Volunteers install signage at trailheads

WEST MILFORD — Together with the town of West Milford, the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference has developed and installed eight informational kiosks to draw attention to more than 100 miles of Trail Conference-maintained hiking trails in the municipality. The kiosks feature detailed maps, trail highlights, park information, local flora and fauna, and safety information for novice hikers.
The volunteers, recruited from two local Trail Conference member clubs, the West Milford 13ers and the Weis Wyanokie Wanderers (representing New Jersey Audubon Society), installed the signs at trailheads in Norvin Green State Forest, Abraham S. Hewitt State Park, Wawayanda State Park, and the Pequannock Watershed. Now that the kiosks have been installed, the Trail Conference will soon be installing trail road-crossing signs in more than 20 locations in the area. The road crossing signs, in conjunction with the information provided at the kiosks, will create a safer and more enjoyable outdoor experience.
Trail Conference Executive Director Ed Goodell notes that if the project with West Milford proves successful, the Trail Conference plans to start accepting private donations from entities and private citizens interested in sponsoring additional kiosks throughout the region. A fund would then be created to maintain the kiosks and update the maps and information as needed, he said.
Funding for the project comes from a 2008/2009 Recreational Trails Grant from the state Department of Environmental Protection.
Since 1920, the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference has partnered with park and open space managers to create, protect, and promote a network of 1,850 miles of public trails in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan region. The Trail Conference offers volunteer opportunities for people who love the outdoors. Learn more and find hundreds of hike descriptions at nynjtc.org