HOWLAND - Members of Girl Scouts Troop 598 of Howland spent time working on the nature trail off North Road.
Members of the committee, scouts and community volunteers have been working on clearing a path for the trail at the new Trumbull County Metropark unit, North Road Nature Preserve off North Road at Candlelight Drive in Howland. The project was organized by the Howland Health and Wellness Committee.
Celine York of Warren and Anastasia McLeod of Cortland, members of Howland Girl Scout Troop 598, were among those working on the trail helping to clear debris and plants to create a walking path through the woods.
McLeod said the work was not difficult but there was a lot of branches and debris needing to be moved.
Dr. Jim LaPolla, committee chairman, said the goal is to build a new nature trail loop in the wooded property off of North Road in Warren, which will be the hub for future trails planned over the next couple of years.
LaPolla said work started last spring, with about one half of the trail nearing completion. Work will continue through the fall or until weather no longer allows outdoor work.
He and Barbara Rosenblum, a committee member and registered nurse, said the project will be done in phases. LaPolla said the long-term goal is to make a huge walking trail which would be in large loop shape. The project is to be completed by 2013.
LaPolla said another aspect is to have a ranger hut and wellness center along the path depending on what is feasible.
LaPolla said he hopes to be able to obtain funding from the state for the project.
The committee was formed in March 2010 looking at different ways to promote its goal of healthier lifestyles for area residents including bike trails and parks and educating people on wellness and seeking public input and involvement.
Rosenblum said she would like to see bike access to the North River Road and North Park areas.
LaPolla said at the committee meetings different speakers are invited to discuss healthy-related topics for the public.
For more information, call 330-856-4444.