We have an unprecedented opportunity to advance the mission of the Friends of the West River Trail (FWRT) on both ends of our beloved corridor. The Upper Section is leveraging a $10,000 matching grant to eliminate property debt and unlock future improvements, while the Lower Section is launching the ambitious campaign to create the new Fort Hill Trail Extension. Your support today will ensure we move from maintaining the past to building the future.

Since 1992, the long-term goal of the Friends of the West River Trail (FWRT) has been to establish a seamless, scenic corridor through the West River Valley, securing as much of the historic West River Railroad bed as possible to ultimately link towns from Brattleboro to South Londonderry; this vision is realized through the focused efforts of two groups: the Upper Section, which maintains and enhances trails on public lands in Londonderry, Jamaica, and Townshend, and the Lower Section, which concentrates on expansion efforts in the south, from Brattleboro into Dummerston.

Upper Section: $10,000 Matching Grant to Eliminate Debt: Letter from Greg Meulemans, President, Friends of the West River Trail

We have very exciting news to share. The FWRT has been offered a special, one-time opportunity to eliminate the debt incurred by our acquisition of the Derby property adjacent to the South Londonderry West River trailhead. A generous donor has offered a matching grant of up to $10,000 to help us shed this burden. Eliminating this debt will immediately enhance our ability to improve both the Trail and the Depot and to expand our educational and entertainment programs. Note the word “matching”, every dollar you donate is doubled!

As a user of this well-loved community resource, we are asking for your help to eliminate this debt so we can focus entirely on the trail. The Friends chose to acquire this property to protect access to the trailhead and to permit the potential future improvements of increased parking and the installation of an information kiosk. These enhancements have been delayed while we amortize the purchase cost.

Our normal operating income currently only covers our basic operating expenses, including those debt payments, leaving little room for the crucial improvements we want to make and leading to deferred maintenance of the Depot.

We know you believe in our organization’s mission. We hope we can count on you to be generous and not let this unique opportunity slip away.

Please help us realize this one-time opportunity for the Upper Section of the West River Trail. Thank you for your interest and consideration! 

While the Upper Section focuses on unlocking existing infrastructure, the Lower Section is focused on an exciting new expansion.

Lower Section: Building the Fort Hill Trail Extension: Letter from Friends of the West River Trail, Lower Section Steering Committee

The Lower Section has had an active year, significantly improving the West River Trail by installing new culverts, clearing ditches, and enhancing accessibility, all thanks to your ongoing support!

Now, we’re looking to the future with an exciting vision: the creation of the new Fort Hill Trail Extension in Brattleboro. This ambitious project will extend from Bridge Street to the abandoned Fort Hill Railroad Bridge, securing key easements and rights-of-way.

Imagine a pedestrian and bicycle path offering stunning river views and directly connecting Brattleboro to over 80 miles of existing rail-trails in New Hampshire!

We are committed to building this pathway without direct town funding, but realizing this vision, including necessary infrastructure separation, requires significant capital.

Our Goal: The estimated capital required for the Fort Hill Trail Extension is at least several hundred thousand dollars.

Please consider an early donation today to help us make the Fort Hill Trail Extension a reality! Your generosity is also vital for the ongoing, critical maintenance of the existing West River Trail.

Support the FWRT Today

As the year comes to a close, we sincerely hope you will consider including the West River Trail in your year-end charitable giving plans, if you are able. The West River Trail is a vital place of community, happiness, and outdoor recreational opportunity.

As an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your contribution is fully tax-deductible. Click here to donate.

To double your impact for the Upper Section. Click on Make a Donation for the Upper Section. Donations can also be made out to Friends of the West River Trail, Upper Section, and mailed to P.O. Box 2086, South Londonderry, VT 05155.

To help fund the new Pathway for the Lower Section and to support the ongoing, critical maintenance of the existing West River Trail, click on Make a Donation for the Lower Section.

Thank you for your generosity!