The Morrell Nature Sanctuary is looking to re-surface and upgrade the Yew Loop trail, one of the only wheelchair accessible trails in the city. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

TRAIL UPGRADES

‘It’s just in rough shape:’ upgrades needed to popular Morrell sanctuary trail

Apr 11, 2021 | 6:50 AM

NANAIMO — A beloved park in the heart of the city is needing some love and attention.

The popular Yew Loop trail at Morrell Nature Sanctuary is falling victim to a massive spike in visitors with the society tasked with managing the park hoping to breathe new life into it.

Bob Harvey, society president and head nature interpreter at the sanctuary, told NanaimoNewsNOW the last 12 months saw unprecedented levels of visitors.

“It’s wear and tear. We’re down to a point where it needs to be upgraded. The roots are coming through, lots of people coming in to use the Yew Loop and we do get the odd person in a wheelchair through here, it’s just in rough shape, it needs some love.”

The loop is one of the first trails visitors see upon entering the sancutary and is popular year-round with seniors and families.

roster shakeup

Nanaimo Clippers lose two major players to Major Junior ranks

14m ago

armed robbery

Knife-wielding man robs south Nanaimo liquor store

8h ago

Shorthanded

Clippers fall short hosting Bulldogs

14h ago

It is the front door to 271 acres of second growth forest featuring 11 kilometres of trails. Harvey said some trees in the sanctuary are upwards of 500 to 600 years old.

An estimated 45,000 people came onto the sanctuary in 2020, around double pre-pandemic levels.

“We need new railings because they’re all rotting out, the trail itself needs to be upgraded with pathway gravel to make it a lot smoother and to keep the water run off from damaging the trail.”

A bridge near the entrance to the trail will need significant modifications during the work to allow for equipment to access the trail. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

The society estimates the project to cost around $10,000. Existing fundraising and a grant from Coastal Community Credit Union have left them about $5,000 short.

“It’s a constant challenge to keep up (with trail maintenance). All our volunteers are in their 60’s, late 70’s some in their 80’s. They’re still in great shape but they’re not in good shape to wheelbarrow, gravel or things like that.”

In addition to casual walkers and hikers, the sanctuary plays host to dozens of school tours through the year for kids aged kindergarten through high school.

An online fundraising campaign is setup and those interested in donating can do so securely online.

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

alex.rawnsley@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley