Winners Selected For Give Us Your Best Shot Photo Contest

We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 Give Us Your Best Shot Photo Contest!

Congratulations to Grand Prize winner Ryan Belt De Vera. Honourable mentions to  Virginia D and Neethu Jinil. The early bird prize winner was Jeff Acena.

Ryan won an 18L day-pack, a portable mess-free container, an adventure medical kit, a collapsible water-bottle and a wilderness T-shirt (valued at over $200).

Here is the winning photograph, captured at Peegee Man Trail Near North Battleford:

Virginia  won a North Face waist pack, a Lifestraw water purifier, a headlamp, a rain poncho, and a wilderness T-shirt. The second honorable mention winner, Neethu, won a Yeti water bottle, an adventure medical kit, a trekking towel, and an Elbow Trails hoodie.

Here are the two honorable mention winning photos:

Virginia’s was taken in Prince Albert National Park, while Neethu’s photo was captured at Waskesiu Trails.

Jeff received a set of trekking poles, a camping mug, a Buff headscarf, a 3-in-1 flashlight and a SaskTrails T-shirt (valued at over $100). His photo was taken at the Cypress Hills Beaver Creek Loop:

Thanks again to everyone who submitted photos and showed interest in the contest. We received almost 200 submissions and reached over 8,000 people on social media! We hope these photos inspire you to get out and enjoy Saskatchewan’s beautiful trails.

2023 Give Us Your Best Shot Photo Contest

Introducing the 2023 Give Us Your Best Shot Photo Contest!

The time has come once again for the Give Us Your Best Shot photo contest. The month-long contest will begin on June 3, which is Saskatchewan Trails Day! It will conclude on Friday, June 30.

To enter the contest, submit your photos by posting to Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook using #SaskTrailsPhotoContest2023. You can also submit via email at info@sasktrails.ca.

Rules for Entry:

All residents of Saskatchewan are eligible to enter the contest. STA board and staff members may submit photos, but they are not eligible to win. Photos may be submitted multiple times, but there is only one entry per photo. You may submit as many different photos as you would like. Please let us know where the photos were taken.

Check privacy settings to ensure that entries are visible, as private posts are not considered to be entered. Try and post photos in the highest resolution possible so that we can use them for potential printed materials. Winning photos may be used in Saskatchewan trails promotional materials through brochures, annual reports, social media and more.

As pictures come in, they may be featured on our page, with credit to the photographer. We wish everyone who enters the best of luck and can’t wait to see all the wonderful photos!

Prizes:

Winners, chosen at the end of the month, will be announced on all of our pages and will be contacted to arrange to claim their prize. The deadline for submission is June 30, so make sure to have your photos in before then.

The Grand Prize Winner will receive a 18L day-pack, a portable mess-free container, an adventure medical kit, a collapsible water-bottle and a wilderness T-shirt (valued at over $200).

The Early Bird Prize, awarded on June 16, features a set of trekking poles, a camping mug, a Buff headscarf, a 3-in-1 flashlight and a SaskTrails T-shirt (valued at over $100).

Two Honorable Mention winners will receive either:

A North Face waist pack, a Lifestraw water purifier, a headlamp, a rain poncho and a wilderness T-shirt.

Or a Yeti water bottle, an adventure medical kit, a trekking towel and an Elbow Trails hoodie.

Rules for Submissions:

If you do not want to provide the Saskatchewan Trails Association (STA) permission to use your photos, please do not submit your photos.

By submitting photos, you confirm that (a) your photo is you own original work; (b) you own the rights to the photo, including copyright; (c) you have the right to give the STA permission to use your photo for the purposes specified in these rules; (d) the photo is not defamatory and does not infringe on any Canadian laws or violate the rights of any third party; (e) you have the consent of anyone who is identifiable in your photo or the consent of the parent or guardian of anyone who is a minor; (f) you waive any moral rights you might have in the photo; (g) you indemnify the STA against any claim, demand, action, suit, or other proceedings against the STA arising our of the use of the photo or any false or inaccurate statements.

By entering, contestants agree to follow these contest rules, which shall be applies by the STA.

STA Grants

The Saskatchewan Trails Association is pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s Member Trail Grants. The recipients are Bengough and District Regional Park Authority, the Resort Village of Candle Lake, the Oxbow and District Recreation Board, Pasquia Regional Park Authority and the East Qu’Appelle Cartel cycling group.

Bengough and District Park Authority intends to add another additional 1km loop to their existing trail, which was began upgrades last year. This new path will create a connection back to the main trail section, creating plenty of opportunity for hikers to change their route on a regular basis. The grant will help purchase signs and signposts, benches, solar lights, garbage bins and dog waste receptacles for this new area.

The Resort Village of Candle Lake is in the process of extending the Simon Lehne Trail by approximately 750 meters for walking, cycling, and snowshoeing – starting at Hayes Drive. This trail extension will provide a practical connection from Simon Lehne Trail to Northview Trail, as well as the Nobles Point Marina and Shoreline Trail. Grant funding will be used towards Phase 2 of the project, which requires tree and brush clearing equipment.

The Oxbow and District Recreation Board plans to upgrade their existing Bow Valley trails. The grant will be used to purchase posts and solar lights that will be distributed to help light the path that has been enjoyed by residents, campers, and surrounding communities for years.

Pasquia Regional Park Authority would like to build a new rest area on their 5 km long path where the famous 90-million-year-old crocodile, “Big Bert”, was discovered. With plans to install an outhouse and park bench, the area will be cleared of foliage and other obstacles. This preliminary work is set to be completed in May, which will allow for installation in late July or early August.

The East Qu’Appelle will also be adding metred signage to their Kapo Kraze and Sunny Side Up trails, along with building a trail head sign between the Screeching Jay and Corky’s Revenge trails. This will offer checkpoints to hikers and give a better sense of direction and distance on these existing trails.

Although we wish we could fund every project, we would like to express our appreciation to all those who applied and continue to dedicate themselves to maintaining Saskatchewan’s trail network.

We look forward to seeing all the great things these organizations will do with the support of these grants!

East Qu’Appelle Cartel cycling group

East Qu’Appelle Cartel cycling group

Saskatchewan Trails Annual General Meeting

Saskatchewan Trails Annual General Meeting

You are invited to attend our annual general meeting on Thursday, March 23 at 7 p.m. via ZOOM. The meeting coordinates are as follows: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87255572419?pwd=WHpkVUJpcncvWkxseWNGOGpaVEROUT09

Meeting ID: 872 5557 2419

Passcode: 810911

Dial by your location

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kc3VWzN5Jc

Our guest presenters include Jane Murphy, President of the Canadian Trails Federation (CTF), and Dr. Sonya Richmond, who walked across the Trans Canada Trail (TCT).

Jane will provide an update on the CTF and its advocacy efforts as it is working to obtain trail funding from the federal government. The mission of the CTF is to enhance the recreational trail network in Canada by sharing information, providing leadership and coordination, and by building consensus within the trails community, both nationally and internationally. For more information on the CTF visit https://canadiantrails.org/.

In 2019, Sonya left her job as a GIS analyst assisting in the development of Provincial Bird Atlases for Bird Studies Canada, and an ornithological researcher for the Canadian Wildlife Service.  Shortly afterward, she sold her house and donated her possessions to self fund a 28,000 km hike across Canada along the world’s longest pathway, the Trans Canada Trail.  While few others have made this trek in its entirety, none have done so for a cause and with the primary purpose of promoting diversity and accessibility outdoors while striving to get youth engaged with and connected to nature through citizen science.   This unique and out of the box approach to conservation outreach to communities not typically the focus of environmental messaging has garnered regional enthusiasm, national support, and international attention while educating people about Canada, bird conservation, citizen science, and important bird areas.  The result was one of the largest self driven, self funded and unsupported conservation initiatives undertaken in Canada. For more information visit https://www.comewalkwithus.online/.

The meeting will also feature an overview of the STA’s activities in 2022, audited financial statements and board elections. Our annual report can be found  here.

AGENDA

7:00 p.m. 

Welcome from the STA

7:05 p.m.

Introductions

7:10 p.m. 

Canadian Trails Federation Update

Jane Murphy, President

7:20 p.m.

Walking Across the TCT

Dr. Sonya Richmond

7:50 p.m.

Call to Order for Business Meeting

Approval of the Agenda

Approval of the Previous Meeting Minutes

Business Arising From the Minutes

President’s Report

Approval of Financial Statements

Approval of Auditor

Bylaw Amendments

Board of Directors Election

New Business

8:30 p.m. (approx.)

Adjournment

Update on the Barker Island Toilet Project

The Barker Island Toilet Project is still progressing well! Last month, a team of four volunteers including Adrien Blais, Brodie Thompson, Chris Wall, and Ross Phillips (with technical support from Ron Medwid), completed the pre-fabrication of the walls and deck elements of three remote restrooms.
The construction plans piloted off the existing Barker Island toilets and were given a dry run to great effect. The elements will be stored for the winter until the ground thaws for the final construction and installation.
Ross Phillips, a volunteer and Principal Water Resources Engineer said, “It was a fun and productive day.”
Now that pre-fabrication is complete Phillips said they will be turning their attention towards preparation for installation next spring. He added, “It will be fun to day-dream plans during the winter, I have several ideas for interior finishings to refine the experience.”
If you are interested in donating to the Churchill River Water Trail Legacy Project, visit: https://sasktrails.ca/getinvolved/#donate.

Adventures at Avonlea Badlands
We recently had the opportunity to explore the Avonlea Badlands, which are located just a few kilometres outside the town of Avonlea at the junction of Highways #334 & #339.
The area is only accessible by guided tour, so we were sure to book ahead and secure a time through the Avonlea Heritage Museum. This scenic spot in Southern Saskatchewan will certainly take you by surprise!
We followed our guide to the start of the hike which is approximately 3 kilometres, or 1.5 hours long.
As you walk out towards the badlands, it’s as if the prairies fall away from underneath you. Before you know it, you are left standing in what seems like a whole different world.

Some sedimentary deposits were laid down as long as 2.5 million years ago when a large inland sea covered the area. Prehistoric rock and sand formations tower around you as you navigate the landscape, serving as a stark reminder of the powers of nature.

There are many cliffs, buttes, hoodoos and pillar formations of all shapes and sizes. As the area is still being eroded, it’s almost like a living museum.

This land is privately owned and justifiably sheltered in order to maintain this geological anomaly. With many archeological and paleontological discoveries found in the area, visitors should be particularly respectful when interacting with the environment.

In other words: ‘Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.’

Scenes are picturesque at any time of day, but the Avonlea Heritage Museum offers ‘golden hour’ tours of the badlands as well. If you think these photos are cool, imagine them with a Saskatchewan sunset!

Living on the prairies, we are used to seeing a sea of green. Here, there is only a sea of sand. As I looked at each bump, crack, or wave in the lay of the land I couldn’t help but imagine what used to live there.

If you have ever wondered what it might be like to walk along the bottom of the ocean, this might be the tour for you.

To step back in time, even just for an hour or two, was an enchanting experience!
For more information on the Avonlea Badlands, or to book a guided tour visit: https://avonleamuseum.ca/avonlea_badlands/.

Churchill River Water Trail Legacy Project Continues

Churchill River Water Trail Legacy Project Continues

The next phase of the Churchill River Water Trail Legacy Project is now under way. Following generous donations from volunteers, three more composting toilets have been purchased for sites along the Churchill River and construction planning has begun for next spring.
Pristine lakes in northern Saskatchewan are connected by countless falls, rapids, and ledges as the Churchill River courses through the rugged landscape on its 1,600-km journey to the Hudson Bay. Throw in huge areas of spectacular boreal wilderness with a rich and storied history, and it’s easy to see how the Churchill River system enthralls thousands of canoeists, kayakers, and anglers who return year after year. It is also home to multiple Indigenous communities whose people continue to use the land and waterways.
Since much of the river system is in the Canadian shield, with all this activity, one of the biggest challenges in backcountry sites is dealing with human waste. In 2019, the STA partnered with the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport, Churchill River Outfitters, volunteers and the local community to launch the Churchill River Water Trail Legacy Project. This project aims to remedy the lack of toilet facilities which lead to human waste and remnants of toilet paper being scattered throughout the landscape causing long-term environmental consequences and negative visitor experiences.
After extensive research into this challenge, a realistic and cost-effective solution was found in using a Urine Diverting Vermicomposting Toilets (UDVT), manufactured by Toilet Tech Solutions (TTS). The technology separates the waste streams to allow for successful composting and has been proven to work through peer-reviewed academic research and in the field experiences. The system is innovative, leading-edge, and reliable.
These systems are expensive and the STA has been leading the project to make these toilets a reality in northern Saskatchewan. Our initial efforts have been to raise funds to install a UDVT on Barker Island. We raised the funds through donations, raffle tickets, and a special fundraiser call the Give a Sh*! Event. After enough funds were raised, volunteers installed the toilet in 2021.
Since that time, the project has continued and now we are planning to install three toilets in spring 2023. Funds are still required to cover shipping and handling, and building materials to house the structures. if you are interested in donating, visit: https://sasktrails.ca/getinvolved/#donate.
We believe that the Churchill River Water Legacy Project is an initiative that will facilitate stewardship and lead to a cleaner environment along with providing an enhanced visitor experience. This project is a wonderful opportunity to promote trail development in the north and showcase how important trails are in every community to both the natural environment, its inhabitants, and travelers.
Although human waste is rarely spoken of, the problem of dealing with it is a serious issue in the backcountry and in remote sites. Compounded by increased visitation, the problem can have lasting negative impacts on the environment and create very poor visiting experiences.

Buffalo Pound Trail Enhancements

The Saskatchewan Trails Association is proud to be partnering with the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport as well as TransCanada Trails (TCT) to enhance the trail system at Buffalo Pound Provincial Park.

The Parks department is building a chalet that will function as an interpretive, recreation and visitor information centre. Construction on this exciting new addition should be complete sometime this year.

The trail network was also in need of some TLC. Naturally, the trail needs to be tied to the new building as it will be a central feature of the recreation hub. This project will also create an access pathway from the lower Chalet campsites to the new Chalet building, allowing people from all over the campground to enjoy the facility.

This will also tie the TCT network to the chalet as it crosses Buffalo Pound Provincial Park. The new trail will allow visitors to travel the full length of the park by either hiking, running, and mountain biking in warmer seasons or by fat-bike, snowshoes, and cross-country skiing in the winter.

The trail will connect to major attractions of the park such as the bison compound, Nicolle homestead, the north section of park, Nicolle Marsh, the public pool, main beach, and the beautiful landscape throughout the area.

Better signage and mapping are also going to be added to these trail systems, along with special destination points like rustic all-weather shelters, vistas, benches, and backcountry campsites. The goal of these projects is not only to enhance the park itself, but to enhance opportunities for venders’ business such as the convenience store and mini-golf and draw more tourists to the park in general.

If you are in the Moose Jaw area, be sure to check out Buffalo Pound Provincial Park and see these new developments for yourself!

Winners Selected for Give Us Your Best Shot Photo Contest

We are pleased to announce the winners of the Give Us Your Best Shot Photo Contest this year. Congratulations to the Grand Prize winner Stephanie V. Photography, along with our runners-up Karla Pratt and Deagan Smith and early bird prize winner Shelley Lambert!

Stephanie will receive a TRUNKTECH 2-person hammock, a complete mess cookware kit, a packable water-resistant backpack, a Cabela’s multi tool and a Yeti insulated mug valued at over $200!

It’s clear to see why this gorgeous photo was chosen:

Honorary Mention #1 will receive a HikeCrew portable gas stovetop along with a Cabela’s multitool, hiking logbook and Yeti insulated mug valued at over $100!

Check out his awesome photo:

 

Our second honorary mention is Karla Pratt, who received a set of trekking poles, along with a Cabela’s multitool, hiking logbook and Yeti insulated mug valued at over $100!

Check out her beautiful entry:

The Early Bird Prize winner (which was awarded June 17), Shelley Lambert, received a decorative hiking sign, a handy hiking logbook and a Yeti rambler insulated mug valued at over $100 for this beautiful image:

Another big thanks for all the photo contest interest and entries, we received over 800 photos and reached over 30,000 people on social media. Check out the home page to see all 15 finalists!

We hope some of these images will inspire you to get out on the trails!

Give Us Your Best Shot Photo Contest

It’s that time of the year again!

The Saskatchewan Trails Association will be running its month-long Give Us Your Best Shot photo contest during the month of June. The photo contest begins on Saturday, June 4th — Saskatchewan Trails Day – and concludes on Thursday, June 30.

Rules for Entry:

The contest is available for all residents of Saskatchewan.  STA board and staff may submit their pictures but are not eligible to win the contest. While photos may be submitted multiple times using Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or email, there is only one entry per photo, but you may enter as many different photos as you wish.

To enter the STA Give Us Your Best Shot photo contest, you must submit your photos by posting on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag: #SaskTrailsPhotoContest2022, or you can email them to us at info@sasktrails.ca.

 

We must be able to see your picture in order for it to be entered in the contest, so be sure to check any privacy settings. Posts must be made public to be counted as an entry. When posting, if possible, format the photo in the highest resolution possible to ensure we can use it in printed materials. The winning photo may be used to promote trails in Saskatchewan through brochures, annual reports, social media and more.

Prizes:

The winners will be chosen at the end of the month, announced on all our pages, and will be contacted to arrange and claim their prize. Pictures will only be accepted into the contest until June 30th, so be sure to get your pictures in before the deadline.

The Grand Prize winner will receive a TRUNKTECH 2-person hammock, a complete mess cookware kit, a packable water-resistant backpack, a Cabela’s multi tool and a Yeti insulated mug valued at over $200.

An Early Bird Prize will also be awarded on FRIDAY JUNE 17 featuring a decorative hiking sign, a handy hiking logbook and a Yeti rambler insulated mug.

Two Honorary Mentions will also receive either a set of trekking poles with a Cabela’s multitool, hiking logbook and Yeti insulated mug or a HikeCrew portable gas stovetop complete with a Cabela’s multitool and its own handy hiking logbook as well. (Each prize pack valued at over $100).

         

As pictures come in, they may be featured on our page, with credit to the photographer. We wish all who enter the best of luck, and we can’t wait to see your adventures!

Additional Rules for Submissions:

If you do not want to grant Saskatchewan Trails Association (STA) these permissions, please do not submit your photo.

In order for STA to use your photo, you confirm that (a) your photo is your own original work; (b) you own all the rights in the photo, including copyright; (c) you have the right to give STA the permission to use your photo for the purposes specified in these rules; (d) the photo is not defamatory and does not infringe any Canadian laws or violate the rights of any third party; (e) you have the consent of anyone who is identifiable in your photo or the consent of their parent or guardian if they are minors; (f) you waive any moral rights that you may have in the photo; (g) you indemnify STA against any claim, demand, action, suit, or other proceedings against STA arising out of the use of the photo or any false or inaccurate statements.

By entering, contestants agree to abide by these contest rules which shall be applied by Saskatchewan Trails Association.