Spring Cleanup On The Blue Trail On Holcombe Hill

Several dozen residents gathered at the Newtown Forest Association’s Holcombe Wildlife Preserve off Great Hill Road recently for weekend duty to help with the group’s cleanup project on the Blue Trail at its property.

Although bright sunshine prevailed, heavy rains which had fallen during preceding days had saturated the ground, resulting in soggy shoes for those who had not worn rubber boots for the project.

The nonprofit association held the April 29 cleanup project in recognition of Earth Day, which was observed a week earlier on April 22.

Volunteers met midmorning, after which they formed work groups.

Robert Eckenrode of the association gave a tour of the trail system to the volunteers, describing the ecology of the area.

The work groups then started clearing fallen debris and obstructions from the winding pathway through the woods.

The volunteers brought with them a variety of tools, such as pruning clippers, lop shears, bow saws, and rakes. Power tools were not needed for the various trail-clearing tasks. Children who participated were accompanied by adults.

Tasks included clearing away shrubbery and limbs that overhang the trail, as well as removing fallen timber from the pathway, when possible. The trail was created several years ago in connection with an Eagle Scout project.

Cub Scouts from Pack 70 took participated in the project as part of its Earth Day community activity.

The forest association has its offices at the Holcombe Wildlife Preserve. The group seeks to protect and preserve the town’s open spaces, enhancing parcels of land for passive recreation and public enjoyment.

The association holds approximately 1,100 acres and is seeking to preserve additional open space land with the goal of maintaining local environmental quality.