#Canada #Baffin #Stoney Creek #Bruce Trail #Invasive Species

Celebrating the Completion of the Trail Conservancy Project

The Canadian footwear brand Baffin has proudly announced the successful culmination of the Trail Conservancy Project in collaboration with the Bruce Trail Conservancy. Initiated in 2023, this initiative aimed to construct 100 boot brush stations by 2025 to aid in the prevention of invasive species along the Bruce Trail—Canada's oldest and longest marked hiking pathway. This Earth Day marked a significant milestone, as the final 40 stations were erected at Baffin's headquarters in Stoney Creek, Ontario, with the help of dedicated employees, community members, and representatives from the Bruce Trail Conservancy.

Invasive species present a serious challenge to the ecological integrity of the Niagara Escarpment, frequently introduced without intent by trekkers through their footwear. The installation of these boot brush stations is designed to encourage hikers to clean their shoes both before and after their excursions, a straightforward gesture that has been shown to substantially decrease the risk of spreading non-native species across the trail system. When the project commenced, there were only 35 such stations throughout the expansive 900 kilometers of hiking trails.

As Jessica Liut, Baffin’s Brand Director, eloquently put it, "At Baffin, we have always believed that adventure begins with your footwear, but it doesn't end there. As explorers, hikers, and nature lovers, we recognize that every step we take leaves a mark. With the completion of the Trail Conservancy Project, we are proud to have left behind something meaningful on the Bruce Trail—not just footprints but 100 boot brush stations. This initiative underscores the strength of community and the collective duty we share in safeguarding our natural spaces. We are honored to support the Bruce Trail Conservancy in their mission to protect the trail for future generations."

During the past three years, Baffin employees have personally crafted each of the boot brush stations, exemplifying their commitment to a cause that resonates closely with their community. The Hamilton-based company prides itself on Real-World Testing™, ensuring products endure rigorous environments to guarantee quality and protection. Whether facing the world's harshest climates or enjoying local trails, Baffin is devoted to preserving natural landscapes and actively supports organizations like the Bruce Trail Conservancy.

Michael McDonald, the CEO of the Bruce Trail Conservancy, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration by stating, "The Bruce Trail Conservancy is thrilled with the outcomes of our partnership with Baffin, a Canadian company that expertly balances both exploration and environmental stewardship. With these 100 boot brush stations now operational along the Bruce Trail, we are not only mitigating the spread of invasive species but also educating the public on the threats to the unique biodiversity that makes the Bruce Trail such a treasured area to explore and protect. With ongoing support from devoted Canadian conservation leaders like Baffin, we are taking significant steps toward preserving our wilderness for all to experience, forever."

Constructed from sustainable cedar and approximately three feet tall, each boot brush station boasts a rugged plastic scrubber base and an educational display panel. These panels inform hikers about invasive species and advocate for trail-friendly practices. With a design that marries practicality and aesthetics, these stations are set to make a tangible environmental impact. Turkstra Lumber, a family-owned business in Ontario, contributed by generously supplying materials throughout the initiative.

Baffin has been a steadfast supporter of the Bruce Trail Conservancy for over ten years, actively participating in conservation efforts aimed at protecting, restoring, and managing the ecological landscape along the UNESCO-designated Niagara Escarpment Biosphere. The successful completion of the Trail Conservancy Project signifies a monumental achievement within this collaboration, though it does not signal the end of Baffin’s investment in conservation. As advocates for the unspoiled spaces that fuel exploration and innovation, Baffin intends to persist in backing the Bruce Trail Conservancy's relentless efforts to preserve natural habitats and ensure that the trail remains a vibrant and biodiverse corridor for years to come.

To discover more about the Bruce Trail Conservancy and how you can contribute to their mission, visit brucetrail.org.

About Baffin

Baffin Ltd. is a pioneering outerwear company headquartered in Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada. Renowned for its technically advanced footwear and high-performance apparel, Baffin designs, develops, and rigorously tests footwear in some of the planet's most demanding conditions, striving to cement its position as a global leader in outdoor, industrial, and hunting/fishing footwear categories. Baffin is a subsidiary of Canada Goose Holdings Inc.

About The Bruce Trail Conservancy

The Bruce Trail Conservancy represents one of Ontario's largest land trusts, dedicated to securing, preserving, and restoring the vulnerable habitats and biodiversity within the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere—a UNESCO site. For over five decades, this organization has effectively connected communities to nature through the Bruce Trail, operating as a member-driven, volunteer-based, charitable entity governed by a diverse board. Together with nine Bruce Trail Clubs, they are unwavering in their commitment to the care of the Bruce Trail and the protection of land along its route.