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by Ed Lawrence, Trail Care Chair
KTA Trail Care will be returning to French Creek State Park once again this year on Saturday, May 4th for a 'Code Orange' work day. The park is located south east of Reading in the heart of the Hopewell Big Woods area, the last large forest expanse left in this region of Pennsylvania. This majestic setting also hosts the Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site and is traversed by the Horse-Shoe Trail.
Although this will be a one-day event, people will have the opportunity of free camping at the park both Friday and Saturday nights. Campsites are limited, however, so interested volunteers need to contact Lisa Miller (FrenchCreekEnvEd@pa.gov) to reserve a space.
Work this year will focus on rerouting two short sections of the Six Penny Trail that are washed out and badly eroded. Local volunteers and KTA recruits will be clearing, raking out and establishing a stable treadway through the new trail corridor. Duff material and deadfall limbs will be used to revegitate and block the old trail. Waterbar cleaning and construction to help mitigate the impact of future ground flow will round out the day's activities. Members of the Horse-Shoe Trail Club will also be on hand, to address issues about the HST within the park.
The KTA Trail Care Program in committed to helping maintain and improve our state park trail systems, so that novice hikers and young trampers will have a safe, enjoyable and memorable experience on the trail. Volunteers who would like to bring their talents and dedication to French Creek should meet at the Park Office at 8:30 AM on Saturday, May 4; please bring lunch, water, and a desire to learn (beginners welcome!). Work gloves and tools will be provided. |