We set up a big challenge for Sunday, with almost a mile of new trail to be cleared and two hundred feet of trail to be leveled. The entire trail was through the woods with very little undergrowth needing to be cleared.  However, there are always branches and small trees to be removed to make are clear trail  And we fully expected the portion that needed leveling to be littered with rocks and roots which could easily require more tools than we had.

Twelve volunteers came Sunday at 2:00.  The sun was out with lots of blue sky and we knew we could get lots done.  Two groups were formed – Linda’s Loppers ready to climb the hill and create a new trail, and Ricks Rakers who wanted to see what could be done to level the existing trail.

Before

Rick’s Rakers got right to work. Rakers first removed the leaves and sticks and stones on the trail.  Then, using a small power cultivator, Rick loosened the ground. Straight logs were found and placed on the down-hill side of the trail and then the soil was raked flat.

After

Now, some gravel or mulch will protect the soil and make a very pleasant trail.

Meanwhile the loppers headed toward the top of the hill to work on the new portion of the trail.  As they approached the new trail, the front came through and the rain started.  Rather than move farther from safety as the rain seemed to be strengthening, the loppers turned around to work on the older portion of the trail.  The rock bridge across the creek was improved and extended across the swampy area near the creek.  When the group connected with the rakers, they pitched right in to complete that task.

So, the trail leveling was very successful but the trail extension will need to wait for better weather.  Thanks to everyone who helped, the Springwater Trail continues to be developed. Gene says that’s worth celebrating!