Our favourite picks for summer 2012

Must StoMp the Quarry

Walk, bike or run – and eat – to help support the fight to stop the proposed mega quarry in Melancthon. The NDACT-sponsored event takes place Saturday, July 28 in the scenic hills and fertile countryside next to the quarry site. There are 5km and 10km courses for both runners and walkers, as well as half and full marathons for runners and a dash for kids. Cyclists can tour a 10km or 20km course.

Organizers promise trails “over 
gently rolling hills, through canopied woodlands, beside trickling streams,” with “stunning vista points.” Most of the tracks are a combination of asphalt and hard-packed gravel. Roads on the route will be closed to through traffic.

Plus, after all that hard legwork, there’s the reward of a barbecue ($15) or a vegetarian potato feast ($7.50), both with organic salads.

Entry fees range from $25 for the kids’ dash to $130 for the marathon, refundable if you raise more than $200 in pledges.

For a map and description of the courses, and to register for races, download a pledge form, reserve a meal, or volunteer, go to www.ndact.com

(keep your eye out for Bobolinks on the hike!)

Must Nominate

The folks at Heritage Caledon have announced the Great Caledon Heritage Tree Hunt – and they’re asking Caledon residents to nominate trees for heritage distinction.

Along with size and age, culturally significant trees are those associated with historic events or people. They may have been planted by pioneers or to honour a war hero or family member. They may have survived a flood, fire – or housing development. In short, they are “witnesses to yesteryear,” with a story to tell.

If you know of a worthy Caledon tree, visit the Town of Caledon website to download a nomination form. The successful nominees will be placed in a database and become part of Caledon’s historical record. The best stories will be published.

For more information, contact [email protected]

Must Celebrate

The little white church in Caledon is having a birthday party, and you’re invited. The historic Melville White Church on Mississauga Road south of Belfountain was erected in 1837, making it the oldest church building in the hills. Though no longer in religious service, the church was restored through community efforts to serve as an events venue. To celebrate its 175th anniversary, the Belfountain Heritage Committee and the Caledon Heritage Foundation are hosting two events.

The first is an art show featuring the work of 60 local artists who have depicted interpretations of the church, its history and its place in Caledon’s historic Rockside community. Most of the work will be available for sale.

The art show runs from September 15 to 23 at the church and Belfountain Community Centre.

The second event is an anniversary tea party, featuring scones and classic country music. The party will also mark the launch of a book on the history of the church, featuring works from the art show. The artists will be on hand.

The tea party takes place Sunday, September 16, from 2 to 5pm on the church grounds.

Must Ride

Jump on your horse and take a ride to beat breast cancer. On July 14, the third annual Trail Ride for Breast Cancer takes place in Dufferin County Forest on Airport Rd, near Mansfield. The event was founded by Debra Moore after she lost her mother to breast cancer. Last year it attracted 77 riders and raised $4,4oo. Debra and her sister Lynda have set their sights higher this year, hoping to attract more than a hundred riders and raise at least $5,ooo. To do that, they’ve added an online auction, which includes such items as horse blankets, personalized saddle fit evaluations, dressage pads and equestrian prints.

To make an auction bid or register for a day Debra promises will be full of fun, friends, food and horses, see trailrideforbreastcancer.weebly.com

Must Hike

If you’ve begun to feel like your hiking habits have hit a rut, it’s time to check out the brand new online trail maps for the Headwaters region. The project, spearheaded by Headwaters Communities in Action, was conceived to promote community health and well-being by extending community walking and cycling opportunities. HCIA’s goal is eventually to create a fully linked trail network throughout the region.

The online resource provides maps and information on 20 trails, including local sections of the Bruce Trail, the Elora-Cataract Trailway and the Caledon Trailway, as well as less-travelled trails, such as the Upper Grand Trailway. The maps also include trails in all local provincial parks, conservation areas and nature preserves, as well as those in the various tracts of Dufferin County Forest. There’s even a map of Orangeville’s in-town trails.

To download a map, or post a comment on your trail experience, 
visit headwaterscommunities.org and click on the Headwaters 
Trail Map logo.