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Hikes and other outdoor activities listed below represent some of the activities published in our newsletter, Trail Markings. If you are interested in hiking, and/or other volunteer opportunities, you are encouraged to join GVTA. If you join, you receive the complete listing of hikes and other outdoor activities and more. A membership application form is available for download via the Membership web page. We welcome new members so please join us and help to maintain the Grand Valley Trail, a community resource. NOTE: 
This maple leaf symbol beside a person's name denotes a certified hike leader - see "Working Toward Hike Leader Certification".
~ means approximately | Levels 1 to 3 and Speed (e.g. moderate) - explanation
Saturday, January 7, 2012 – Waterloo Community Trail. Level 1: Moderate ~ 4 km
WALK REVISION NOTICE: The City of Waterloo has closed a portion of the Hillside Trail due to re-construction of a trunk sewer line plus other improvements to the Laurel Creek drainage in that area. This means that we are not allowed to cross the pedestrian bridge passing over Laurel Creek to the large trail loop out to University Ave and back. The walk will take place but will be 4 km instead of 6 km. >>> View map of revised walk. <<<
Leader: Jamie . Depart 9:30 a.m. from the parking lot at Dearborn Plaza at the intersection of Lexington Rd. & Dearborn Place [43.487264,-80.518354] (one street east of Marsland Dr. & Hillside Park). Join Jan & me on a figure-8 loop walk. Bring “icers” and snowshoes. Walk portions of lower Laurel Creek, Forwell Creek and their confluence. The walk is on community trails with segments of sidewalk. There is an opportunity to drop out early if one wishes to do so. No dogs, no smoking. You may wish to visit the Dearborn Family Restaurant for breakfast.
Thursday, January 12, 2012 – Thursdays on the Bruce Iroquoia Hike #7. Level 2: Moderate ~ 15.2 km
Leader: Georgia . Depart 9:00 a.m. Map 7, km 38.3 Upper Paradise Road north of Senic Drive. Bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water. Notice the earlier start time as it will be getting dark earlier. Remember "icers", gloves and hats as this is winter hiking (a thermos of hot chocolate might also be nice). No smoking, cell phones off and no dogs please. Please forward your email address to leader should you require notification of cancellation.
Friday, January 13, 2012 – Laurel Creek Conservation Area. Level 1: Leisurely ~ 3-5 km
Leader: Jane K . Depart 9:45 a.m. Departing at 10 am - meet at the entrance of the Laurel Creek conservation area, 625 Westmount Rd, Waterloo, ON N2J 2Z4. Join the Waterloo Regional Homes for mental health hike group as they enjoy a leisurely hike in Laurel creek.
Sunday, January 15, 2012 – Kitchener Downtown Stroll-Public Art #2. Level 1: Leisurely ~ 2-3 h
Leader: Jane K . Depart 10:00 a.m. We meet at the Gaukel Street entrance to Victoria park (where the new water ponds are, next to the downtown bus station) We will stroll and discover public art pieces in and around downtown Kitchener, enjoying coffee or lunch after at The Working Centre café on Queen Street).
Thursday, January 19, 2012 – F.W.R. Dickson Conservation Area. Level 2: Moderate ~ 6 km
Leader: Jamie . Depart 9:00 a.m. from the Laurentian Hills Plaza parking lot near Freshco (formerly Price Choppers) near the intersection of Westmount Rd & Ottawa St, Kitchener [43.417964 -80.501321]. We carpool to the parking lot at the Dickson Conservation Area south of Ayr on Brant-Waterloo Rd. Or, join us at the F.W.R. Dickson parking lot [43.279778 -80.395910] by 9:30 a.m. We will snowshoe or hike this loop to Bannister Lake and back (see GVT Map 9). The chickadee population will be expecting us so bring a few sunflower seeds. Bring your snowshoes and “icers”; some slopes tend to be icy. Good hiking boots and pole(s) are recommended. No dogs & no smoking. Optional lunch stop in Ayr after.
Sunday, January 22, 2012 – Kitchener Huron Natural Area ~ Learning about Wildlife Tracking from 1 to 3 p.m.
Additional information about upcoming events can be found in the Kitchener Natural Areas Program PDF Flyer.
Sunday, January 22, 2012 – PINES at Petersburg Tract - Loop Hike. Level 2: Leisurely ~ 6-7 km
Leader: Janice . Depart 1:15 p.m. from behind the Beer Store and within sight of the Zehrs Superstore at Highland Rd. & Fischer-Hallman in Kitchener. Snowshoeing is our aim today if conditions are suitable for a 2+ hr. loop on the main trail, now well-marked in the Pines, just west of Kitchener. There are one or two hills but generally this is fairly flat and twisty. We will carpool from the meeting point as parking is limited and few members know this location. Snowshoes are available at some outdoor stores on a rental basis so you are welcome to give this activity a try. Have boots at the ready in case we determine on Saturday, or Sunday, a.m. that this is a hike instead of snowshoeing.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012 – GVTA Social Event Learning about Edible Plants
Contact: Jane K . Meet at 6:45 p.m. Upstairs Community Room at the Zehrs grocery store, Laurentian Plaza, Ottawa Road, just off Homer Watson Blvd, Kitchener. For our second social evening Mary Ann Gilhuly will give a presentation on Edible plants. Refreshments will be available and there will be time for socializing too.
Saturday, January 28, 2012 – Guelph HTC Radial Line Trail Arkell Side Trail. Level 2: Leisurely ~ 2-3 h
Leaders: Susan . Depart 1:00 p.m. Starkey Hill Trailhead parking lot, south side of Arkell Road approximately one kilometer east of Arkell Village. Weather this time of year dictates if we hike or snowshoe along this popular side trail.
Saturday, January 28, 2012 – Snowshoe Snyder's Flats, Bloomingdale. Level 2: Moderate ~ 6 km
Leader: Jamie . Depart 9:30 a.m. from the Bloomingdale Community Centre parking lot, 1031 Snyder’s Flats Road [43.510796,-80.464871]. If snow accumulation allows, we will snowshoe but come prepared with hiking boots and "icers" also. No smoking.
Saturday, January 28, 2012 (note the date change) – 6th Annual Cross-Country Ski Trip
A day of cross-country skiing, fun and camaraderie by the Grand Valley Trails Association and the Waterloo Region Nordic Sports Club. Advance registration is required and participants are to contact the leaders to make payment and to reserve places on the bus. Registration deadline is 9:00 p.m. Thursday, January 5, 2012. Download PDF for more details and contact information or see your winter newsletter.
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Updated 2012 JANUARY 04 WEDNESDAY
