Ontario trail users are getting a fresh perspective on the province’s farms. Thanks to the Ontario Federation of Agriculture’s (OFA’s) Revive Fund, new interpretive signs along popular trails showcase local crops, livestock, and farming life—while reminding visitors to stay safe and respect private land. Andrea McCoy-Naperstkow, OFA director, wrote an extensive article covering these developments and their impact. Here are snippets from her article.

Two projects

In Waterloo Region, six signs now line the 30-km (18.6 mi) Guelph to Goderich Rail Trail, including the Kissing Bridge Trail. Ontario Senator Rob Black recently unveiled the signage, which “invite trail users to learn more about the crops and farms that surround them, offering a window into agriculture that is informative, inclusive and accessible—even to young children and those using mobility devices,” said Andrea McCoy-Naperstkow.

Renfrew County’s Algonquin Trail—stretching 219 km (136 mi)—now features larger signs at rest stops and trailheads, and smaller ones near working farms or sensitive areas. The signage combines friendly safety reminders with fun facts about local dairy, beef, vegetables, and grains. McCoy-Naperstkow explained that the project aims “to help trail users understand the importance of respecting farmland by staying on marked trails, keeping themselves and farmers safe, and learning more about local agriculture.”

“Both projects reflect the deep connection that farmers have with their land and their communities. Through simple, engaging signage, they are helping bridge the rural-urban divide—one trail user at a time,” she added. According to Naperstkow, since 2021, the Revive Fund has invested more than $1.2 million in community projects, from trail signage and road safety initiatives to first aid and emergency preparedness programs. Leftover funds from a first aid course in her area were used to purchase an automated external defibrillator (AED) for the local community.

Read more about the Revive Fund at ofa.on.ca/revive-fund.

Read Andrea McCoy-Naperstkow’s full article here: https://ofa.on.ca/newsroom/new-trail-signage-connects-ontarians-to-food-and-farming/