vermont

The Conversation Continues on Route 30 Gateway Improvements

I-91 bridge Jan 2016The conversation continues on Route 30 gateway improvements. Excerpt from an article in The Commons.

At a May 24 informational meeting, consultants contracted to conduct the study released a draft existing-conditions report and sought feedback from an audience of approximately 20 people.

Alex Wilson of the Friends of West River Trail discussed plans for a pedestrian bridge across the West River to connect Route 30 to the trail. Plans for a cable pedestrian bridge slung under the new Interstate-91 bridge were abandoned, Wilson said. Costs for cabling were higher than expected and the bridge would sway too much, he said. Wilson, who also serves on the community advisory committee, said the Friends are instead investigating constructing a bridge at a narrower part of the river near the West River Park.

Full article available at The Commons website. Originally published in The Commons issue #359 (Wednesday, June 1, 2016). This story appeared on page A1.

For more information click on the Place Sense website.

Correction! Save the Dates for West River Trail Workdays!

West River Trail wildflowersUpcoming workdays are scheduled for Thursday, June 9 at 4 PM & Saturday, July 23 at 9 AM  (NOT June 23)
Apologies for the confusion!

Thursday, June 9, 4 PM
Remove/control Japanese Knotweed on the cobblestone shoreline of the Riverstone Preserve.  Meet at the Marina Trailhead. Bring water, work gloves, snack, bug dope, wear work boots.  We have tools, but bring your own if you prefer–shovel and loppers. Help keep the Riverstone Preserve beautiful and able to support its native plants! Contact pcameron@brattleboro.org for more information on the June 9 workday.

Saturday, July 23, 9 AM
Meet at the  Fox Farm Rd access.  We will replace a culvert, work on drainage issues and do more work on removal and control of invasive plants.  More information to come. Contact jason.cooper10@gmail.com for more information on the July 23 workday.

Many hands make light work!  Please join us!  See previous post for details.

Contact pcameron@brattleboro.org for more information on the June 9 workday.
Contact jason.cooper10@gmail.com for more information on the July 23 workday.

 

 

Save the Dates! Two West River Trail Workdays Scheduled

West River TrailTwo West River Trail Work Days scheduled:

Thursday, June 9, 4 PM
Remove/control Japanese Knotweed on the cobblestone shoreline of the Riverstone Preserve.  Meet at the Marina Trailhead. Bring water, work gloves, snack, bug dope, wear work boots.  We have tools, but bring your own if you prefer–shovel and loppers. Help keep the Riverstone Preserve beautiful and able to support its native plants! Contact pcameron@brattleboro.org for more information on the June 9 workday.

Saturday, July 23, 9 AM
Meet at the  Fox Farm Rd access.  We will replace a culvert, work on drainage issues and do more work on removal and control of invasive plants.  More information to come. Contact jason.cooper10@gmail.com for more information on the July 23 workday.

Many hands make light work!  Please join us!

Thank you for considering coming out to help maintain the beautiful West River Trail!

 

Prevent Lyme Disease

prevent lyme disease

It’s tick season, but don’t let it stop you from getting out on the trail.  Please be aware of precautions you can take to prevent getting Lyme Disease. Be careful out there.  Stay on the trail and out of the high grass and leaf litter.  Wear light clothing so you can see a tick. Tuck your pants into your socks if possible. Wear DEET on your clothing.  Check your body when you get home.  Taking these steps, you can definitely still get out enjoy the trail!

West River Trail Work Day on 21st May 10am-2pm

West River TrailPlease come help improve the Lower Section of the West River Trail on Saturday, May 21st, 10 am – 2 pm. Lunch will be provided.

Meet up at the Marina Trail Head in Brattleboro, VT at 9:45 am. We’ll be doing some drainage and culvert clearing, removal of fallen trees, removal of invasive black swallow wort on the Riverstone Preserve and having fun!

Please bring work boots and gloves, bug spray and water. We’ll provide shovels, rakes and hoes, but feel free to bring your own tools.

For more info, contact Jason Cooper at jason.cooper10@gmail.com.

Many hands make light work. Hope you can join us!

Trail Talk for the I-91 Brattleboro Bridge Project

west river 1-91 bridge construction may 2016 - 1The next Trail Talk will be held May 14th. Interested participants should meet the PCL+FIGG Team at the West River Trail trailhead at 8 a.m. and the talk will begin at 8:15 a.m. Participants will walk the trail to the I-91 bridge site, appropriate clothing and footwear advised.

If you would like additional information, or would like to be added to the Bridge Construction distribution list, please contact Cindy Cook, Public Relations Officer, Adamant Accord, Inc. ccook@adamantaccord.com.

Celebrate National Trail Day

west river trail run

West River Trail Run poster

West River Trail Run featured in the Manchester Journal.

Celebrate National Trail Day by participating in the fourth annual West River Trail Run Saturday, June 4, known as 11 Miles of Trouble after the infamous 36 miles of trouble along the West River. Over 130 years ago, the trail was 36 miles of railroad from South Londonderry to Brattleboro, trouble because of its narrow gauge and winding route leading to undependable service. Luckily for trail run participants that means a moderately challenging, beautiful race through various terrain. Woods, waterfalls, and switchbacks will be seen throughout the 11 miles from South Londonderry’s Depot to Jamaica State Park.

The first 200 individuals to register will receive a t-shirt, goodie bag filled with locally donated products, and free entrance to Jamaica State Park for the day. The race begins at South Londonderry’s Depot at 9 a.m., and ends at Jamaica State Park. It is suggested that participants park their cars at Jamaica State Park and take the race bus at 7:45 a.m. to South Londonderry’s Depot. Participants are welcomed to run the full 11 miles or section the run as a three-person relay team. It is timed for competitors but open to all. New this year is the 5K fun run/walk. It will start at Jamaica State Park at 9:30 a.m. It is an out and back along the beautiful West River.

‘Eleven Miles of trouble’ article published in the The Manchester Journal on 04/04/2016 04:42:17 PM EDT.
Read more at http://www.manchesterjournal.com/community/ci_29724148/eleven-miles-trouble

Annual West River Trail Run

 

Northern Section Upper West River Trail map
West River Trail Run poster

Registration is open for the annual West River Trail Run on Saturday June 4, 2016. Visit The Collaborative website HERE for details, trail map, trail run packet and registration information.

Walk or run along the river on the beautiful West River Trail! The run starts at the Londonderry Depot, 34 West River Street, South Londonderry, Vermont and ends at the Jamaica State Park, 48 Salmon Hole Lane, Jamaica, Vermont. New this year is a 5K fun run/walk.

Participating in this event will support The Collaborative and help provide fun, healthy educational programs for youth in the Northshire and Mountain communities of Southern Vermont.

Rocks in Trail

west river trailIf you’ve been out on the Lower (Southern) Section of the West River Trail this month, you may have noticed some pretty big rock chunks sitting in the trail. Plans are underway to clear them off the trail. In addition, Jason Cooper will be organizing a trail workday this spring. Stay tuned!
As always, if you have a questions about the trail, feel free to contact the Friends of the West River Trail via comments on this blog, or via email.
Photo by Malcolm Moore.

CONTACT
The Lower  Section
138 Elliot St, Suite 3
Brattleboro, Vermont 05301
Email the Lower Section

The Upper Section
P.O. Box 2086
S.Londonderry, Vermont 05155
Email the Upper Section