Sign Here, Please!

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Jim and Richard were unceremoniously selected to erect two signs heralding Shelton's part in one of the Connecticut Trails Day Celebration, our annual Bridge to Bridge Hike. Finding locations that were not directly over leftover boulders from Mt. Everest was no easy task!

The first three feet were the hardest!

Something about this sign did not appear to be right. But
once we turned it around, everything made sense.

The sign at Pine Lake, not far from downtown Shelton marks the beginning of the hike. Be sure to be there by 10:30, or hope to catch up with the rest of us.

Our hike, approximately 4.5 miles over mostly level ground, traverses woods and meadows and runs alongside lakes and streams, and finishes in Huntington Center. This route, formally known as the Shelton Lakes Recreation Path, is in the process of major improvements, as will be seen about half way through the hike. While still retaining the natural beauty of the scenic trails that made up the original path, the upgrade will make the sights accessible to strollers, casual bikers, and the physically impaired.

We hope that you will join us on this fun event on Saturday, June 4, at 10:30. Men, women, children, and leashed pets (no Komodo Dragons, please!) are welcome. Don't forget to bring water, and you may wish to join us for a bite to eat at the Huntington Street Cafe at the end of the hike. Oh, and vehicles will be available to shuttle you back to the parking area at Pine Lake. Should you be unable to continue the entire journey, a "rescue" vehicle will be stationed along the route to whisk you away (we aren't saying to where)! See you Saturday!

Ahh Choo! Trails in Bloom

The woods are in full bloom the Spring - at least that's what the pollen count says.

The wild pink azaleas were out in full force by the J Pond during our work party Saturday. A crack crew from the Trails Committee were out clearing brush along the Bridge to Bridge route in anticipation of National Trails Day.

There were a number of wildflowers out along the trails. The Eklund Native Species Garden on Oak Valley Road had a number of plants in bloom.

We also had our Mutt March Guided Hike on Sunday. A lot of people were put off by the impending rain, but the weather held out & it made for a very moody stroll. Here's the view of Silent Waters from the bridge on top of the dam.

It was a great walk for dogs. Slightly cool and foggy. The puppies had a good time.

The dogwoods were blooming. I don't know if the trees will still be blooming for Trails Day, but they look good right now, so enjoy the views along the trails while you can this Spring.

A Mulching We Will Go

Hey we're getting new RecPath adventurers in pairs! Here are some folks out enjoying the Shelton Lakes Greenway on the RecPath. Maybe if these two guys like the Path we'll get them out on a work party some day in the future. One of the advantages in making the RecPath handicapped accessible is that it opens up beautiful open space to a wide variety of families.

It was another busy weekend for Shelton's volunteers. Rich and Zack were loading mulch in the Gator to dress the edges of the RecPath between the new Dog Park and Oak Valley Road. The guys from the Parks and Rec Dept. dropped off many piles of woodchips and then volunteers spread them along the shoulders. This prevents erosion, improves footing along the edges, and gives a more woodsy feel to blend in the fresh construction with the Greenway.

Carol, Jim, and Lynn worked in much on the other end going toward Oak Valley Trail.

This section will look great in a couple of weeks when the Moutain Laurel blooms - just in time for the hike on National Trails Day.

Tom Harbinson & Jim Tate from the Conservation Commission were assisting Andrew & James T. Tate set some of the new granite posts along the RecPath entrances. Tom volunteered the use of his machine to excavate for the posts & the young guys supplied the muscle to set them in. Hopefully Dr. Smith will Let James Tyler Tate Go To The Prom for his civic do-goodness.

The posts help new visitors find their way & prevent cars from driving on the RecPath. Posts were added at Lane St., Constitution Boulevard North, and at this parking lot on Nells Rock Road. More posts will be installed as future sections are completed.

And a big Thank You to Mr. Bing Carbone for volunteering to pay for some of the granite posts that were stolen last year. The big construction on the RecPath is being built by contractors, but it takes a lot of work by volunteers to make everything sucessful.

RecPath Work Completed at Lane Street

Another section of the RecPath was completed last month. The contractors finished the section from the Land Trust Meadow on Lane St. up to the Fire Access Road. You can now ride bikes, stroll, or have handicapped access to one of the prettiest open spaces in Shelton. Lane St. is one of Shelton's Designated Scenic Roads & is located in Huntington Center by the Fire House.

The RecPath winds thru open woodlands and gradually climbs a steep ledge up to the Fire Access Road. This route avoids the steepest portions of Lane St. and provides scenic views. The Fire Access Road leads east to Wesley Drive where two other sections of the RecPath are under construction.

The construction team from Pruzinsky & Son & Fairview Tree Farm are doing a good job & moving quickly. Enjoy the RecPath but please walk around their work zone while they are working.

Judging from the foot prints and tire tracks the RecPath is gaining popularity now that we have a little nice weather. Enjoy Spring and explore the RecPath at Lane Street.