Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge (MJ2KB) Trail Club has many improvements slated for 2020.
With so many activities closed to the public, using the local trails is one way residents can enjoy some time out of the house.
Among the projects are a couple that will be completed with a grant from the Lumber Heritage Region: making interpretive signs and painting the equipment container.
Carolyn Stroup, MJ2KB Trail Club president, explained that Angela Cornelius will design four interpretive signs, and Keith Cousins of Eldred will manufacture the sign boards. Volunteers will place them in frames between Kinzua Bridge State Park and Mount Jewett.
Cornelius will also create a mural for the storage container that is located just past the Mount Jewett parking lot. The mural will depict the area’s heritage and will go along with the interpretive signs, said Stroup.
“We will be looking for volunteers to help paint the mural,” she noted.
Another project club members hope to do this year is place the remaining benches along the trail.
“We received a donation for another bench this spring,” Stroup noted.
Memorial benches can be placed for a $500 donation, and donors can learn more about them on the club’s website at https://www.mj2kbtrail.club/benchpage
The club plans to put out picnic tables that were donated by Georgia Pacific’s MDF plant in Mount Jewett. A local Boy Scout is building a pavilion that will be installed on the trail south of Mount Jewett as an Eagle Scout project, too.
The club has gate bollards to install at two road crossings, more signs to put up. Also, they will be cutting more trees and brush along the trail between Mount Jewett and Lantz Corners.
Stroup encourages anyone who wants to volunteer with maintenance to help.
Also, the club has submitted a grant to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservations and Natural Resources for funding for trail surface aggregate to apply to the unfinished section of rail trail between Mount Jewett and U.S. Route 219. Stroup anticipates that the club will learn in December or January whether or not they are eligible for the grant.
“It will be well worth the wait!” she said, explaining the grant is for $180,000-plus.
“Most of all, I’d like to encourage you to get out and use the trail,” said Stroup.
She reminded people to follow social distancing rules on the trails, such as staying at least six feet away from other trail users, as well as washing hands frequently or using hand sanitizer.
“Also, we want to remind you to keep your dogs on a leash,” Stroup said. “It is for their safety and for other trail users as well.”
People can still send in their memberships, too.
Stroup explained that funding “helps our volunteers to keep the trail safe and well maintained, as it goes for signage, gas and diesel fuel to run tools and equipment and insurance for those working on the trail.”
Learn more about the club at https://www.mj2kbtrail.club/
