Beth Gilhespy  Side Trail

This side trail officially opened on August 3, 2019. It was named in honor of Beth Gilhespy, who was CEO of the Bruce Trail conservancy from 2004-2018.  Beth Gilhespy has had a passion for the Niagara Escarpment and the Bruce Trail all her life. An avid hiker and amateur geologist, she became a volunteer on the Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC) Environment Committee in 1993, eventually joining the Board of Directors in 2002. In July 2004 Beth moved into the senior staff position as Executive Director of the BTC, and stayed until 2018.  Beth is recognized for her dedication to the mission of the BTC. In sharing her deep knowledge of, commitment to and affection for the Niagara Escarpment, Beth has inspired many to explore and protect this ribbon of wilderness. The Beth Gilhespy Side Trail winds through the Barrow Bay Cliffs Nature Reserve a property purchased by the Bruce Trail Conservancy with support from generous donors. The acquisition of Barrow Bay Cliffs Nature Reserve was 10 years in the making, and Beth was heavily involved over that time, working closely with members of the Peninsula Club to bring this nature reserve to fruition. It is also part of a BTC International Friendship Trail. The Bruce Trail Conservancy currently has 9 Friendship Trails. In each case, a route on the Bruce Trail (main and side trails) and a corresponding route on the international trail have been designated as a Friendship Trail, displaying special signs to mark the partnership.