Volunteers have been out in full force this spring, working alongside Trail Communities in Bloom (CiB) to clean up, prep, and brighten up public garden beds across the city.
“The community’s response this season has been nothing short of inspiring,” says Racheal Brown, contract gardener for Trail CiB.
“We’ve had such strong turnout already, and the dedication people are showing, on and off the schedule, is amazing.”
Brown noted that while most volunteer efforts are highlighted on the Trail Community in Bloom Facebook page, a few contributions have quietly happened behind the scenes and deserve special recognition.
Connie Smith has taken the lead once again on maintaining the East Trail bed along the highway, and also stepped in to weed the Esplanade beds and the garden bed outside city hall. Alf Zipps has been a steady helping hand behind the scenes, not only building and installing new shelving in the CiB storage seacan, but also fixing the wheels on two carts and taking the group’s tiller in for repairs. Meanwhile, Dan Rodlie made a late-night trip to the greenhouse to close it up when forecasts showed below-zero temperatures, ensuring that tender plants were protected from frost.
Trail CiB also hosted a volunteer planting event in Jubilee Park on Tuesday, where the rose garden was mulched and the perennial beds received their final tidy-up for spring.
“It was a great day,” Brown said. “People brought tools, shared tips, and really made it shine.”
Two more volunteer opportunities are lined up this week, and CiB is welcoming anyone who wants to lend a hand.
On Friday, April 18, volunteers will gather from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to mulch the Shaver’s Bench perennial bed along the highway.
With a solid crew expected, the group will also head across the street to Miral Heights for some perennial bed cleanup and grass trimming. Longtime volunteer Taryn Kunz is returning for this event, which Brown says always adds a boost of energy and fun.
On Saturday, April 19, the focus shifts to the Italo bed at the Trail entrance on Rossland Avenue.
Volunteers will be weeding, pruning, and clearing out winter debris from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with special care being taken around blooming bulbs.
“This is a big push to get ahead of the chickweed before it takes over,” Brown explained.
Participants for both events are encouraged to bring their own tools, wear sun protection, and come with a positive spirit.
“Come for an hour or stay all day, every bit helps,” Brown added.
Looking ahead to summer, CiB is also gearing up for the Hills to Valley Garden and Art Tour, set for Saturday, July 5. Brown says the group is currently seeking nominations for gardens in Trail, Annable, Riverside, Warfield, and Rossland that stand out for their beauty, uniqueness, or creativity.
“Whether it’s formal, funky, or a full-on jungle, we want to celebrate the gardens that make this area special,” said Brown. “If there’s a yard you admire, or if yours turns heads, this is a great chance to share it with the community.”
To nominate a garden or learn more, residents can contact tour chair at srpasquali@yahoo.com or follow updates through the Hills to Valley Garden and Art Tour Facebook group.
Brown says the community’s commitment to Trail’s public spaces continues to be the backbone of CiB’s success.
“It’s the people who make this work, those who quietly show up, tools in hand, ready to make things better,” she said. “That’s what keeps Trail blooming.”
