Molalla Pioneer

Archives
Big turnout for National Trails Day cleanup Stephen St. Amand September 22, 2004 Rain doesn’t deter volunteers from work trails in Molalla Recreation Corridor As many as 45 volunteers braved threatening weather Saturday to participate in the Bureau of Land Management’s National Trails Day effort in the Molalla River Recreation Corridor Saturday. But as Molalla RiverWatch Spokesperson Kay Patteson pointed out, Mother Nature was cooperative. “As soon as people started showing up, the sun came out ... we were so fortunate,” Patteson said. “Then, as soon as we finished and met for the barbecue, it just started pouring.” RiverWatch volunteers joined the BLM and members of several outdoor organizations for trail improvements at the Aquila Vista education center, an interpretive area featuring a covered picnic area, an ADA-accessible restroom and numerous trails leading to several habitat areas. Volunteers spent most of their time laying gravel and widening trails. “That was one of the biggest jobs; we had a parade of wheel barrels taking gravel to several different sites,” Patteson said. “We also installed a hitching post, and we were able to complete eight of 12 projects we have going right now. “We really had a great turnout, especially considering how bad the weather was.”Two key groups participating in the trail work were the 4-H Ambassadors and a number of Toyota employees. Molalla RiverWatch volunteers, and members of several mountain biking and equestrian associations were on hand for the effort. Aquila Vista, a natural resource environmental education area highlights the various habitats that are home to beavers, bear, elk, deer, coyotes and numerous birds, reptiles and amphibians. The group continues to improve the area, while making preparations to include kiosks and identification signage.

Big turnout for National Trails Day cleanup

Stephen St. Amand

September 22, 2004

Rain doesn’t deter volunteers from work trails in Molalla Recreation Corridor

As many as 45 volunteers braved threatening weather Saturday to participate in the Bureau of Land Management’s National Trails Day effort in the Molalla River Recreation Corridor Saturday.

But as Molalla RiverWatch Spokesperson Kay Patteson pointed out, Mother Nature was cooperative.

“As soon as people started showing up, the sun came out ... we were so fortunate,” Patteson said. “Then, as soon as we finished and met for the barbecue, it just started pouring.”

RiverWatch volunteers joined the BLM and members of several outdoor organizations for trail improvements at the Aquila Vista education center, an interpretive area featuring a covered picnic area, an ADA-accessible restroom and numerous trails leading to several habitat areas.

Volunteers spent most of their time laying gravel and widening trails. “That was one of the biggest jobs; we had a parade of wheel barrels taking gravel to several different sites,” Patteson said. “We also installed a hitching post, and we were able to complete eight of 12 projects we have going right now.

“We really had a great turnout, especially considering how bad the weather was.”Two key groups participating in the trail work were the 4-H Ambassadors and a number of Toyota employees. Molalla RiverWatch volunteers, and members of several mountain biking and equestrian associations were on hand for the effort.

Aquila Vista, a natural resource environmental education area highlights the various habitats that are home to beavers, bear, elk, deer, coyotes and numerous birds, reptiles and amphibians.

The group continues to improve the area, while making preparations to include kiosks and identification signage.