Matthew Farfan

Sentiers Massawippi is holding a photography contest. This non-profit group, which manages the Tomifobia Nature Trail between Ayer's Cliff and Beebe (Stanstead), is inviting the public to submit photos of the trail "in all its glory, in all its seasons, and in all its moods." The contest runs until October 2003. The best photographs will be published in a 2004 calendar, which the Association will sell to raise funds for the trail.

The contest rules are as follows. Entrants may submit as many photos as they wish. Sentiers Massawippi retains the right to use the photos as they see fit. Photos must be eight inches by eleven inches, or smaller. Photos may be in colour or black and white. And each entry must be clearly labelled with the entrant's name, address, age, the date the photo was taken, where along the trail the photo was taken, and any relevant technical information (if possible).

The theme of the contest is "The Tomifobia Nature Trail in Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter." A Best Picture Prize of $100 will be awarded, as well as prizes of $25 for each of the four seasons. Photos should be mailed to: Sentiers Massawippi, C.P. 591, Ayer's Cliff, Quebec, J0B 1C0.

The Tomifobia Nature Trail has been ten years in the making. The 19-kilometre (140 acre) trail follows the former line of the Canadian Pacific Railway through the Tomifobia River Valley. Purchased from the railway company by Sentiers Massawippi in 1993, the property is off-limits to all motorized traffic. It is thus a haven for nature lovers, walkers, and cyclists.

Many species flourish along the trail, including bear, deer, otter, osprey, three species of turtle, and varieties of lily, orchid, and other plants. During the winter, the trail is a popular cross-country skiing corridor.

Sentiers Massawippi is planning an official opening ceremony for the Tomifobia Nature Trail in May, 2003.

For more information on the Tomifobia Nature Trail or the photography contest, call (819) 838-4365.


(Map: Sentiers Massawippi)