A WELL-DESERVED AWARD

On June 12, the University of Guelph awarded Philip Gosling an honorary doctor of science degree at its convocation for the Ontario Agriculture College , the Ontario Veterinary College and the Faculty of Environmental Sciences. 

Philip joined an august company at the week’s ceremonies: other honorary degree recipients included Romeo Dallaire, the commander of the United Nations peacekeeping force for Rwanda and an outspoken peace advocate; Stephen Lewis, one of the worlds’ most influential speakers on human rights and social justice and an activist for people affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa; and Lincoln Alexander, a former lieutenant-governor of Ontario and a groundbreaking, influential leader in Canada.

Philip Gosling was recognized for his love of nature that resulted in support for conservation and en vir onmental projects locally, regionally and nationally.  Specifically, his work in the founding of the Bruce Trail was emphasized in the presentation.

It was Philip who volunteered to take a year off work in 1962-63 to “put the trail on the ground.”  Because of his commitment, a utopian dream became a physical reality.  He contacted landowners and met with small groups of enthusiasts, and painted the first blaze in the summer of 1962.  By June 1, 1963 , 553 km of Trail were defined and one third of that opened to the public.  By 1967, the entire Bruce Trail from Queenston Heights to Tobermory was blazed.

In introducing Philip, Professor Alan Watson referred to him an “a visionary…in the conservation and environmental protection movement in Ontario .”  He referred to the building of the Bruce Trail as a “keystone movement in Ontario history” in its protection of our natural heritage.

Philip’s address spoke to the graduates about the values that would give them rich and fulfilling lives.  He told the story of being “inspired” by Ray Lowes’ story of a footpath highlighting the Niagara Escarpment.  He saw it as a challenge: “This is for me to do.” He quoted Daniel Burnham’s advice: “Make no small plans, since little plans have no magic to stir men’s blood.”  Philip’s word to the graduates was that “if an opportunity comes your way, take up the challenge. “Just do it.’”

Philip summarized those years: “The whole experience was a wonderful opportunity to learn about the hidden and untold energy of the hundreds of volunteers who found inspiration in team work and in the preservation of the Niagara Escarpment, just as we did.” He referred to the Bruce Trail as a “turning point in [his] life.”

Also in June the Caledon Hills Bruce Trail Club announced that it will be naming a property just south of the Hockley Valley after Philip.  For several years now it has been the site of a reforestation project to honour the “unsung heroes” of the club, the volunteers who have created the Trail. In Philip’s convocation address, he spoke of the volunteers’ “incredible enthusiasm, diligence and commitment”. Because of that inspirational leadership in the founding of the Trail, that tradition continues strong today. As Philip was the first president of the Caledon Hills Bruce Trail Club, it is only fitting that his name should grace this property where the Trail will be protected in perpetuity.