A spring cleanup event is planned Saturday, April 12 on the Allegheny Highlands Trail.
Hosted annually by the Highlands Trail Foundation, the Springtime Allegheny Highlands Trail Clean Up helps make the rail-trail more enjoyable for running, walking, and biking from spring to fall.
“The Allegheny Highlands Trail is one of the most important assets we have in Randolph County,” said Anne Beardslee, the Executive Director of the Elkins-Randolph County Tourism CVB and Welcome Center. “Not only is it the perfect place to bike, hike, cross-country ski, and run, it attracts both residents and tourists all four seasons of the year. The maintenance of the trail is essential and volunteers are the only way to accomplish this cleanup project and provide a trail that is attractive for visitors.”
HTF President Karen Carper said the trail needs a lot of attention this spring. “We have had reports of excessive trash and debris littering the trail,” she said, noting stormy weather, especially the wind, is likely a factor. “Trail users are not the culprits when it comes to litter. Ninety-nine percent of the trash on the trail comes from the roads.”
Groups and individuals are invited to participate in the cleanup event. Supplies, including bags, gloves, and “pickers,” will be provided. A “goodie bag” with refreshments will also be provided for volunteers courtesy of Davis Trust Company.
For Randolph County volunteers, supplies will be available at the Elkins Depot Welcome Center Friday, April 11, and Saturday, April 12 during Welcome Center hours. Located in downtown Elkins at 315 Railroad Ave., the Elkins Welcome Depot Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Early pickup is available for those who’d like to help but have scheduling conflicts on the 12th. It is acceptable to complete the cleanup anytime through April 20. “Just let us know what works for you,” Carper said.
Tucker County volunteers can pick up supplies at the West Virginia Division of Highways on US 219 North in Parsons. Supplies will be available during regular business hours Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To sign up or request more information, please message the HTF Facebook Page at facebook.com/HighlandsTrailFoundation or email AFNHA AmeriCorps member, Lawanda Schoonover, at welcomecenterafnha@gmail.com.
To prevent duplication, volunteers will be assigned a section of the trail. Sections are typically 1 to 2 miles long. Volunteers are welcome to take more than one section if they wish but are encouraged to only work on their assigned section(s). A favorite section may be requested and will be assigned if available. Volunteers will have the entire week to complete the clean-up in case weather on Saturday is not ideal.
Litter and smaller debris can be placed in the provided orange bags and left along the trail for pick up. Larger items such as tires can be placed alongside the bags. Much of the trash is in the trail’s ditch line which can be very mucky. Volunteers are encouraged to wear old clothes and shoes, preferably boots.
A form will be provided with supplies for volunteers to report the number of bags filled, hours worked, and number of participants. The information will be compiled and reported to the Adopt A Highway program. Completed forms and unused supplies may be returned to the pick-up point for collection by the Highlands Trail Foundation.
The Highlands Trail Foundation is grateful for the support of the West Virginia Division of Highways’ Adopt A Highway program. We would also like to thank the AFNHA AmeriCorps program, and member Lawanda Schoonover, for helping organize this event and providing additional volunteers.
A special thank you goes to Davis Trust Company for providing drinks and snacks for volunteers. Find us on Facebook or visit www.highlandstrailwv.org for more information on Highlands Trail Foundation events and activities, including the annual Ramps & Rail Bike Ride held in conjunction with the Ramps & Rail Festival in Elkins. Highlands Trail Foundation will also be on hand during the festival with maps and info to share.
