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The Badlands Trail Society started in 2023 with a small group of like-minded friends who
believed in the potential of the valley. They felt that something special was waiting here for
residents.
This includes their secretary, Pam MacDonald, who says, “There are so many opportunities here
for people to explore the outdoors. We’ve got to build some community here around outdoor
activity and a love of living here and engaging with nature.”
Their work centres on attracting locals to these Drumheller gems through year-round activities.
In the summer you can find weekly birding walks, secret concerts, bike meetups, and a running
club, to name a few.
While during winter you can participate in stargazing and various clinics. Last year, they even
spearheaded a skating trail in Newcastle. The 400-meter loop was dutifully maintained by
members, with MacDonald herself flooding in the early morning.
“I saw a grandpa out in his boots pulling his grandkid with a sled on the skating trail. And
multiple families enjoying it.” The trail became a clear example of how their projects can serve a
broad cross-section of the community. In that spirit, they invite all residents to attend or submit
their suggestions for future events: “If they have an idea, we want to hear it.”
Recently they’ve celebrated some big wins; they were instrumental in getting McMullen Island
opened during the winter in 2025 and committed to doing some necessary work – bathroom
maintenance. Though largely behind the scenes, it shows their determination to bring winter
recreation to our community, as does getting the Midland Mine site open during winter starting
in 2026.
Both accomplishments have supported their mission of promoting year-round recreation to
residents, but they have even bigger goals.
Looking ahead, they dream of other projects, including trail development by the Ag Society,
creating portions of the Drumheller Half Marathon, and a trail master plan in Midland Provincial
Park. “These things don't exist yet. Someone needs to do it, so we’re taking the initiative.”
What else keeps them motivated? A desire to protect the land they treasure as more people visit
Drumheller; to educate residents on caring for these parks so that the people who live here can
enjoy it. “I live here. I love it here. I want to develop this for my friends, my children, my
neighbours.”
Ultimately, they hope their community will grow and encourage residents to get involved. On
seeing new members bond, MacDonald ends with, “I am so glad they’re finding connection and
meaning; that's the whole point of it, like-minded people connecting to the place we're from.”
Sign up today to become a member of the Badlands Trail Society to hear about exclusive events
and get free, early access to registration: https://badlandstrailsociety.com
