Whipple Dam State Park, in Huntingdon County, was a hive of activity and energy on May 2, with the KTA Code Orange crew working on a trail relocation on one side of the lake while the park’s Friends Group and other local volunteers did spring clean-up chores around the swimming area and pavilions on the opposite side.
The crew was tasked with replacing an eroding section of hiking trail, which went straight up a hill out of the park, with a switchbacking corridor that would be more sustainable. Park Manager Michael Dinsmore worked alongside the 10 KTA volunteers as they raked off and benched out the new pathway along the flagged route. Everyone got a little dirt under their fingernails as they zig-zagged upslope, but by the time the lunch bell sounded, the entire section had been roughed into shape.
The Whipple Dam Friends Group then hosted a noontime cookout, which the crew dug into after washing their hands. As the food quickly vanished, it was clear that they did this with as much gusto as they had the effort in creating the side hill.
After the excellent and much-appreciated meal, the crew returned to their Pulaskis and put the finishing touches on the new trail segment and also naturalized the old trail. By the time the crew packed out, all that was needed were the blazes. Although there are no camping facilities at Whipple Dam, KTA Code Orange volunteers had the option to camp at nearby Greenwood Furnace State Park. Thanks to Rick Stibgen, Jim Garthe, Scott Kent, Catherine McLaughlin, Ron Smail, Tony Robbins, Joe and Betty Clark, Ken Horting, and Ed Lawrence for participating in this Code Orange work day and making trail magic happen.