Community members, volunteers and project partners gather west of Coleman on May 30 to celebrate the completion of the upgraded Star Creek Falls Loop, marked with a ribbon cutting and a festive walk through the newly improved two-kilometre trail.
Nicholas L. M. Allen photo
Nicholas L. M. Allen
Jun 4, 2025
Community members mark completion of two km trail upgrade with ribbon cutting and reflection
Dozens of community members, volunteers, students and partner organizations gathered west of Coleman on May 30 to celebrate the completion of upgrades to the Star Creek Falls Loop with a Celebration Walk, ribbon cutting and tailgate-style lunch.
Hosted by the Alberta Hiking Association, the event honoured the nearly 80 volunteers who helped shape the upgraded two-kilometre trail into what organizers described as a “hiker-friendly destination” with improved safety, signage and erosion-resistant pathways.
“This is a big celebration of a community-building project,” said Don Cockerton, chair of the Alberta Hiking Association. “So many people came together to help get things done, and I’m particularly thrilled with the outcome. The momentum just keeps growing.”
The work began in June 2023, with funding secured and trail work commencing in mid-August. In total, 79 volunteers contributed more than 700 hours of trail-building time.
“This is a destination for both locals and visitors,” said Jenice Smith, project lead and local representative for the Alberta Hiking Association. “We created a two-kilometre loop with under 100 metres of elevation, featuring the best views of Star Creek Falls and Crowsnest Mountain.”
Smith said the loop is best travelled in a clockwise direction and praised the mix of new and seasoned trail builders who made the project possible.
“My favourite part was working with first-time volunteers who had never picked up trail tools before. They brought so much passion and were mentored by experienced builders from the Great Divide Trail Association,” she said.
Smith acknowledged a wide array of supporting groups, including the Oldman Watershed Council, Crowsnest Conservation Society, Crowsnest Nordic Ski Club and the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass. Representatives from each were present during the event, including Councillor Glen Girhiny and Lane Rogers from Alberta Forestry and Parks.
Rogers, who serves as a recreation infrastructure planner, highlighted the project as a model of collaboration.
“We have 3,800 kilometres of officially designated trails in the south, and not nearly enough staff to maintain them. It’s this kind of community collaboration that makes the difference,” he said. “This is the outcome we all want to see.”
The Crowsnest Conservation Society contributed interpretive signage along the trail to help visitors learn about the local environment.
“We’re so happy we were able to be a part of this project and contribute with the signage,” said Heather McCubbin, board member with the Crowsnest Conservation Society. “Signage is very important because we want to get people out there learning new things and exploring new areas.”
The celebration also recognized contributions from youth and students. While scheduling did not align with the local high school, students from Livingstone School and home-schooled youth helped throughout the build season.
The ribbon cutting concluded with the help of volunteers young and old, alongside project partners, and was followed by a self-guided loop walk and refreshments.
“This isn’t the end,” said Cockerton. “If we can keep working together, there are more trails to build and more communities to connect.”
Smith echoed the sentiment.
“This has been a true community response,” she said. “Let’s keep the momentum going.”
Visit abhiking.ca to learn more about the Alberta Hiking Association and the work they do in the province.
