Outdoor Recreation Class

OUTDOOR RECREATION CLASSES WORK TO DEVELOP A MUCH NEEDED NATURE TRAIL

     Under the direction of Matt Schmuck, Assistant to Dean for Outdoor Programming and Outreach, FSU, the Fifth Street Nature Trail, located in the Coal Run Hallow area on 5th  and Walnut streets, has come a long way in the past two years. 

     The first stage was a massive cleanup effort that filled two roll off dumpsters donated by Allied Waste Service.  The Marion County Board of Education provided paint and supplies to cover the graffiti on the back side of the gymnasium. 

     During the summer, 2007, the trail development class started digging out the trail by hand.  Continued efforts from students enrolled in the Outdoor Leisure and Outdoor recreation classes did their part by helping construct steps and a concrete retaining wall that provided a gardening space at the trail head.  The Trail Development class was run again during the summer, 2008, and was able to double the length of the trail. 

     There is still much work to be done but there has been a steady pace and increased public participation in the further development of this wonderful green space.

    Future goals for this trail include a pedestrian bridge that connects Fifth Street Park to the old tennis courts across the stream, a community garden, a fruit orchard, and another trail head garden located below the tennis courts.

Special thanks to Jan Woodward, Nancy Bickerstaff, Green Hills garden Club and Fairmont garden Club for all their help in making this project successful.

If anyone wishes to contribute time, service, and/or funds, please contact Matt Schmuck, Mschmuck1@fairmontstate.edu or by phone, (304)367-4984.