Thursday, July 2, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
It's Just Around the Corner...
The Dick & Willie Passage is going to be here before we know it! Next spring residents and visitors will be able to enjoy 4.5 miles of paved trail passing through Martinsville and Henry County. This month crews are working to remove the railroad tracks from the old Danville-Western Line known as the Dick & Willie Railroad. Large trucks are cutting the tracks and dragging them out in 1,000 foot segments so that they may be reused in other areas. Listen to the screech of metal on metal as the tracks gently glide away!
Ready to go for a walk?
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Volunteers Enhance Area Trails
The Adopt-a-Trail volunteer group “Friends of the Fieldale Trail” includes: first row Molly; second row (l-r) Paula Wyatt, Beth Wyatt, Nancy Kennett; third row (l-r) Tracy Kennett, Tommy Wyatt, Benny Setliff, Chris Wyatt.
Take a walk along the Fieldale Trail in Fieldale, Virginia most any day of the week and you’re 
sure to see the smiling faces of a very special group of volunteers known as “Friends of the Fieldale Trail.” This group is part of the Smith River Trail System’s Adopt-a-Trail Program developed by the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA).
The purpose of the Adopt-a-Trail Program is to provide opportunities for hikers, bicyclists and equestrians to assist DRBA in supporting Henry County Virginia Parks and Recreation and Eden North Carolina Parks & Recreation by coordinating volunteer activities to monitor, maintain and enhance trails and trailhead facilities along the Smith River Trail System. Roger Adams, Director of Henry County Parks and Recreation, said that volunteers “are a vital part of the maintenance of the trail system, especially as we continue to add additional trails.”
The “Friends” group has enhanced the Fieldale Trail by building and installing bluebird boxes, establishing a recycling program on the trail, picking up litter, and hosting volunteer workdays. The group is led by team captain Paula Wyatt, and includes her husband Tommy, children Beth and Chris, along with close friends Tracy & Nancy Kennett, and Benny & Pam Setliff. According to the Wyatts, the group wants “to obtain sponsorship through area animal shelters and stores” to help buy supplies for the group’s next project that will include installing “dropping bags and containers” throughout the trail for pet owners that enjoy walking their pets on the trail.
On the second Sunday in August at 2:00 p.m., the “Friends” group will be meeting to work on the lower half of the Fieldale trail, and the next volunteer workday will be the second weekend in September. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend!
At a recent volunteer event the group, in coordination with DRBA, opened up an additional 1,700 feet of trail for walkers and cyclists to enjoy. Jennifer Doss of DRBA serves as the Adopt-a-Trail coordinator and helps place families and groups with sections of trail in need of adoption. “The Friends of the Fieldale Trail has shown so much enthusiasm and they really stand out as ambassadors for the Fieldale Trail”, says Doss.
On the other side of Henry County, another group of volunteers is busily working on trails. The
Gardner Family (shown at right) of Martinsville spends their time volunteering at the Richard P. Gravely, Jr. Nature Preserve in Ridgeway. Team captain, Martin Gardner works alongside his son Jackson as they help to extend the Rhododendron Trail located on the preserve’s property. According to Doss, this extension of the trail will provide “one mile of river front walking trail that guides visitors through a living tunnel of Rhododendron bushes”.
Through the hard work and dedication of these groups and individuals, Henry County’s trails have been maintained to their highest standards and will
continue to expand and prosper. However, we can never have too many volunteers! School and youth groups, scout troops, church, community and service organizations, businesses, families, individuals or groups of individuals can adopt a trail. Anyone with an interest in trails and the outdoors is welcome to help preserve our land and provide safe, enjoyable access to the outdoors. To learn more about becoming involved with “Friends of the Fieldale Trail,” contact Tommy and Paula Wyatt at 276-647-3274. For more information on the Adopt-a-Trail program or to register as a volunteer, contact Jennifer Doss at 276-634-2545 or jdoss@danriver.org
Article by: Jennifer Doss and Jordan Martin
Photo submitted by: Paula Wyatt
sure to see the smiling faces of a very special group of volunteers known as “Friends of the Fieldale Trail.” This group is part of the Smith River Trail System’s Adopt-a-Trail Program developed by the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA).The purpose of the Adopt-a-Trail Program is to provide opportunities for hikers, bicyclists and equestrians to assist DRBA in supporting Henry County Virginia Parks and Recreation and Eden North Carolina Parks & Recreation by coordinating volunteer activities to monitor, maintain and enhance trails and trailhead facilities along the Smith River Trail System. Roger Adams, Director of Henry County Parks and Recreation, said that volunteers “are a vital part of the maintenance of the trail system, especially as we continue to add additional trails.”
The “Friends” group has enhanced the Fieldale Trail by building and installing bluebird boxes, establishing a recycling program on the trail, picking up litter, and hosting volunteer workdays. The group is led by team captain Paula Wyatt, and includes her husband Tommy, children Beth and Chris, along with close friends Tracy & Nancy Kennett, and Benny & Pam Setliff. According to the Wyatts, the group wants “to obtain sponsorship through area animal shelters and stores” to help buy supplies for the group’s next project that will include installing “dropping bags and containers” throughout the trail for pet owners that enjoy walking their pets on the trail.On the second Sunday in August at 2:00 p.m., the “Friends” group will be meeting to work on the lower half of the Fieldale trail, and the next volunteer workday will be the second weekend in September. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend!
At a recent volunteer event the group, in coordination with DRBA, opened up an additional 1,700 feet of trail for walkers and cyclists to enjoy. Jennifer Doss of DRBA serves as the Adopt-a-Trail coordinator and helps place families and groups with sections of trail in need of adoption. “The Friends of the Fieldale Trail has shown so much enthusiasm and they really stand out as ambassadors for the Fieldale Trail”, says Doss.
On the other side of Henry County, another group of volunteers is busily working on trails. The
Gardner Family (shown at right) of Martinsville spends their time volunteering at the Richard P. Gravely, Jr. Nature Preserve in Ridgeway. Team captain, Martin Gardner works alongside his son Jackson as they help to extend the Rhododendron Trail located on the preserve’s property. According to Doss, this extension of the trail will provide “one mile of river front walking trail that guides visitors through a living tunnel of Rhododendron bushes”.Through the hard work and dedication of these groups and individuals, Henry County’s trails have been maintained to their highest standards and will
continue to expand and prosper. However, we can never have too many volunteers! School and youth groups, scout troops, church, community and service organizations, businesses, families, individuals or groups of individuals can adopt a trail. Anyone with an interest in trails and the outdoors is welcome to help preserve our land and provide safe, enjoyable access to the outdoors. To learn more about becoming involved with “Friends of the Fieldale Trail,” contact Tommy and Paula Wyatt at 276-647-3274. For more information on the Adopt-a-Trail program or to register as a volunteer, contact Jennifer Doss at 276-634-2545 or jdoss@danriver.orgArticle by: Jennifer Doss and Jordan Martin
Photo submitted by: Paula Wyatt
Monday, June 29, 2009
Learn to Kayak
Summer is here and it's the perfect time to get out on the water. The Smith River, Beaver Creek Reservoir, and Philpott Lake are all excellent places to paddle in the Martinsville & Henry County area. We urge that everyone uses their good judgement and practice safe paddling skills while enjoying the river.
To learn how to paddle or improve your skills, please join Eric Juday of the American Canoe Association as he presents beginner and intermediate kayaking classes this July.
The Beginner class will be held on July 25th from 12-4pm at Beaver Creek Reservoir. The course fee is $40 and includes all equipment. No prior experience is required for this class.
The Intermediate class will be held on July 26th from 8am -3pm at the Smith River in Ridgeway. The course fee is $55. Prior paddling experience is required to take this course.
Deadline to register for the classes is July 15th. Contact drba.va@danriver.org or 276-634-2545 to register. Class Sponsored by: Dan River Basin Association, Henry County Parks & Recreation, and Martinsville Leisure Services.
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