Trail Mobile celebrates 20 years
Volunteer drivers, generous donors have created nature experiences for people with limited mobility for 20 years thanks to South Huron Trail Mobile
South Huron Trail Mobile celebrates 20th anniversary in 2026; Current Trail Mobile (new in 2025) is third cart since program began in 2006; Thanks to donors and volunteer drivers, Trail Mobile provides accessible outdoor nature appreciation to people who could not enjoy this trail experience otherwise
Hundreds of people with limited mobility have enjoyed a distinctive outdoor nature appreciation opportunity, for more than two decades, thanks to the South Huron Trail Mobile, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026.
The current South Huron Trail Mobile was purchased in 2025 thanks to generous donors. It is the third modified cart since the Trail Mobile program was first launched in 2006. The new Trail Mobile has space for up to five passengers. The previous cart had room for only three passengers.
Nathan Schoelier is Acting General Manager and Stewardship, Land and Education Manager with Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA). He said the South Huron Trail Mobile is only possible thanks to the dedication and commitment of volunteer drivers Norm Eckel and Jim Hayter. He said he is always amazed at the generosity of the people in the community. Donors and volunteer drivers make nature appreciation and outdoor recreation accessible for people who could not have this trail experience otherwise.
“No words can fully capture how much we appreciate what they have done and how big a difference they are making in people’s lives,” he said.
“I enjoy seeing nature and I enjoy taking the people out,” said Norm Eckel, who has been a volunteer driver on the Trail Mobile since 2012. “To see the smile on their faces makes me quite happy.”
Jim Hayter started as a Trail Mobile volunteer driver in 2019. “I enjoy meeting the older people and how much they appreciate getting out for a ride,” he said.
The County of Huron honoured Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation (ABCF) with a 2025 Award of Merit for Barrier-Free Access in recognition of the South Huron Trail Mobile.
If you would like to support the Trail Mobile with a donation, please visit the Conservation Foundation web page.
The first South Huron Trail Mobile was officially launched in 2006. The first vehicle was donated by the Strang family in memory of the late Gordon Strang. The first two Trail Mobile drivers were Herman Steffens and Jerry Mathers.
Twelve years later, in May of 2018, after many years of service by the first cart, it was time to retire the first Trail Mobile and get a new one. A South Huron Community Grant, from the Municipality of South Huron, combined with a donation from Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation made it possible to acquire and fit a new Trail Mobile, which operated until the purchase of the new cart in 2025.
The new South Huron Trail Mobile was possible thanks to generous donors including Bob Down, Norm Eckel, and Jim and Fran Sweitzer. The Trail Mobile project was also supported in part by the AccessSLED grant, an initiative of the Huron County Accessibility Advisory Committee to improve accessibility across the County of Huron.
As the weather cools this autumn and there are fewer dry and warm days the Trail Mobile season is winding down. When the weather warms up in spring, people with limited mobility, who would like to enjoy nature on the South Huron Trail, on the Trail Mobile, can contact Ausable Bayfield Conservation, during regular business hours, at 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610 to arrange a ride and they will contact the volunteer drivers. Rides depend on volunteer availability and weather.
Learn more on the South Huron Trail Mobile web page.