WELLS — A new walking trail will give the York County Community College students an opportunity to get exercise and enjoy the benefits of nature.
The new trail on the college campus was dedicated Thursday morning. The trail head is at the edge of the parking lot. The trail is about a mile roundtrip, and winds around wetlands, rock formations and leads to a knoll with a bench.
The creation of the trail was led by seventeen-year-old Charlie Clough, of Boy Scout Troop 356 in Wells, as an Eagle Scout service project.
Clough mapped out a route, secured funding through the YCCC Foundation, and recruited about 30 volunteers to help with clearing trees and branches.
Plant and tree identification cards were purchased and installed. Trail markers in the school’s colors blue and white, with the school’s mascot, a coyote, lead walkers along the route.
Boy Scouts must complete a community service project to become an Eagle Scout.
Clough said many times, scouts complete a service project just to get the requirement done, but he wanted to complete something that would make as large of an impact as he could on the community.
YCCC President Barbara Finkelstein said the college had been thinking of putting in a trail for the past couple of years, as this is something students wanted, but logistically was unable to do it until Clough agreed to do the project.
“When I was approached about this, I gave it the green light right away,” she said.
The trail is open from dawn to dusk. Finkelstein said the trail will not be used only by students, but also by members of the greater community including several people who walk their dogs in the area every day.
Liza Little, director of counseling and wellness services at YCCC said she’s been a “cheerleader” for the new trail. Little said walking is one of the best things one can do to improve mental well being, and she teaches mindful walking and breathing skills to students who come into her office.
Little said she also envisions the trail area used for hands on learning in science classes or as inspiration for poetry writing or as subject matter for art projects.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.
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