Trail project at Hillside Beach

Hillside Beach community is woven together by pathways that allow walkers and bicycles to explore the area through the bays and streets, to the lagoon, west beach, or main beach area. These pathways are the original paths the development has preserved over the years. Many of the paths are maintained by residents whose efforts go without acknowledgement but are enjoyed by many.

Seasonal and permanent residents may walk by an opening in the woods and unsure of where it may lead. The pathways through the woods and along the wetland are treasures for exploring the natural life, vegetation, insects, and birds, that support a healthy boreal forest and Lake Winnipeg.

Hillside Beach Community Association has been planning to provide our community with the opportunity to access these original pathways with respectful identification and information as well as orientation through our community.

Nesting boxes for birds, natural wildlife, plant, shoreline and wetland information is planned to share with walking or cycling path travelers. The beauty and preservation of our woods and wetlands is part of keeping our Lake Winnipeg water and beaches healthy.

Learn more at the June event
On June 24, HBCA is planning to host “Nature’s Calling” at Charlie Wall Park. HBCA Trail Committee will have more information about the pathways, volunteer sponsors, nesting boxes for families to build and more. This day will also provide an opportunity for East Beach communities to attend an information session presented by the Lake Winnipeg Foundation.

The Coalition to Save Lake Winnipeg is supporting HBCA’s “Nature’s Calling” event by organizing information access regarding zebra mussels, wetlands, Lake Friendly etc. Stay tuned for more details as the date approaches.

Project overview
The proposed project would include:

• Identifying markers at the trailhead with directional information.
• Markers strategically placed to prohibit access of motorized vehicles - access is for pedestrian and bicycle traffic only.
• Nesting boxes for Eastern Screech Owls, Chickadees, Tree Swallow and House Wrens. Community participation in the building of the nesting boxes is in the plan.
• Nature information signs about wetlands, the boreal forest, birds, insects, animals, and plant life will be located on select trails.
• Poison ivy control where needed.
• Opportunity for community residents to adopt a trail.

A grant application for funding support of this project has been made to the RM of Alexander. Approval from the RM of Alexander is required as the trails identified are all on public land.

We look forward to working with the community of Hillside Beach and the RM of Alexander to enhance our outdoor experiences.