A spring cleanup event is planned on the Allegheny Highlands Trail on Saturday, April 15 at 9am.
Hosted by the Highlands Trail Foundation, the Springtime Allegheny Highlands Trail Clean Up will help make the trail more enjoyable for running, walking, and biking this spring and summer.
“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.”
Groups and individuals are invited to participate in the cleanup event. Supplies, including bags, gloves, and “pickers,” will be provided.
For Randolph County volunteers, supplies will be available at the Elkins Depot Welcome Center from 9am to 10am on April 15. The Elkins Welcome Depot Center is located in downtown Elkins at 315 Railroad Avenue.
Tucker County volunteers can pick up supplies at Mill Race Park on April 15 from 9am to 10am.
To sign up or request more information, please message the HTF Facebook Page at facebook.com/HighlandsTrailFoundation or email AFNHA AmeriCorps member, Maddy Fleming, at madalainef@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).
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. Volunteers should also bring their own snacks/lunch and water.
A form will be provided with the supplies for volunteers to report the number of bags filled, hours worked, and participants. The information will be compiled and reported to the Adopt A Highway program.
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 Maddy Fleming, for helping organize this event and providing additional volunteers.
Find us on Facebook or visit www.highlandstrailwv.org for more information on Highlands Trail Foundation events and activities or to become a member.