trail route and design,” says Clearwater.

The original proposal envisioned a trail marked with gravel and boardwalks, but for biological reasons and to maintain a more natural feel, the end result is a simple footpath. The new paths were built by student and employee volunteers with guidance from mountain bike trail builder, Ted Tempany and Penny Deck, who heads the North Shore Mountain Bike Association Trail Academy. The build included removal of invasive species and extensive replanting of native wetland plants.