Instructions for Trail Adopters

  1. Establish a six-month tentative schedule on your calendar that will illustrate your commitment to walk your trail at least every two weeks.
  2. Wear appropriate and safe clothing and footwear. Avoid situations that could be hazardous to you (i.e. removing heavy obstacles from the trail).
  3. Wear your Friends trail identification.
  4. Say Bonjour/Hello to the people you meet but respect the privacy of their quiet moment on the trail.  Avoid imposing a conversation but if hikers show interest in your presence, or the trail features, do reciprocate and inform them of your role and the role of the Friends of Gatineau Park.
  5. In the case of an emergency, or the need to report a major maintenance problem, phone the Park Visitor Center at (819) 827-2020 – press (6) for emergency or (3) to report a maintenance issue.
  6. Walk and inspect the entire trail and note any problem at the parking lot and the trailhead, the trail and the trail amenities. Look for broken planks or handrails on board walk, damaged signs, wet or eroded areas, parking lot issues, etc.
  7. Collect litter at the parking lot, the trailhead and along the trail.  Bring gloves and a small garbage bag.  Deposit at the Park’s garbage bin or bring it home.
  8. Perform routine maintenance by keeping trail free of loose rocks, branches and other obstacles and by cleaning debris from drainage ditches, benches, bridges, stairs and viewing structures.
  9. If needed, wipe clean the interpretive panels, using a sponge and a solution of water and vinegar.  Do not use soap.
  10. At the trailhead, check the supply box of the Adopt-a-Trail promotional material, located on the Information panel, and replenish as necessary.  Check the supply of other materials as well.
  11. Take note on the approximate number of cars at the parking lot on your arrival, number of trail users that you have met, number of mountain bikers and note if how many were in groups.
  12. Fill in your trail report and send it to the Trail Coordinator upon your return, using the form on the Friends website.