Eagle Scout Dimitry Pepper from Whitefield helped the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association (SVCA) prepare the new red trail on the Stetster Preserve in Jefferson, which officially opens on October 19.

Working on his Eagle Scout project, Pepper planned placement, gathered materials and organized helpers to construct bridges across two seasonal streams along the new trail.

SVCA sincerely thanks Pepper, his father and brother, the adult scout volunteers and the young scouts of Jefferson Troop 216 for their hard work. The bridges provide safe passage for hikers while protecting stream banks. We hope everyone has a chance to check out their fine work by taking a walk on the new trail.

The grand opening of the new Red Trail takes place Saturday, Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. Gather at the kiosk on Egypt Road at 9:45 a.m. for cider and snacks before departing for the Red Trail at 10. After a short ribbon cutting ceremony near the pond where the new trail departs, hikers will follow the Red Trail through a mixed forest of maples, beech, oaks and pines. The new trail extends the existing Blue Trail to complete a 1.8 mile loop through the eastern portion of this beautiful Preserve, meandering south from the pond and then along the high ridge on the property.

The SVCA trails crew is always looking for more volunteers to join the fun of clearing, maintaining and planning trails. It is a wonderful excuse to be outside, meet new people, learn new skills and natural history, and get a “green workout.”

If interested in helping with trails or any other work, please contact Lynne Flaccus at SVCA, 207-586-5616 or lynne@sheepscot.org.

Visit the SVCA online at www.sheepscot.org or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sheepscot.