Article:
JORBA was well represented at the
Sourland's VPP day.
Christa, Justin, and Patrick, all B'Burg residents made the short ride over to meet-up with George, our JORBA park steward.
We all got to the lot, and had to make the call to start our TM walk without a ranger!
Not two minutes into working the rose whips, hikers were thanking us for cleaning-up the trails.
We took a minute to talk to them, then went on our way knowing the work is appreciated.
A bit up the trail, Mike (English Mike) joined the party with some hand sheers!
Now two sheers, two loppers, and a rake, we made our way towards the 4-way intersection (marker 7.)
The trails have widened quite a bit over the last year, but the the multi-floral rose was determined to draw its blood.
All the overhanging and threatening whips were eradicated.
Around the sidewalk on the lower trail, we met Ranger Darren.
He thought we had already gone through and were working the upper trails.
Ends out that we had a communications breakdown which resulted in the rangers
not meeting us in the lot. Live and learn! It didn't slow anyone down.
Patrick split off from the group to work maple flats on the other side of the pipeline, and to pick
Ranger Darren's brain about possible new trails, and the use of battery operated equipment.
The door is open to both, but there are requirements. Perhaps they can be formalized?
The rest of the group continued towards marker 7 at the 4-way, where they met up with Ranger Agnes.
That was a wrap for the day, with more than 12 volunteer hours accumulated by a small, motivated group.
George, Christa, and Justin working it.
Trail braiding on Maple Flats. It was always over the rocks.