Trail Tamers Kick off 2016 Season

The Trail Tamers, those energetic volunteers charged with maintaining, improving and expanding DRA’s network of trails, are off to a strong start on the 2016 season. The mild winter enabled workers to address fallen trees as they occurred over the past several months. Already, the group has completed a large bridge-building project on the Salt Bay Heritage Trail, also known as the Hart Family Heritage Trail (see photo below).

Plans are in place to give trailhead kiosks a makeover this year, sprucing up the displays and incorporating new information. Trail Tamers are also beginning to map and manage invasive plant species, such as Japanese knotweed, Asiatic bittersweet vine, and bayberry. At Whaleback Shell Middens, which DRA is co-manages with the state, Trail Tamers are working with state staff to improve fencing and borders around the parking area, and upgrade the informational panels.

Trail Tamers will be meeting for work parties twice a month this season, on the third Thursday of each month – usually from 1:30 to 3:30 pm – and now on one Saturday a month as well, from 9:30 to 11:30 am. “It’s a great feeling to get on the preserves and make them more accessible to the public,” says Trail Tamer coordinator Bob Barkalow. “There’s a wonderful camaraderie… it makes for a lot of fun working together for a common good.”

If you are interested in participating in Trail Tamer work days, you are invited to contact DRA at 563-1393 or dra@damariscottariver.org.