Volunteer Lead Property Steward Richard Raper shares a report from the field.
It takes a lot of helping hands to protect and care for nature year after year. Thanks to donors, volunteers, and supporters like you, we are able to conserve more ecologically significant lands in the Kawarthas for future generations. However, once a property is protected, the work does not stop there.
The active care of KLT’s protected lands happens through your generous support, staff, and a team of dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers.
Our team of over 250 active volunteers includes 23 Lead Property Stewards who play important roles in managing, monitoring, and caring for KLT-protected areas and our community trails.
“Without volunteer Lead Property Stewards, KLT simply could not offer the number of public trails we do currently. Their dedication is invaluable to not only the organization, but to the community,” shares Ashley Cramer, Land Stewardship Coordinator.
We offer our gratitude to our Lead Property Stewards and all of KLT’s volunteers for their passion for nature and making a real difference in the Kawarthas.
Thank you to Richard for providing some insights into his volunteer work at KLT’s Ingleton-Wells property on the north shore of Ston(e)y Lake. Enjoy his report below.
By Richard Raper, Volunteer Lead Property Steward, Ingleton-Wells Property
It is September 1, 2026. I don’t know where the spring and summer have gone. I just know that it has been very busy!
Signage Updates
This spring, staff and volunteers installed a sign kiosk and a short section of fencing at the trailhead for the Ingleton-Wells Property, off of Reid’s Road. That was exciting!
In addition, more than 20 new trail map signs that reflect updates to the trail system were installed from Fire Route 10 all the way over to Mount Julian/Viamede Road to provide visitors with improved wayfaring signage.
Trail Maintenance & Community Access
The trails were in better condition this spring than last (after the ice storm), but dying Ash, Butternut and Elm trees left their marks on the trails and were cleaned up.
The regular rains and hot temperatures made it hard to keep up with mowing and trimming the fast-growing vegetation on and beside the trails. There were times this past summer that I am sure the casual trail user wondered if I, the mower, and the trimmers were absent!
The trails continued to get regular use by individuals and groups throughout the spring and summer. In early May, I tagged along on a very interesting KLT Passport to Nature event led by Drew Monkman.
The topic was on spring bird migration, but also on the effects of climate change on birds. There was a great turnout of interested participants. I was personally amazed that Drew was able to find and record almost 20 species of birds as part of this event. I think my favourite species of the day was the large Pileated Woodpecker that made an appearance.
All of the trail users that I meet are very appreciative of all of the volunteer efforts. This is my favourite time of the year to be on the trails. And even though there is still much more to do, the cooler weather, fewer bugs, and the fall colours make being on the trails as a Lead Property Steward a real joy… despite the hitchhiking seeds!
Managing Invasive Plant Species
The usual Garlic Mustard control efforts took place in late May/early June. After the initial pull, several follow-up checks were completed. I think that we are being successful at keeping this invasive plant species from spreading.
Monitoring for Dog-strangling Vine continued this year. That effort resulted in finding (and pulling) a couple dozen plants. So, we seem to be keeping a lid on that invasive plant species!
I am happy to report that we have not found any further occurrence of the invasive Giant Hogweed, which is great. A patch of invasive Lily of the Valley will be managed later this month. I am hoping for good success with that.
Helping Hands
I enjoy working on “my” part of the Stony Lake Trails and seeing progress — like the installation of the new kiosk — over several years is very rewarding. That, and my contribution to KLT’s goals and objectives, provide me with a keen sense of satisfaction. The well-known benefits of spending time in nature are an incredible added bonus!
Many, many thanks to regular volunteers Jenny and Evan and other volunteers who have come out to help for special field work days and to KLT staff Ashley and Hayden. The many hours that you contribute to the monitoring and stewardship efforts at the Ingleton-Wells Property, Viamede blue trails, and red connector trails really make a difference.
Thank you to Richard and all of our Lead Property Steward, stewardship, and monitoring volunteers for all of your efforts this field season!
Call for a Lead Property Steward
If you’re interested in becoming a Lead Property Steward, KLT is currently seeking a Lead Property Steward to care for the Viamede blue trails of KLT’s Stony Lake Trails network.
If you’re interested in learning more, please reach out to Ashley Cramer, Land Stewardship Coordinator, at acramer@kawarthalandtrust.org.
