Denis Baudry and his brothers are so passionate about Ste. Agathe and its history that they have decided to put a 50-acre parcel of their land to the best use possible, opening up for the public to enjoy.
The Baudry Trails are now open and you can walk, cross country ski, or snowshoe your way through the trails—and while you’re at it, take in a bit of the history of southeastern Manitoba.
The Baudry brothers—Denis, Richard, Gilbert, and Alan—have lived in Ste Agathe for a long time and often wondered what to do with their land along the Red River. Ultimately they decided they wanted to leave it almost exactly like it was and allow their community to explore it the way their ancestors did.
After discussing this idea with the leaders of the RM of Ritchot, they agreed to lease the acreage to the municipality for a nominal sum.
The 3.5-kilometer trail system is one that was created by our ancestors, says Denis. One of the trails ends at an area of river rapids which he says was historically used as a drop-off and pick-up point for supplies.
“There’s just a lot of history to this area,” Denis says. “So we thought we’d leave it in its natural state.”
The trails are not a difficult hike. Other than an incline next to the river, the area is fairly flat and easy to navigate.
The Baudry brothers have already created a fund that they hope to use to build a gazebo in the middle of the trails so hikers have a place to rest. They’re also hoping to add another resting area along the river at a scenic point.
The brothers also hope that perhaps community members could match their donations to the fund.
Other than these rest areas, though, Denis says that he and his brothers want to keep the trails as pristine and natural as they can.
“The whole idea is that this stays in the state it’s in right now,” he says. “The intent is to keep it as a very natural-looking property.”
The trails are educational, too. Baudry speculates that they would be an excellent spot for school trips, as they provide not only exercise but information on nature, wildlife, and the history of the area.”
Denis also has other ideas for the trail system.
“We’re thinking of naming the trails and having the community decide,” he says. “Maybe even have a little contest! Right now we are just calling this Baudry Trails, but we hope to give each trail an historical name.”
The brothers’ great-great grandfather landed in Ste. Agathe in the early 1900s. Many years later, around 1968, the family purchased part of the property which is now home to the trails. The remaining part was bought in 2003. Denis says that the trails reflect a long heritage, with much of the trail now looking just as it did 100 to 150 years ago.
Even the trails themselves are old, having been in this area as long as humans have lived in this part of the world, perhaps going back to when the Anishinabe settled this area in the late 1700s.
“Over the years, a lot of footsteps have walked these trails,” Denis says.
Baudry Trails can be accessed from Robert Road on the east side of the Red River in Ste Agathe. There is a parking lot and a welcome sign showing visitors where to begin their adventure.
