Bowen Island Trail Society

Heads up Mt.Gardner users- Lower Skid Trail will be closed this weekend while Bowen Trail Riders Association removes 4 danger trees from the area. Thanks BTRA!

Endless trail clean up at this time of year! And we have endless gratitude for our volunteers keeping our trails safe and clear. #bits #bowenislandtrailsociety #trailstewardship #treework #safetrails #mtgardner #bowenisland #trailambassadors

Have you spotted some of the drainage work being done on the Handloggers trail? Some very low impact trail work is being done to keep some of the water flowing in the right direction. Huge thanks to our amazing volunteers and trail ambassadors for continually working to make our trail network accessible and safe! #mtgardner #trailsafety #trailwork #trailambassadors #trailstewarship #bits #bowenislandtrailsociety #handloggerstrail

Please be alerted that there are power lines down on Hikers Trail Road just below the Handloggers trail head. The road is impassable at the moment due to the potential hazard from downed wires. Please use Lower Skid Trail rather than the service road if you’re heading out. ... Crews have been alerted. Stay safe. #mtgardner #bits #boweniandtrailsociety #hikebowen #bowenisland

There are power lines down on hikers trail road just below the new Handloggers trail head. The road is impassable at the moment due to potential hazard from downed wires. Please use lower skid trail rather than the service road if you’re heading out. Sounds like a crew might be coming tomorrow!

Get out there and soak up some early November sunshine, friends! #leavenotrace #explorebowen #mtgardner #bowenislandtrailsociety #trailstewardship #beautifulbc

Fall clean-up on Mt. Gardner. Big thanks to the volunteers who are working hard to keep our trails accessible and safe. ... #bits #bowenislandtrailsociety #mtgardner #trailstewardship #leavenotrace #fallcleanup #bowenisland #bowenlife

Join a work party this Saturday, October 17th. 9:45am start There are lots of fresh trees and branches down on the trails of Mt. Gardner. We’re organizing a work party to help clear the trails and make them safer and more accessible for everyone. ... Work groups or pairs will be thoughtfully dispatched to accommodate social bubbles and social distancing needs. If you can join, please email [email protected] for an assigned trail section and all other details, including tools and safety requirements. Happy Trails! #mtgardner #trailstewardship #fallcleanup #bowenislandtrailsociety #bits #bowenisland #bowenlife

A huge thanks to all folks that participated in the First Annual Trail Trash Scavenger Hunt! We are grateful to everyone that went out there and cleaned up our little island. And thank you to everyone who shared pics and sent us emails! Congrats to our winners, and big thanks to our community who supported us and donated prizes. Our winners are: ... Pam Brownsey (Pam, Roger & Sylvia); Andrea Layzell; Inga, Makayla, Sophia, Shasta & Bubbles (the Ponies); Kelly Nattress; Madison Ralph; Clara, Max, Fischer & Birkie (the pups); Owen & Avery Vincent. Well done, folks! #bits #trailstewards #bowenislandtrailsociety #bowenlife #trailtrashscavengerhunt

This weekend is our First Annual TRAIL TRASH SCAVENGER HUNT! Saturday October 3rd + Sunday October 4th... Get your family / dogs / kiddos / house guests and head out to pick up some trash. Walk your favourite trail, head down to your beach, roadway or even the ditch out front of your house, and pick up some litter. Remember to keep yourself safe and protected while you're out there gloves, masks and some socially distanced pals. Then take a photo and tag us or send us an email with a pic of your litter stash (by midnight on October 4th, please). [email protected] We've got some amazing prizes from local businesses: $100 gift card x 2 Bowen Island Integrated Health $75 gift card The General Store $50 gift card Bowen Flower Shop $50 gift card Phoenix $25 gift card Bowen Pet Supply $20 gift card Cocoa West Let's do this, Bowen!! #trailtrashscavengerhunt #bits #bowenislandtrailsociety #leavenotrace #bowentrails #hikebowen #scavengerhunt #litterfree #trailstewardship #boweniand #bowenlife

Join Us on our First Annual TRAIL TRASH SCAVENGER HUNT Saturday October 3rd + Sunday October 4th Get your family / dogs / kiddos / house guests and head out to pick up some trash. Walk your favourite trail, head down to your beach, roadway or even the ditch out front of your house, and pick up some litter. Remember to keep yourself safe and protected while you're out there gloves, masks and some socially distanced pals. ... We'd love for you take a photo and tag us or send us an email with a pic of your litter stash (by midnight on October 4th, please). We've got some great prizes from some local businesses: $75 gift card The General Store $50 gift card Bowen Flower Shop $50 gift card Phoenix $25 gift card Bowen Pet Supply $20 gift card Cocoa West (Official prize-worthy-categories to be announced closer to the event!) Let's do this, Bowen!! #trailtrashscavengerhunt #bits #bowenislandtrailsociety #leavenotrace #bowentrails #hikebowen #scavengerhunt #litterfree #trailstewardship #boweniand #bowenlife

Big congrats and thanks to everyone that participated and supported this year’s virtual Handloggers Half Marathon. Although it looked a bit different than years past, folks from all over the world joined in to complete their own 21k virtual race. We are so grateful for the significant contributions that were raised by participants. The funds raised will continue to support navigation and signage costs, and trail improvements for non-motorized trail users on Bowen. ... #handloggershalf #handloggershalf2020 #bowenislandtrailsociety #bowentrails #runbowen #halfmarathon #beautifulbc

The Annual Handloggers Half Marathon Race is an awesome event that raises funds for the Bowen Island Trail Society. Those funds help to cover costs of trail maintenance tools, signage materials, etc. 2020 has shaped up to be a different kind of year. In lieu of the traditional event, this year the event is virtual - run your own 21k course in your bubble, wherever you are in the world. Sign up by August 29th. ... Run any time between August 29Sept 7th. Register link in bio. Handloggershalf.com #handloggers2020 #runbowen #bowenislandtrailsociety #mtgardner #trailstewardship #trailambassadors #handloggershalf #handloggerstrail #trailrunning

A gentle reminder to our fellow trail stewards and fans - let’s make sure to leave no trace! That means ensuring that all trash that is packed in is also packed out of our trails, forests and water ways. Consider bringing a trash bag along on your next walk, hike or ride and help us to clean up some of the spillage from all of the summer excitement out there! ... #leavenotrace #packitout #trailambassadors #trailstewards #bits #bowenislandtrailsociety #bowenisland #keepbcbeautiful #beautifulbc

Another awesome weekend of sign post installation up Mt. Gardner. We went way up this weekend the views were definitely worth it. And 27/30 posts are now in place! Signage to follow soon.... Thanks for the great pics @adventuregirl50 #bits #bowenislandtrailsociety #mtgardnernavigationproject #mtgardner #trailstewardship

It’s been a great few weeks of progress on Mt. Gardner, with all sorts of volunteers coming out to help. A few more posts to get up the hill and in the ground - drop us a line if you’d like to help out. #mtgardnernavigationproject #bits #bowenislandtrailsociety #bitsvolunteers #trailstewardship #mtgardner #treadlightly #happytrails

More posts going up the hill! Big thanks to Paulo Arreaga, Lucia Arreaga and Rachel Canning, and all of our volunteers, for helping us to carry these up and set them around the mountain. Directional signage for these posts coming soon. #bits #bowenislandtrailsociety #mtgardnernavigationproject #trailstewardship #bowenlife

Although we’re not organizing any formal work parties during this time, small teams are getting things done! We’re busy digging holes, setting new navigation posts and carrying posts to their new forever homes. Saturday was a productive day - look out Bluewater & Laura Road area for the new navigation posts. If you’d like to carry a few up the hill or dig and set some, please reach out and we’ll get you sorted! ... #bits #bowenislandtrailsociety #trailambassadors #trailstewardship #volunteeronbowen #mtgardner #mtgardnernavigationproject

Big thanks to volunteer Dave Dundas, who finished prepping our cedar sign posts for the Mt. Gardner Navigation Project. The prep is an eco friendly burning process to prevent rot in the buried end and support a long lasting beautiful cedar post which will eventually have beautiful signs and maps for accurate navigation of the Mt. Gardner trail system. #bowenislandtrailsociety #shousugiban #japanesewoodpreservation #navigationproject #bits #volunteerism #bowenisland #trailstewardship

Hope everyone is out there enjoying sweet moments with their families on the trails today. Extra love to all of the Mom’s nurturing our next generation of trail ambassadors! Thanks for the lovely pic @aliciahoppenrath #happymothersday #trailambassadors #bits #hikebowen #trailstewardship #runbowen #bowenislandtrailsociety

Please join us next Saturday, May 9th at 12:30pm for our Annual General Meeting. We'll be discussing the past year, future goals and new opportunities on the Board. DM us for the Zoom link. ... #bits #boweniandtrailsociety #happytrails #selfpropelledrecreation #bowenianf #trailstewardship

Let’s be kind to this earth and to each other. Happy Earth Day, fellow trail ambassadors and enthusiasts. Enjoy the beautiful rain today. #earthday #everydayisearthday #bits #bowenislandtrailsociety #bowenisland #beautifulbc #trailstewardship

Lots of room out there to stay 2 metres apart! If approaching someone from behind, please call out before passing to allow others space to move aside, and then pass them on the left. Let’s keep our beautiful trails open and safe. #happytrails #trailetiquette #bits #bowenislandtrailsociety #bowenisland #treadlightly #beautifulbc

We truly appreciate the value of our forests and trails as a place to find solace and reprieve, perhaps now more than ever. We ask that you our community of trail ambassadors and advocates continue to use the trails safely and mindfully during these times. While our trails remain open, the public is reminded to maintain safe physical distances of at least two metres and choose low risk activities while using trails. And remember, the only thing you can catch from a smile is another smile. Let’s be kind and support each other out there. #bits #bowenislandtrailsociety #treadlightly #trailetiquette #beautifulbc

Environment Canada says we’ve got sunshine heading our way - time to plan your trail adventures for this weekend. #bits #bowenislandtrailsociety #killarneylake #bowenisland #hikebowen #trailstewardship #explorebowen #beautifulbc

Please join us tonight - Tuesday, February 18th at 6:45pm (in the Non-Fiction room at BICS). This is an open meeting for all current and future members. It’s a great time to find out what we’re up to, our hopes and dreams, and opportunities to volunteer. Whether you’re interested in volunteering for a work party, leading a nature walk or talk, being an articulate voice to amplify our mission, becoming a trail ambassador, or helping with administration, we’d love to connect... with you. Come help shape the future of the Trail Society. (Also if you’re unable to attend, send us an email or visit our FB / website to connect). #bits #bowenislandtrailsociety #trailstewardship #bowenisland #explorebowen #volunteerbowen

Looking forward to getting some navigation signage on these beautiful cedar posts this spring. We will definitely be looking for more volunteers to help us complete the Mt. Gardner navigation project - stay tuned! #bits #mtgardner #mtgardnernavigationproject #bowenisland #hikebowen #bowenislandtrailsociety #beautifulbc

We're working on growing our membership and volunteer group. There are many opportunities to volunteer and support the group everything from trail building to leading nature walks to helping us with admin. Please do send us a note even if just to say hi or to share your trail hopes and dream with us. [email protected]

Crippen Park is especially crispy these days. Tread safely, and enjoy these frosty mornings! #bowenislandtrailsociety #bits #hikebowen #crippenpark #bowenisland #beautifulbc

There’s a hike tomorrow hosted by Bowen island hikers group... 10:00 start up over Valhalla from the golf course, lead by Dom Olena. More info found on Bowen island hikers page!

The second day of winter, and it’s a gorgeous one to get out and explore Mt Gardner and the trails on Bowen! #bits #explorebowen #bowenislandtrailsociety #runbowen #beautifulbc #wintersun #trailstewardship

Spectacular views from the top of Mt Gardner today (looking NW towards Sunshine Coast & Mt Elphinstone). Thanks for the Christine Hardie #mtgardner #bowentrails #bowenislandtrailsociety #viewsfordays #summitviews #beautifulbc #salishsea #mtelphinstone #sweatlife

Big thanks to all of the volunteers and members that came out to help set these cedar posts on the trails yesterday for the Mt Gardner Navigation Project. There will be more volunteer days in the new year to continue the progress on Mt Gardner - follow us here and on our Instagram and join our mailing list to stay in the loop. [email protected]

Ten posts prepped for planting An eco friendly burning process to prevent rot in the buried end and support a long lasting beautiful red cedar post - which will eventually have beautiful signs and maps for accurate navigation of the Mt. Gardner trail system! Work party this Saturday December 7th to haul these beauties up the mountain and get them set! ATV up the service road also an option as were starting with the skid trail route! ... Holes already pre dug, but still will be a team work kinda day. See event info on our Facebook page @bowenislandtrailsociety #bowenislandtrailsociety #shousugiban #japanesewoodpreservation #navigationproject #bowentrails See more

Thanks to all of our BITS Volunteers and Members who came out for our November 24th work party. Bring your shovels and work gloves this coming Saturday (December 7th @ 9:45am) for another round. We're setting signposts on Skid Trails. ... RSVP: [email protected] if you can make it. (Thanks for this pics Sarah Cuff, Kevin Bernards, Rachel Canning, Phil Osborne & Daniel Goddard)

BARNEY, DUSTIN AND FRIENDS BRING THE PUB TO LIFE IN SUPPORT OF THE TRAIL SOCIETY On Friday night the Bowen Island Pub was packed full taking in some amazing talent all for good cause. Barney Bentall and his son Dustin creatively planned the event "Cover Your Trail" to support the Bowen Island Trail Society. The idea came about well over a year ago from Barney himself, but finally came to life this last weekend. Barney and Dustin were joined by artists Tom Taylor, Wendy Bird, ...Continue reading

Come say Hi to us at our BowFest booth tomorrow! We will be at the field all day sharing some of BITS's most recent updates, projects under the go, and future plans! Along with more details on this years Handloggers Half Marathon, BITS' major annual fundraiser :) There will be opportunity for trail naming feedback as well as a draw to win a Bowen Island Pub gift certificate!

https://www.youtube.com/watch Just wanted to share a little running inspiration to those who are planning to do or may be considering doing the Handloggers Half Marathon this year. Heres a little promo video created in 2017. This year the event is on Saturday August 31st. Come challenge yourself and join the FUN! I can assure you its the best opportunity to run 21 km and over 3000 vertical feet around Bowen Island, AND support the Bowen Island Trail Society all at the same ...time :) Visit www.handloggershalf.com for more info and to sign up today :) OR if you'd like to get involved as a VOLUNTEER please do reach out to us. The more the merrier :)

Another great trail work event last weekend! Two trails are now completely marked. Stay tuned for more - we always appreciate an extra pair of hands! ... : Sarah #bowenislandtrailsociety #bowenisland #bowenislandtourism #bowenislandbc #trailsbc #trail #trails #metrovancouver #beautiful #vancouver #bctourism #hiking #events #wanderlust #trees #lake #forest #rain #rainforest #volunteer #nonprofit #nature #bowen_life #bc #mtgardner #hike #northshore #explorepage #explorebc #travel #beautifulbc See more

Happy Earth Day from your friends at BITS! Fantastic weather this past Easter weekend - hope you got to enjoy the outdoors! ... : @manny_kissoczy #bowenislandtrailsociety #bowenisland #bowenislandtourism #bowenislandbc #trailsbc #earthday #trails #metrovancouver #beautiful #vancouver #bctourism #hiking #events #wanderlust #trees #lake #forest #rain #rainforest #volunteer #nonprofit #nature #bowen_life #bc #mtgardner #hike #northshore #explorepage #explorebc #travel See more

Dedication pays off! The blazing phase of Mt. Gardner’s Skid Trail is now completed. A short impression from last weekend’s work party - rainier than we would have hoped, but made for magical BC rainforest moments! Once again, thanks to all our fantastic volunteers who braved the elements to make this possible! ... : @manny_kissoczy #bowentrails #bowenislandtrailsociety #bowenisland #bowenislandtourism #bowenislandbc #trailsbc #trail #trails #metrovancouver #beautiful #vancouver #bctourism #hiking #events #day #trees #lake #forest #rain #rainforest #volunteer #nonprofit #nature #bowen_life #bc #mtgardner #hike #northshore See more

We did it! What a way to end National Volunteer Week. The blazing phase for Mt. Gardner’s Skid Trail is now complete - it will be much harder to get lost now! Thanks to all our fantastic volunteers (some of them depicted below) for your help during these two phases - we couldn’t have done it without you! Special thanks to Bowen Trail Riders Association for their help and warming campfire! See you at our next event!

Spring time means renewal and revival! Join us this Saturday, April 13 to replace old markers with new ones on Mt. Gardner and help us make Bowen’s trails more safe! Combine a great hike with some trail work and lend us a hand! RSVP to our Facebook event or send us a message!... : @aliciahoppenrath #bowentrails #bowenislandtrailsociety #bowenisland #bowenislandtourism #bowenislandbc #trailsbc #trail #trails #metrovancouver #beautiful #vancouver #bctourism #hiking #events #day #trees #lake #forest #rain #volunteer #nonprofit #nature #bowen_life #bc #mtgardner #hike #northshore #beautifulbc See more

Love the trails on Mt. Gardner? We do, too! Join us this Saturday, April 13 and help us make Bowen’s trails more safe! We will be marking another trail on Mount Gardner. Combine a great hike with some trail work and lend us a hand! RSVP to our Facebook event or send us a message! ... : Bev Attfield, Andrew Wong #bowentrails #bowenislandtrailsociety #bowenisland #bowenislandtourism #bowenislandbc #trailsbc #trail #trails #metrovancouver #beautiful #vancouver #bctourism #hiking #events #day #trees #lake #forest #rain #volunteer #nonprofit #nature #bowen_life #bc #mtgardner #hike #northshore See more

Thank you for a great AGM today! We appreciate and welcome all your input and participation & look forward to another exciting year with you! If you’re out on the trails today, please mind the slippery conditions! ... : @manny_kissoczy #bowentrails #bowenislandtrailsociety #bowenisland #bowenislandtourism #bowenislandbc #trailsbc #trail #trails #metrovancouver #beautiful #vancouver #bctourism #hiking #crippenpark #day #trees #lake #forest #rain #volunteer #nonprofit #nature #bowen_life #bc See more

Reminder: Join us this Saturday! Please RSVP via Facebook or email! Come and hear about the year in review and share your ideas for the next year of BITS' trail adventures and stewardship! We'll have snacks and good vibes

Coming up next Saturday April 6. If you enjoy running, hiking, or biking the crown trails of Bowen, we'd like to hear from you! This is a great opportunity to come out and learn more about BITS's current initiatives as well as contribute your voice, thoughts and values regarding recreation on Bowen. Hope to see you there :)

Hi BITS friends - anyone been up Gardner recently? Looking for a report on conditions on the trails, specifically snow/ice for an interested group of hikers. Thanks!

Save the date for our AGM on April 6! More details to follow soon See you there! https://www.facebook.com/events/2314337218812578/

** UPDATE RE FEBRUARY 9 MT. GARDNER TRAIL BLAZING EVENT ** Cold weather and trail conditions with trees across Hikers Road have prompted us to postpone the February 9 trail blazing event until further notice. We'll provide a new date once conditions improve.... Be warm and stay safe out on the trails!

Our trail society is off to a strong start with almost two years under our belts. We recognize the need to expand our Board in order to accomplish our objectives and have a greater impact on Bowen's trails and the community at large. We're currently inviting applications for two Board positions: Treasurer and temporary Secretary... Communications Director For more information or to submit an application, email [email protected]. Positions require a 2-year term. We're an enthusiastic group focused on improving and maintaining Bowen's trails. Come join us!

We've been notified of windfall halfway up Hikers Trail. The Crown has been alerted and they’re working on contacting the right people to clear the line. In the meantime, the area has been demarcated with signage and tape and we ask that people avoid the area. We won't be doing any clearing as the tree is contacting the power lines and there's a risk of shock. Please don't attempt to clear away any of the debris.

Our final trail outing for the year happens this Saturday! Come join BITS Chair Chuck Venhuizen on a trail run round around Quarry Park!