Since 1963 volunteers have been the driving force behind the Bruce Trail. Volunteers assume many different roles. Some are responsible for contacting landowners, for marking the route, or for ongoing trail maintenance. Others plan hikes in their communities, promote the trail at events, or simply help as needed in occasional activities. Today, more than 1,500 volunteers support the work of the Bruce Trail Conservancy, serving as caretakers of the Bruce Trail. NBTC is proud to offer three Awards to recognize NBTC is proud to offer three Awards to recognize volunteer contributions.

Nomination Criteria

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NBTC Lifetime Achievement Award

Awarded to a member(s) who has made a significant volunteer contribution to the organization at the club level over many years

NBTC Volunteer of the Year Award

Awarded annually to a member or committee whose volunteerism has gone above and beyond in the year just completed

NBTC Unsung Hero Award

Awarded annually to a member(s) who can always be counted on to lend a hand and volunteer at the club level over many years.  Current board members not eligible.

Eligibility Criteria

• ✔ Demonstrates exceptional commitment, skills or leadership.
• ✔ Is a member in good standing of the Bruce Trail Conservancy, Niagara Club.
• ✔ Has not received remuneration for their time and effort.
• ✔ Fulfils the role of volunteer with enthusiasm.
• ✔ Strives to go above and beyond their expected voluntary position or role.
• ✔ Champions the mission and vision of the Bruce Trail Conservancy.
• ✔ Has not received this award previously.

Nomination Process

Nominations (coming September 2025) can be made by any current NBTC member by submitting a nomination letter of 150-250 words outlining why the nominee should be considered for this award to niagarabrucetrailclub@gmail.com. The letter should include information about the effort and contribution of the nominee. Include name, description of skills, commitment and contribution, and explain why this nominee is deserving.  The NBTC board will vote for the recipient.

Award Presentation

The award will be a plaque with NBTC logo, award name, recipient(s) name, and photo to be presented at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Event.

2025 Award Winners

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Congratulations Rick!

 

2025 Lifetime Achievement Award

• Rick joined the Niagara Bruce Trail Club board of directors in 2013 as Trail Development and Maintenance Director and has remained in that role to the present.
• There are more than 130 kilometers of trails within the Niagara section of the Bruce Trail. He leads a team of 36 trail captains and 4 trail monitors who monitor and maintain all those trails. The trail monitor program was a big improvement that was introduced during Rick’s tenure. Trail monitors regularly walk the trail with the goal of notifying the trail captains of any issues.
• During Rick’s tenure, the number of side trails has doubled, greatly expanding opportunities for hikers.
• The team had to deal with the devastating effects of the emerald Ash Borer to so many trees in our section. This meant the removal of many trees by Rick and his team, hard work that serves not just the Club but the entire community.
• There were also numerous trail re-routes, new staircases, bridges and boardwalks that had to be planned and built by Rick and his team; demanding work that yields no immediate accolades, and that gets done entirely by volunteers without most trail users understanding how it was accomplished. • Rick ensures the trail captains are checking their sections prior to each Special Event hike to ensure there are no issues for hikers.
• The Niagara club has an excellent record of completing all trail status reports and this is due to Rick’s diligence and leadership.

Rick is well respected by the trail captains, his fellow NBTC board directors, club members and the BTC staff. He has ensured that the trails are safe and remain open for all of our hikers to enjoy. He has been quietly working behind the scenes for over 12 years to serve the trail users, and help the  BTC achieve its mission.

For the reasons listed above, I feel that Rick should receive the NBTC 2025 Lifetime Volunteer award.

Submitted by Janet Davey

Congratulations Karen!

 

2025 NBTC Unsung Hero Award

Alan Laver and Lauren Doig would like to nominate Karen Couch for the NBTC Unsung Hero Award. Karen has been an active hike leader for Niagara Bruce Trail club for a number of years. All of her hikes are meticulously planned and researched with great information that is enlightening to the hikers and enhances their experience. 

One of her more recent hike series innovations has been the black history hike series which was developed by Karen and Margaret Northfield and which typically has taken place during the Black History Month of February. There are 4 hikes in the series of guided hikes that follow the historical trail focused upon the achievements and contributions of early Black Freedom Seekers in the Niagara region.

Karen’s passion and enthusiasm for the subject has resulted in a hiking series that has been thoroughly researched and provides the participants with information that encourages them to research further should they wish to do so.

In addition to being a hike leader, Karen is also an exceptional mentor for new hike leaders. Her enthusiasm for leading unique hikes carries over to new hike leaders. Karen is also a member of the Badge Committee and has been a real asset in the planning and designing of new badge hike series.

Finally, on our regular weekly hike schedule, Karen always greets new hikers and enjoys getting to know them and making them feel immediately part of the Niagara group. And to top it off, on special days hikes, you can count on Karen to show up with hats, masks, necklaces or other gear to add more fun to the hike. She is a treasure!

We are extremely fortunate to have Karen as a hike leader and committee member for the Niagara Club and feel that this award is thoroughly deserved.

Submitted by Alan Laver & Lauren Doig