Photo credit Patrick Perreault - Corvée LB Cycle x Vallée Bras-du-Nord
While it only takes a few minutes to cycle a kilometer of trail, building and maintaining it can require hundreds of hours of work and tens of thousands of dollars. The reality of the terrain is demanding:
- Climate change more frequent storms, accelerated erosion, fallen trees...
- Labour shortage In the field, teams are often too small to cope with the task.
This is where volunteers play a crucial role. To maintain quality, safe networks worthy of the great outdoor centers, the chores make it possible to :
- Cut down dead trees and regrowth
- Clean up leaves and debris
- Repair damaged sections
- Ensuring the overall safety of users
Your presence makes all the difference!
Volunteer Month: let's get involved!
From May 15 to June 15, is the Outdoor Volunteer Month!
The perfect opportunity to get involved in your local area, discover the behind-the-scenes of the trails you love and connect with a community of passionate⸱e⸱s.
First Saturday in June, participate in the National Trail Maintenance Day - a key moment to restore, improve and celebrate our networks, while promoting fair and friendly access.
Contact your local network to find out more!
Why get involved?
To make a concrete gesture that will have a huge impact on :
- Preserving trail quality and ensure their continuity.
- Share your knowledge and learn new ones
- Support your community and connect with passionate people
- Enhancing safety and improve the user experience
- Contribute actively to the protection of natural environments
What to bring for a volunteer trail maintenance chore
Before heading out into the forest, make sure you're well equipped⸱e for an efficient and enjoyable day. Here's an overview of the equipment that will ensure you have a good day:
It's time to take action!
- Organize one with your local club or practice network
- Contact managers near you directly to find out about their needs.
Getting off the beaten track also means making a contribution. Join the movement!
Trail network managers: we're here for you!
Vélo Québec would like to support clubs and centers that organize trail development and maintenance activities. Here are a number of documents designed to make it easier to plan and carry out your work parties.
Logistics and safety
- Organizing a trail maintenance chore - the steps
- Information on volunteer protection - CNESST
- Document for collecting personal information about participants
- Guide to organizing an outdoor volunteer chore produced by Réseau plein air Québec
- How to calculate the economic value of volunteering de l'Université du Québec - Volunteer Portal
- Reminders Leave No Trace - Cleaning chores prepared by From city to forest
Broadcast your maintenance chore on various platforms.
- In addition to your social networks, post your volunteer chore on the Facebook page Outdoor volunteering in Québec, managed by Réseau plein air Québec.
- Facebook Quebec Trailbuilders
Join a mobile solution like Dig !t, The Vélo Québec Mountain Bike Centre is a member of the Vélo Québec network, which facilitates the management of volunteer trail chores and fosters community involvement. View the membership benefits of Vélo Québec Mountain Bike Centre.