BAFFIN AND BRUCE TRAIL CONSERVANCY CELEBRATE COMPLETION OF TRAIL CONSERVANCY PROJECT
ONE HUNDRED BOOT BRUSH STATIONS BUILT TO PROTECT AGAINST INVASIVE SPECIES
STONEY CREEK, ON, June 23, 2025 /CNW/ - Canadian footwear brand Baffin is proud to announce the successful completion of the Trail Conservancy Project in partnership with the Bruce Trail Conservancy. Launched in 2023 with the goal to build and install 100 co-branded boot brush stations by 2025, the project aimed to help stop the spread of invasive species on the Bruce Trail, Canada's oldest and longest marked footpath. The initiative reached its final chapter this Earth Day, when the final 40 stations were constructed at Baffin's Stoney Creek, Ontario headquarters by employees, community members and representatives from the Bruce Trail Conservancy.
Invasive species are one of the most pressing threats to the biodiversity of the Niagara Escarpment, often introduced unknowingly by hikers' footwear. Boot brush stations encourage trail users to clean their boots before and after their hikes, a simple act that has proven to significantly reduce the transfer of non-native species. When the Trail Conservancy Project launched in 2023 there were only 35 stations located throughout over 900 km of trail.
"At Baffin, we have always believed that adventure begins with your footwear, but it doesn't end there. As explorers, hikers, and nature loves, we know that every step we take leaves a mark. With the completion of the Trail Conservancy Project, we are proud to be leaving behind something meaningful on the Bruce Trail: not just footprints, but 100 boot brush stations," says Baffin's Brand Director, Jessica Liut. "This project demonstrates the power of community and the collective responsibility we all share in protecting and preserving natural spaces. We are honoured to support the Bruce Trail Conservancy and their work in safeguarding the trail, so that future generations can continue to explore, challenge themselves, and find peace in the same wild places we cherish today."
Over the past three years, Baffin employees have hand-built each station, donating time and energy to a cause close to home. The Hamilton-based brand is committed to Real-World Testing™, putting products to the test in a wide range of climates to ensure they deliver on quality and protection. From the harshest environments on Earth to the trails close to home, Baffin depends on the preservation of local landscapes and the vital work of organizations like the Bruce Trail Conservancy to help protect nature.
"The Bruce Trail Conservancy is thrilled with the results of our partnership with Baffin, a Canadian company that balances exploration with a desire to care for the natural world," says Michael McDonald, Chief Executive Officer of the Bruce Trail Conservancy. "With 100 boot brush stations now installed along the Bruce Trail, we are mitigating the spread of invasive species while educating the public on which species threaten the incredible biodiversity that makes the Bruce Trail such a special place to explore and preserve. With the continued support of dedicated Canadian conservation champions like Baffin, we are protecting our ribbon of wilderness, for everyone, forever, together."
Crafted from durable cedar and standing approximately three feet tall, each boot brush station features a rugged plastic scrubber base and an informative display panel. These displays educate hikers about the dangers of invasive species and promote trail-friendly habits. With a design rooted in purpose, the stations blend function and form to deliver real environmental impact. Turkstra Lumber, a family-owned Ontario business, played a crucial role by generously donating materials throughout the project's duration.
Baffin has proudly supported the Bruce Trail Conservancy for over a decade, contributing to conservation programming that protects, restores, and manages land along the Niagara Escarpment UNESCO World Biosphere. The completion of the Trail Conservancy Project marks a milestone in this partnership, but not the end to Baffin's commitment. As supporters of the wild spaces that inspire exploration and innovation, Baffin will continue to support the Bruce Trail Conservancy's ongoing efforts to preserve natural lands and ensure the trail remains a thriving biodiverse corridor.
To learn more about the Bruce Trail Conservancy and how you can support their mission visit brucetrail.org.
About Baffin
Baffin Ltd. is an innovative, leading outerwear company based in Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada with a core focus on technically advanced footwear and high-performance apparel. Baffin designs, develops, and field tests footwear in the most demanding environments on the planet and is focused on being a global leader in footwear within the Outdoor, Industrial and Hunt and Fish categories. Baffin Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Canada Goose Holdings Inc.
About The Bruce Trail Conservancy
Bruce Trail Conservancy is one of Ontario's largest land trusts that secures, protects and restores the vulnerable habitat and biodiversity of the UNESCO Niagara Escarpment Biosphere. For more than 50 years, we have responsibly connected people to nature through the Bruce Trail. We are a member-driven, volunteer-based, charitable organization, governed by a 19-member Board of Directors. Working with each of the nine Bruce Trail Clubs, we are committed to caring for the Bruce Trail and to preserving land along its route.
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