It's not just a walk run or hike.
On Sept. 15, rare Charitable Research Reserve invites the community to connect with the land for the 15th annual rare Trail Party in celebration of the community's outdoor spaces with a barbecue, music and family-fun activities.
"This is a coming together, a celebration of our natural spaces," said Sara Clark, events and development coordinator at rare Charitable Research Reserve in Cambridge.
Managing over 14 kilometres of trails free and open for the public, rare's aims to make the world a more sustainable place by acknowledging that people are a part of the environment, and that by working together, they can protect their natural spaces for their enjoyment and well-being, today and into the future.
The Trail Party walk, hike, and run fundraiser aims to educate the next generation of stewards and protect natural environments.
People can participate by raising funds for rare and #StepUpforNature on Sept. 15.
The walk takes place along a 3.5 km route along the Grand Trunk Trail and is accessible for strollers and leashed dogs.
Anyone eager to hike can take part on a 4.5 km adventurous route and explore rare's side trails that feature views of the Grand River. Dogs and strollers aren't permitted on the side trails.
For anyone looking for a quicker pace, they can run a 5 km route along the Grand Trunk Trail, past the ECO Centre, and back. Chip timing for racers is not provided.
All proceeds support rare's Every Child Outdoors (ECO) program which delivers curriculum-based outdoor environmental education programs for children and youth from kindergarten to Grade 12.
"It really is a great cause and it get kids out and involved in nature," Clark said.
According to rare, every child should have the opportunity to be a part of nature programs that can spark a passion in them and provide them with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, values and motivation necessary to become environmentally responsible citizens.
"It really was a celebration last year, with dignitaries and over 200 people taking part," Clark said.
"Everyone will start off at Riverbluffs Park and end up at the rare ECO Centre for a barbecue. And that's when the party really begins and with some great bands lined-up."
Registration includes education stations and entertainment along the route, a barbecue lunch at the finish line, live music, and a shuttle bus from the ECO Centre back to Riverbluffs Park.
Kids 12 and under are free.
For more information and to register, visit here.
As a community-based land trust and environmental institute, rare is dedicated to protecting over 1,200 acres of environmentally sensitive land across Waterloo Region and Wellington County for the health and well being of the community.
"People can come out, get together with their community, and celebrate all of our beautiful natural spaces."
"It's all about stepping up for nature."
