I read with interest the feature on the Millbrook Valley Trails, of which I am a huge fan.
We truly do have a wonderful outdoor resource here, skillfully developed and maintained by committed and energetic volunteers with support from the township and Otonabee Conservation. As one of those who likes to keep our local history alive and well, and as a former recreation coordinator for the municipality, I would like to add to the story of how the trails got started.
The Medd’s Mountain Trail System was established in the summer of 1991 and improved in 1992 by students employed by Millbrook Recreation through the Environmental Youth Corps program. This program was a summer jobs opportunity funded by the province to give youth hands-on environmental stewardship experience.
The students started with the already established Sheep Trail that runs from the Medd’s Mountain meadow south to the field on Zion Line. It was said that the trail was originally used to bring sheep from the Medd farm, first settled in the 1820s, to graze in the southern pasture. The youth corps did their research. They documented in a handout the history of the hillside, describing how it was logged extensively in the late 1800s, leaving only a few old growth trees. The logs were milled locally, at Needler’s Mill, providing lumber for Millbrook and the area. They identified the remnants of the pipe that provided drinking water to part of the village of Millbrook, and listed the varieties of trees, fern, fungi, wildflowers and shrubs covering the forest floor.
In all, they mapped out five trails and established the loop that brings walkers down along Baxter Creek. Their hand-crafted signs encouraged walkers to be on the lookout for the many natural features and species along the way. At least one of their signs still remains: watch for the “listen” marker. They designed and hand-painted a map and guide on a large display panel that stood in the meadow for a number of years. Summer day camp programs run from the Old Millbrook School used the trails, and when botanist Harry Williams was alive, he led a guided tour every Earth Day.
During the summer of 1992, the students also started to work on what is now the Cedar Trail, starting from the Provincial Fishing Area. It is heartening to know that their early efforts evolved into the magnificent system we enjoy today. Thanks to Jessica Rowland, Eli and Caleb Robinson, and all the other teenage students who participated locally in the Environmental Youth Corps program. You made a difference!
By Celia Hunter
