A TRI TOWN YEAR IN REVIEW.
Hello everyone. We hope you are all enjoying the Holliday season and thought this would be a wonderful time to look back at all the changes the last year has brought. Even though I was a part of almost all of the events, I still find it hard to believe this much was accomplished in one year. I also know that none of this would have been possible without our remarkable community.
Sunset on the upper Spicer section
New bridges: With the help of our local community, we have constructed 17 new crossings varying in size from a 3ft puncheon to a 20 plus foot bridge to enter the trail.
Trail extensions: The second part of Phase one was opened this year (we have taken to calling that the Spicer section). This is a hilly and while drier more physically demanding section, this section is filled with colonial era foundations and what is very likely, the biggest old growth trees in the region. During the summer, the Tri Town board members noticed a need for an open, comfortable walk. With Preston park walking track directly across the street, this didn’t initially seem like it would be a high demand part of the trail. That proved true for our two legged hikers, however the four- legged friends have found our field loop to be one of the optimal dog walks in the region. This new extension when combined with the original walk into the trail from the parking lot provides an almost one mile flat, open trail for those not looking for a single track adventure, but still wanting to enjoy amazing views.
Second Trail head: The construction of the metal bridge at the colonial crossing had multiple results: #1 the Fire department now has a new emergency access to this portion of town; #2 a second trail head has been officially opened to the public allowing a midpoint entry for those that do not wish to hike the whole trail
Copp Property: During this year’s annual board meeting the directors of the Copp property have agreed to support the Tri Town Trail project as the future plans have us passing through there stunning trail system. This official announcement is one of what we hope will be many in the upcoming year that will help us reach our ultimate goal of connecting all 3 towns
Fall storm: Not everything was wonderful this year, the back to back tropical storms brought unexpected flooding and showed us what a 10 year storm could do. This storm cost us a gem of a bridge, that bridge was the first we had built. Three other smaller crossings had damage but were easily repaired in a one day effort. Then our volunteers came out in full force to get the trail back open by the grand opening date. The local community came through with the donations to rebuild. Board member, Tom Olsen, acquired an approved engineering plan for a raised crossing. That combined with the reclamation crew that salvaged the original bridge brought us the new and unique bridge. This bridge is a few feet further downstream and taller than the original. Speaking of the original bridge it is almost all still there, the railings were recycled into the new bridge and the deck is now the connector stair set between the new and old sections.
Grand opening: On a beautiful fall day we were able to gather with all three local communities and respective town leaders to celebrate the results of a community vision brought to reality. This was what will be the first of many openings as we see the trail grow to its full potential.
4 Major volunteer events:
Connecticut College: used the trail for a class project and developed an entire webpage dedicated to the flora and fauna found on the trail. Excellent work to all of those students and staff involved with this project, Link provided below http://cjones.digital.conncoll.edu/tritowntrail/?fbclid=IwAR3NK4lx_QO6fGs3TvGvi-x135Lj1Wy0vofdbU0vHLueAz5VsSiqSD0GKq8
Ledyard High School National Honor Society: held a major volunteer event this spring that was critical to bringing in all of the wood that was going to be needed for the summer builds.
The Groton Area Chief Petty Officer Association: held their annual community outreach project on the trail this year. With their outpouring of support we were able to build extensions to two crossings, place distance markers for the first 2 miles of direct trail, and cleared a large amount of over growth near the colonial crossing.
BSA Troop 75: from Preston, supported 2 Eagle Scout projects adding 4 benches and two bog crossings.
Web site launch: this year we finally got back up with the times and relaunched the Tri Town website. While you are here reading the blog please take some time to check the other links and let us know what you think.
Looking Forward: While most of us could not imagine all that was accomplished this year the up coming year is looking bright. If you are wondering what the white tents are, Eversource has started construction of the improved power lines and poles. They have ensured us the impacts to trail access will be minimal. This project will have the added benefit of an actual parking lot for the northern terminus. We are also very hopeful that we will be able to begin work on the Groton end of the trail this year.