Although bad weather discouraged some volunteers on Trail Day, October 1st, there were still enough to accomplish a lot of the plan devised by the Parks Department and the Conservancy.

Three Appalachian Mountain Club volunteers extended the split-rail fence around the northeastern bluff all the way to the steps. Another half dozen carried heavy logs and staked them in place to narrow and line trails that have widened over the years. Volunteers from the Conservancy and Friends of Blackstone Woods worked hard.

Alas, the photos are blurry, but in at least one–with project organizer Chris Shafer in the foreground pounding in a stake–it’s because the AMC’ers were working so hard and fast as well. And the Parks Department sent half a dozen men to cut or grind trees felled by Hurricane Irene. Supplies were purchased with a grant to the AMC from the Department of Environmental Management.

What was accomplished? More of the trail definition park visitors have been requesting and more reclamation of areas vulnerable to erosion so that plants can again anchor the soil there. The Parks Department plans to bring in loam for pilot projects in a few key areas.

Our hearty thanks to everyone who participated. We look forward to the follow-up workday now scheduled for October 22nd. Rain date is October 23rd.