National Trails Day

National Trails Day June 7, 2025
By Freddy Dunn and Lin Hokana

Our chapter has traditionally participated in doing some trail maintenance on National Trails Day. This year Pine Valley trails were the priority. From a prior scouting trip, the connector trail between Whipple trailhead and the Canal Trail and planks on the two bridges we installed a few years ago were selected for some maintenance.

Five members enjoyed being out on this beautiful day. Those that drove to Whipple trailhead to brush out the way to connector trail were Jeanette Blaisdell, Tammy Engeness, Freddy Dunn and Larry Dunn. Pine trees had shed their needles for several years making the trail difficult to see. This team raked and made the trail more visible. At the eastern end where there is a bridge and stream crossing, we raked to guide equestrians back up to the canal so the route was obvious.

Lin Hokana came with his horse, Gracie, to carry tools and screws to the two bridges. A few of the top planks were getting loose at the ends of the bridges and were resecured with new screws. Some of the planks have a little warp developing so they may eventually may need additional work of some sort, hopefully not replacement (they are long and heavy). One plank had debris under it and we should plan another work project day to remove all the screws to lift up that plank and remove the needles and dirt in order to affix it down tight to the stringers. This would not take long with a couple helpers.

We are looking at what can be done to alleviate an old issue with the gate on the trail heading from the equestrian campground to Forsyth. The gate is too small for the opening; hence two posts were used to fill the opening with one just flopping willie-nillie. It’s awkward and could easily be improved.

It was an ideal day to be out in the lovely green setting we all love about Pine Valley. Spring flowers were about to bloom. We are so lucky to have such a gem so close by.
Happy trails!