Snowshoeing in the Arboretum

Even as the thermometer plunged below -10 on Saturday, adventure seekers and nature lovers made the most of a chilly weekend when the Humber Arboretum hosted guided snowshoeing.

"It's a neat way to bring people out, enjoy nature, and it does bring in more of an exercise aspect it it too," said Jimmy Vincent, 26, who led over a dozen participants on a hike though the wilderness behind Humber College.

Vincent has been an interpreter since Jan. 2006. He has taught outdoor education for many years and finds it very rewarding to allow children to connect with nature since spending summers as a camp counsellor when he was younger.

"We give an introduction to get them used to how snowshoes are used and why they were such an important discovery," he said, explaining that they were first used by First Nations Peoples and have evolved over their over 3000 year history.

"One thing that is unique is that our snowshoes, you cannot get anymore," said Humber Arboretum Nature Centre co-ordinator Barb Fox. The snowshoes that participants were provided are called "Beaver Tail" snowshoes because of their tear-drop shape. They are constructed with a traditional wooden frame with cat gut webbing and leather shoe straps.

Fox said that even this mild winter has good enough weather for snowshoeing.

"Last year we didn't have nearly this much snow," said Vincent.

Some participants wanted an even more extreme experience, though.

"It's fun but it would be a lot more fun if there was more snow," said Baily Rubinoff, 11.

In addition to families, there were also couples out for the fresh air and exercise.

"It's a new experience for us," said Conrad Aristodemo. "It's our first time and we like exercising so we thought this would be a good opportunity for us to try it."

Vicky Griffith is a third-year early childhood eduction student that has volunteered for the snowshoeing event as part of her coursework.

"We do tours like this, not necessarily with the snowshoes," she said, "but I really love the program. If you like the outdoors, you'll love it.

How does she like snowshoes?

"I love them. It's my first time. The shoe fits!"

Snowshoeing trips in the Arboreum will be held on Feb. 17 and March 3. Participants must book ahead by contacting the Arboretum's Nature Centre.