Volunteer Day at Cathance Meadow Trails

The Cathance Meadow Trail area will be getting a new, fresh look this spring thanks to a Volunteer Work Day.  The area, located on the 20+ acre town-owned parcel in the village, has gone through the steps of planning, design work, permitting, and preparation.  Now, with the help of volunteers, we can take the next step of making it hiker and dog friendly.

You are invited to join other volunteers on Saturday, May 21 from 1-4 pm (rain date May 22nd, 1-4 pm). Teams will work on marking the 3 trails, cutting brush, setting up a pet waste station, installing a new trail map/brochure box, and laying cover for a low-lying wet area.  Trail marking signs, paint, and stakes will be supplied along with water for the volunteers.  Please bring gloves, brush cutting equipment like loppers or clippers, and wear solid shoes.  We will meet up at the bulletin board that marks the trail entrance just beyond the yellow house at the bridge.

Two major efforts this spring helped to prepare the area.  Thanks to our wonderful Fire Department, the meadow had a controlled burn in April.  This will help to keep the field clear of brush and to cut down on the tick population.  Many thanks to them for their efforts.  In March, brown tail moth nests, that were close to the trails, were clipped and destroyed.  While there are still nests in the area, they are too high up to reach.  We will continue to find ways to try to manage that population.

This summer, the new handicapped-accessible paddle put-in dock and ramp will be installed on the Cathance River. This, along with the new trails, will help to make the area an inviting place to visit and enjoy.

To get a sense of how many people may join us, please email Wendy Rose if you are interested in coming: wendelynrose@gmail.com