Conservation Project: Rhododendron Trail Restored

The second and final day of work on the Rhododendron trail came to an end yesterday after 111 guests and staff completed 1.4 miles of trail restoration. Arrowmen pruned the corridor of the trees and inserted water bars to address erosion problems.

"We made a trail better and I got to work with my new crew mates," said Ian T., 14, Clawpaw Lodge of the Clawpaw Area Council, Searcy, AR. "This will let other people enjoy the trail," said Ian.

Marty Opthoff, 19, Noque Lodge of the Great Lakes Council, Waterford, MI, said "Building trail is one of the things the Order of the Arrow is about. We helped improve the trail for Ridgecrest and made it so guests may enjoy it for years to come. I was happy to be a part of it," said Opthoff.

"It made me feel good inside to know we finished what we started," said Jacob L., 13, Muscogee Lodge of the Indian Waters Council, Columbia, SC.

A total of approximately 500 man-hours were contributed to Ridgecrest with the completion of this conservation project.

Revised 8/05/2011