 Choosing electric tools is one way we are doing our part to combat climate change. Last fall we met a goal set 3 years ago - to transition all of our tools from gas to electric powered. We didn’t do it all at once. Over time, as we needed new things, we chose the ones that were electric. Tools needed for building boardwalks, clearing trails or cutting branches or sign posts include skill saws, impact drivers, leaf blowers, chain saws, grinders, and lawn mowers. We are proud to say all of these, save one large chainsaw, are now electric! Another benefit of battery operated tools is that they are portable. Portable tools allow us to do the work in the field rather than needing a workshop. We primarily use the Makita brand as the same batteries serve all of the equipment, which allows us to carry less with us on the trails. This is one way that we are doing our part to lower carbon emissions in our community.  Irene Richardson’s grandkids enjoying the trails at Hendricks Farm behind Fairbairn House. The Fairbairn House Hendrick Trail may officially be just 1.8 km long, with an estimated walking time of 30 minutes, but when you're exploring it with four grandkids, all bets are off. We easily cover at least 4 km, and our adventure stretches well beyond an hour—sometimes two!
 Locals make art for the squirrels and fellow passers-by. My favourite trail is one where I get hot enough to swim afterwards. That said, this is my favourite trail in all seasons. I can choose a different route every time, keeping it new and exciting even though I’ve walked there many, many times.
 Ken Bouchard walks the stone stairs he installed with fellow volunteers on the lower red trail at Hendricks Park, which is possibly his favourite trail. If one were to have such a thing. My inner discussion about my favourite trail goes like this:
We have 9. It’s like “who is my favourite grandchild…” I have 9 of them too.  This is a personal account from Ken of how he got involved in trail building.When I first moved here, I used to go walking with Tom Ryan, who started the Wakefield Walkers. But when I go in the woods, I like the peace and quiet. The talking drove me crazy! I always like to stay at the end where it was quiet. I’m always the sweep!
 In the lead up to World Trails Day 2024, we had the honour of being interviewed by Susan Johnston on their radio program CKCU's Friday Special Blend. Ken Bouchard, Board President, and Laura Wesley, Communications Director for the non-profit organization, share stories about how they got involved in Sentiers Wakefield Trails and what it means to them.
 If you see something on the trail - a tree branch down, a muddy patch, a broken piece on a bridge or boardwalk - please let us know! Email us at [email protected] with a photo and the location and we'll get out, usually within the week, to fix it up.
 The 2024 storybook is "The Darkest Dark" by Chris Hadfield! TD Summer Reading Club's StoryWalk book this year is "The Darkest Dark" by one of Canada's most inspiring people - Chris Hadfield!
 Special thank you to all the donors, sponsors, bidders, bakers, volunteers and Board members! The fundraiser was a huge success thanks to all of you, and our trail loving friends and neighbours. We are grateful to be so well supported by our community.
 On May 17, 2024, we welcomed 13 students from Algonquin College's Human-Centred Design Lab to Wakefield.
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