Trail systems support an active lifestyle. Studies have shown that physical activity helps prevent heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, colon cancer and depression. Trails promote physical activity, and they are an inexpensive way for people to become active.
Studies have proven that trails can be economic generators. Trails attract tourists, and increased tourism creates jobs. Snowmobile trails in particular inject millions of dollars into communities every year. A study by the Ontario Trail Council, estimates that their provincial trails contribute approximately $2 billion dollars a year to the Ontario economy.
Volunteerism is one measure of a healthy community. Volunteer groups that commit to enhancing their communities, build the majority of rural trails in Saskatchewan. Urban and rural trails also provide trail users with the opportunity to visit and experience varied landscapes, such as forests and wetlands.
Many of our trails run along historic routes and connect historical sites in Saskatchewan. Trails – including those in North Battleford and around Waneskewin – are also used as resources for museums and interpretive centres. As a result, users are exposed to Saskatchewan and Canadian history while they exercise.
Trails can serve as buffers around wetlands and watersheds, provide access to rivers and lakes, and with increased active transportation, they can even help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that are produced in Saskatchewan.
The STA hands out two awards every year – the STA Volunteer Award and STA Stewardship Award – to recognize the people who help shape our province’s trail system.
The Cathy Watts Volunteer Award is designed to recognize the outstanding volunteers who dedicate their time and effort to developing, maintaining and promoting trails and trail development in Saskatchewan. Their national volunteer efforts may also be honoured through the award; however, local and provincial contributions will be given priority in the selection process. The recipient will receive a $200 donation made in their name to a trail of their choice.
Previous Award Winners:
2021: Curt Schroeder and Tom Landine
2017: Jo Ann Carignan-Vallee
2016: Cathy Watts and Richard Solberg
2015: Dorothy Rhead
The STA Stewardship Award is designed to recognize the outstanding people and organizations that have been dedicated to the restoration, preservation and enhancement of Saskatchewan’s trail system through a variety of efforts: contributing money to or raising funds for trail projects, serving as a trail advocate, or helping with the building and upkeep of trails. National stewardship efforts may also be honoured through the award. However, local and provincial contributions will be given priority in the selection process. The recipient will receive an award certificate and is eligible for a travel subsidy to receive the award at the annual general meeting. The Stewardship Award is open to any individual and/or group, regardless of whether they have received payment for their work, or if the work has been conducted as part of their professional responsibilities.
Previous Award Winners:
2017: Joe Milligan
The nomination deadline is Feb. 15 each year. Nominations will be accepted by email (info@sasktrails.ca) or mail (2260 McIntyre Street Regina, SK S4P 2R9).
Further information on both awards can be found below.
The following criteria will be used to select the Volunteer Award recipient:
The following criteria will be used to select the Volunteer Award recipient:
