A local Ancient Forest champion has been honoured for his work in bringing the site's universal boardwalk to life.
The 457-metre raised cedar trail was named after Nowell Senior, a long-time Caledonia Ramblers volunteer who has been involved with the Ancient Forest's recreation trail since its 2005 conception.
In the nine years since the trail's official opening on Sept. 24, 2006, Senior has made more than 400 trips to the forest and contributed more than 5,000 hours of his time carrying lumber, hauling stones, hammering nails, sawing wood and more. He has also written grants for funding, ordered supplies and organized volunteers alongside other behind-the-scenes activities.
"We can think of no better name for the Universal Boardwalk than to name it after Nowell," said Tim Gardner, on behalf of the Ramblers. "The breathtaking realities that are now the Ancient Forest Trail and the Universal Boardwalk largely exist only due to his imagination, determination and drive."
As an educator, Senior spent many years working with youth with physical disabilities and wanted them to be able to experience the ancient cedars in the forest, 115 kilometres east of Prince George.
The Nowell Senior Universal Boardwalk, officially opened in August 2013, is fully wheelchair accessible. It took four years, 193 volunteers and more than 6,000 hours to realize.
A special event to honour Senior will be held Friday from 6:30 to 7 p.m. at the Spruce Capital Seniors Centre (3701 Rainbow Dr.)
