Trail Talk – April 2018

Finding Spring on our woodland trails starts simply with a step onto the path that leads away from all things urbane. Here, in our little village nestled in a corner of the valley, we find these paths with little trouble and at every opportunity. So, what’s new on the trails?

Folks have likely noticed a new walkway constructed at the Emil Britt sequoia as one leaves the Britt Grounds and enters the Britt Woods trails. Funded by The Woodlands Association and the Boosters Foundation, then built by Public Works crews with Woodlands and Forest Park volunteers assisting, this new walkway has an improved grade for walkers. Additional work was done to create a more natural path with some turns (built to International Mountain Bike (IMBA) trail standards) that should calm any bicycle traffic coming from the trail system into the Britt Grounds. The walkway design is consistent with the bridges farther along the Zigler Trail and throughout Forest Park. The materials from the old walkway will be re-purposed for projects enhancing trails throughout the system.

Visitors to Forest Park will have noticed some extensive improvements on Rail, Sofie’s, Atsahu, and Jackson Ridge Trails. As park usage has increased, the potential for hiker/biker encounters on shared trails has also grown. By following IMBA guidelines, volunteers have slowed traffic and made these trails more interesting as they wind through the forest. Work to widen some corners and repair damaged trail tread is also underway.

A grant request has been submitted to provide for a double vault privy at the dam quarry just up the hill from parking area P1. An informational kiosk for mountain bikers will also be placed at this location, hopefully freeing-up parking as one comes into the park. The county and MRA (Motorcycle Riders Association) have graded the Reservoir Road, making the drive to the park more pleasant. Eagle Scout candidates are ‘on the hook’ to add more infrastructure in the near future, including ‘You Are Here’ kiosks throughout the park and a bird-watching platform and shelter along the crest of the old dam.

Over 400 cedars and firs have been planted throughout the park. This endeavor is to reclaim areas that were highly impacted by past logging, mining, and off-road activities. Signs have been placed at the most intensive plantings to warn folks of their delicate nature. Additional work has been done with planting and weed removal in the Jackson Creek Wetlands, with Ruch School students often aiding the volunteers. And throughout the spring and early summer, any remaining ‘connector’ trails will be reclaimed from their overgrown state to facilitate movement throughout the park.

As for other events in our woodland areas, we must consider the arrival of our Spring blossoms, from the early blooms of manzanita to the later blooms of fritillaries and arnica. Today I saw the turkey vultures and a variegated thrush came to visit and sing for me. These are the events to cherish. These are the events to lead us from the urbane to the wild side.