-- North Bridge to White Connector Trail --
August 21st, 2010 - Trail Maintenance
The Trail Crew |
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Larry, Robbie, Steve, Paula and Rich S
missing from photo: Rich C. |
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We met at the north end Whitney Road parking lot and, after chatting with a few hikers and bikers, we gathered our tools (including a wheelbarrow) and took a short walk to the North Bridge. Our project was to work on the water runoff issues on the short connector trail that leads up to the White Trail right there on the east side of the river.
Paula and Steve headed further into the Central Maze and removed a fallen tree that was noted a month or so back. It was blocking the Yellow Trail in the Slab rock area and has been overdue for removal!
In the meanwhile, the rest of us got started on addressing the runoff issues just up the hill from the bridge. |
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OUR TASKS
Diverting the Streambed
The normal runoff path for excess rain was a streambed located on the north side of the trail. It was currently blocked with large clumps of fallen leaves and sticks, etc. This has caused the water to divert directly onto the trail.
Upgrading the Trail
The trail itself was chewed up and widened from all the mud and braiding. We needed to narrow the trail and "beautify it" where needed.
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WHAT WE DID |
Diverting/Digging the Streambed
We dug out a new channel , turning the streambed away from the trail and diverting the water runoff further downhill At Rich S's suggestion, we built up the bank at the turn with a solid rock wall. [Rich S has observed massive amounts of water cascading down this streambed after a rainstorm so it was important to ensure the water wouldn't erode this turn but continue and dissipate much further downhill away from the trail.] |
For further details, rollover links below to change photo on right
Rich S Digging Channel
(Default)
Highlight Rock Bank
Waterflow Diversion
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Fixing the Trail
We focused on narrowing this trail and routing it away from low-lying areas where water would collect. A gentle sweeping S-curve reroute was added for a short section connecting nicely with the existing curve on the current trail.
In addition to randomly scattering leaves and small brush over the excessively-widened areas -- at Paula's suggestion -- we transplanted plants and small trees to blend the reclaimed area with the surrounding woods. |
Short Reroute Added
- Looking west towards the bridge
- Smooth Flowing S-Curve minimizes water flow after a rain
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Trail Narrowed
- Restored to flowing single track
- Plants were added to better blend in with surrounding scenery
For further details, rollover links below to change photo on right
Steve loosening dirt for plantings (default)
Previous width of trail
Highlight of New Plantings
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Feedback
As we were working, a few bikers and hikers came through and "christened" the new trail, commenting on how nice it was.
After we packed up and were loading our tools back into our cars in the parking lot another biker in the lot mentioned our "upgrade" was a smooth fun ride and a great improvement. Once again, a rewarding way to end the day - unsolicited direct positive feedback from a park user!
A condensed summation is posted on the CTNEMBA site
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