Volunteers needed to clear new trails in Brown County

Volunteers from all over the Hoosier state will gather on Sept. 21 to help improve existing trails and build more for hikers to enjoy at Brown County State Park.\nTrail Day, headed by the Hoosier Hikers Council, will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday. Volunteers participating in the project will work to repair eroded trails that have become damaged by rainfall. In addition, they will do overall maintenance to clean up the area, cover old ditches and redesign major portions of the trails.\n"When built long ago, people didn't understand the principle of design and safety to prevent erosion," Suzanne Mittenthal, executive director of the Hoosier Hikers Council, said. "Over the years, we have gained knowledge and experience to make the trails safer and better."\nThe HHC was officially established in 1995 as a trails improvement organization to correct hiking trail conditions in Indiana. Since then, the organization has contributed more than 1,000 hours of volunteer labor improving and designing Indiana foot trails. As a result of HHC's efforts, hikers are able to navigate more easily at Morgan-Monroe State Forest and have gained 20 more miles of trail at Yellowwood State Forest. \nBrown County State Park, the largest Indiana state park at 15,696 acres, offers many unique hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. The popular trails overlook beautiful scenery and range from easy to rugged.\nThe HHC said it hopes to replace the steep eroding trail sections and build new footpaths of well-drained trails that are pleasant to walk on. Doug Baird, property manager of Brown County State Park, said he believes the renovations made to the trails will draw many hikers to the park.\n"The tremendous volunteer efforts will impact visitors in a positive way," Baird said. "They will appreciate the improvements, and there is sure to be an increase of hikers in the park."\nThe HHC said these modifications are necessary in order for visitors to enjoy their time spent at the park. Because of their recent project successes, they said they feel it will be beneficial to give hikers a more gradual route on the trails.\n"Hiking on a decent trail makes a world of difference," HHC member Adam McFarren said. "Seeing changes and knowing the trails are better overall is satisfaction." \nBaird encourages residents to grab a bottled water, a sack lunch and take part in this effort to improve the trails. He said he believes their active participation in this project will leave them feeling proud they made a difference in their community.\n"People get a sense of satisfaction being in Mother Nature, doing something for others to enjoy," Baird said.\nThe HHC usually averages between 10 and 25 volunteers for this type of project, and Mittenthal said anyone who wants to make a difference is welcome to come out and help. \n"Although it will be a workout, the feeling of knowing that you actively participated in a volunteer project like this is incredible," McFarren said.\nVolunteers who participate in Trail Day are required to meet at 9 a.m. at the west gate entrance of Brown County State Park. They will first walk the trails and discuss in small groups the work that needs to be completed. The trail repair will start around 10 a.m. and end at 3 p.m., depending on weather conditions. Tools are provided, and workers are reminded to wear outdoor apparel.\n"Everybody feels so good about helping and doing something for Indiana," Mittenthal said. "When it's done, people are gratified to know they helped build trails that will last people many years."\nThose interested in participating in Trail Day should contact the Hoosier Hikers Commission by calling 765-349-0204, or visiting their Web site at www.hoosierhikerscouncil.org.