The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise (RCNS) Sunrise Trail, ever-popular as it is with the locals, is always in need of constant attention to keep it as appealing/useful as needed; all part of the Rotary image we wish to be connected with.In recent years, we have busied ourselves planting ornamental trees and daffodil beds along the Trail.
Yes, it’s always fun to be planting and adding value to something that is so-well appreciated by the local community.
The downside is that successful plantings always lead to growth and not always as anticipated.
As a result, there’s a continual need for upkeep and maintenance; a never-ending task we manage with the advice and assistance of the local municipality.
It's hard work but it’s a most worthy task, and it’s very ably coordinated by our environmental chair Steve Malo and his hard-working environmental group.
So, every spring turns out to be the perfect time to tend to these works and if you go to the ‘Read more …’ tab, you can read/see more about our 2026 two-part scheme to enhance our Sunrise Trail.
PHOTO: Andy, Abe and Steve
Sunrise Trail Maintenance ’26 – Part 1 – Clearing Out
On a very chilly April weekend, our environmental chair, Steve Malo and a group of early Sunrisers, took to clearing out much of the overgrowth that had developed over the past year. The work included tree, vine and overgrowth removal all along the northern portion of our Sunrise Trail. This work, with the right tools, was quickly completed by our environmental group as the first of our maintenance days this year.Attending to the Part 1 work, and as shown in the photo, were Dave Douglas, Cathy Harrop (cheerleading in the background), Randy Ongena, Steve Malo, Jim Dawson, Wolf Lindemann, Dave Bradshaw, Alan Plater and Paul Macko (John Wallace missing in action).
Lots of work, great cookies and much progress – all needed so as to be prepared for Part 2 of this years maintenance work.
Sunrise Trail Maintenance ’26 – Part 2 – Filling In
On a beautiful but cold May weekend, our environmental group carried out the second of several maintenance days planned for this year. At this outing, it was time to do some new tree planting at the start of the Waterford Heritage Trail just north of the 13th Concession Townsend. In the past, we have focused on the planting of Eastern Redbud trees (thanks to our own John ‘Johnny Redbud’ Wallace), but this year we were generously provided with a wider variety of species as guided by the Norfolk County Arborist.Joining in for the Part 2 work, and as shown in the photo, were Alan Plater, Wolf Lindemann. Gail Catherwood, Paul Zorad, John Wallace, Steve Malo, Pam Shantz, Andy Kooistra, Dave Bradshaw, Abe, Dave Douglas, Randy & Andrea Ongena.
It was a great day and made all the better with Gail’s cookies! Often, maintenance & development work doesn’t get the visibility it deserves, but you can always keep the workers motivated with bakery!