Loop 3 Trail Work at Westwoods 3 Corners Road

Our inspection of Loop 3 on the 15th uncovered a number of issues we plan to address on the first two work parties of this month. Today, we’ll be (1) relocating three sections of trails (two on hiker created by-passes, and a third where we’ll clear a dryer path nearby), (2) Try to drain a wet area on the Blue Rectangle trail by creating a clearing to the south, (3) Overpaint some graffiti at the Indian Cave, (4) Blaze two side-trails (one with Orange/Red blazes, the other with a Orange Square), and (5) add some stepping stones to cross a short wet section of the Orange Circle trail. We’ll also explore extracting two 12ft bridges that have sunk into the dirt, in preparation for our work next week. So there’s much to do and we ask you come prepared with the tools of your particular trade. For trail relocation, we’ll need a couple of chainsaws, and a lopper or two. Paul will have one saw, and he’ll bring the signs for closing trails, and posts (and post hammer) we’ll need to mark off the closed sections. He’ll also bring the blaze materials and nails. For the trenching, stone work and excavating we’ll need heavy tools: pry-bars, shovels, a maddox or grub axe. Probably best to toss what you have in the car and we’ll decide what to bring in at the trailhead. In short, there’s much to do and a wide range of work, the more hands, the more we’ll get done. Dress for mild winter conditions, and expect it to be a bit muddy. Plan to meet at the Three Corners Road Entrance to Westwoods. When you park be careful not to obstruct any of the driveways. [est 2 – 3 hours]

Rain or significant snow will usually cancel any of these work parties, so if you have questions about the schedule, please feel free to contact me stewardship@guilfordlandtrust.org or Paul Proulx pauljproulx@comcast.net on the morning of each event. We’ll also announce cancellations or schedule changes by email, so it’s a good idea to check your mail before you leave the house. Paul also carries his cell phone (203-687-7756) on these events, so if you’re late and want people to wait, give him a call.