Volunteer Spotlight: Dave Moule
For the Central Algoma Land Trust’s first Volunteer Spotlight, we are excited to introduce Dave Moule. Over the past several years, Dave has been an exceptionally dedicated volunteer. His hard work has been vital to the success of our two public hiking trails, which are enjoyed by many in the community. Thank you, Dave, for everything you have done for us and for the local community!
We invited Dave to share a bit about himself and his experience as a volunteer with us, which you can read below.
“I was born and raised in southern Ontario. I studied civil engineering at McMaster University in Hamilton, and had a 28 year career with the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario.
“My biggest volunteer activity has been with the Bruce Trail Conservancy, a conservation organization that maintains a 900 km long hiking trail between Niagara Falls and Tobermory. I have been active as a trail builder and maintainer since 1984, and have held positions as the Trail Director and Chair of the Land Acquisition Committee.
“We have a cottage in Hilton Beach, which was built by my wife’s great-grandparents in 1912. When I heard about TKC’s Foster Parkland and Walking Trails, I went over to check it out. At the time, the trail network was small and not very well used. However, with the acquisition of the Boyer property, I saw an opportunity to create a much larger and more varied trail system. I spoke to Carter Dorscht about this, and got his approval to scout and flag possible trail routes running down toward Mink Point. This proved to be a very interesting exercise, as there was a good variety of landforms and ecosystems, and some very nice views over the lake toward Lasher Island and Walker Island. Carter approved my proposed route, and I went ahead and built the trails. I believe these have been a great success.
“With the acquisition of the Gravel Point Preserve, I saw another opportunity to provide public access to a beautiful natural area. Carter again gave me permission to explore and flag trail routes. This too proved to be very rewarding, as I found not just a lovely natural area, but also evidence of previous human habitation and agriculture. With the help of other volunteers, over a period of two summers, the trails were opened, and a couple of boardwalks were built, so that walkers could cross over seasonally wet areas. Once again, the trails have proven to be very popular.
“What motivates me to volunteer with CALT? I’ve always felt that, if someone has the time, energy and some useful skills, they should share that to benefit others and help make the world a better place. For me, building trails that help people connect with nature is a way of doing that.
“What has made my volunteer experience rewarding? Getting feedback from people who have walked the trails and enjoyed it. This makes me feel that I’ve done something worthwhile.
“CALT is doing a great job of acquiring and conserving natural spaces adjacent to the St. Joseph Channel. In order to support that mission, it is beneficial to provide limited public access to some of the properties, so that people can see and appreciate what is being protected. This will encourage more people to support the Land Trust. Volunteers assist in the achievement of CALT’s goals, by supplementing the work of the staff.”
