MINDEMOYA—Saturday, June 2 marked the soft opening of the Wagg’s Woods Trail. The Wagg’s Trail committee was waiting patiently for hikers to show up to the soft re-opening of this wonderful trail.
The trail is located at 1 Thorne Street in Mindemoya. All trails are now open, each well marked and ready to be discovered. When arriving to the trail there is a map to indicate each trail, you will find that there is a trail to suit all levels of one’s abilities. The Woodland Accessibility trail is also ready and fully accessible for strollers, walkers and hikers—there truly is a trail for everyone at Wagg’s Woods Trail.
The trails are beautiful and peaceful one can truly get lost in their sheer beauty. The birds sing, the air smells fresher and the plants and vegetation are plenty. From the moss covering the rocks to the barred owl who has made its home in one of the not-so-great but still standing trees, this trail is a slice of heaven right here on Manitoulin Island. The barred owl will also be the official mascot for the trail.
The Fossil trail is the old streambed full of all kinds of fossils ready to be discovered; the Escarpment trail is an adventurous trail which follows the top of the escarpment; and Alvar trail is full of glacial erratics.
Ferns, leeks, milkweed, lady slippers are just a small fraction of what you will find on the trail plant. For the tree and shrub lovers you will find, ash black, red as well as ash white to name just a few—the list goes on and there is something to discover at every twist, turn and step. Those needing to take a rest on the trail can have a seat and enjoy the sounds around you on any of the five benches donated by Madeline Wagg-Becks, Island Animal hospital, Jake’s Home Centre in memory of Don and Kevin Mackan and Finn’s Gas Bar and the Love Family.
The guided tour took a group of hikers through the trails and explained in detail every plant, tree and bird that was heard. When the tour ended, at the very opening of the trail was Madeleine Wagg-Becks awaiting to greet the group of hikers. At the age of 102 Madeline walked to the very bench she had donated. She was more than happy to have her picture taken with her daughter Gail Meehan and her granddaughter Diane Meehan.
