Leaf Peeping

Could it be? We are working on getting a fun band playing for Oktoberfest on September 27th. Would Davisson Brothers Band be a good bet to accompany 600 runners crossing the finish line of Davis' RunForIt race?

Interpretive Trail from Coketon to Thomas

The Allegheny Highlands Trail starts in Elkins and now reaches Hendricks. It is a project resulting from an agreement between WVDOH and the USFS management of the Monongahela National Forest that such a trail is appropriate mitigate the impacts of the Corridor H Project. The popular hiking and biking segment from Hendricks to Thomas has yet to be improved as part of the AHT. From Thomas, the trail will go past the north side of Davis near WV93 and the future Davis-to-Bismark section of Corridor H. In all likelihood, there will be signage and a trailhead allowing travelers to exit into the Blackwater Falls State Park, and reach downtown Davis via the Park's trails.

The segment from Coketon to Thomas passes through ruins of coke ovens (pictured) and related historic buildings, earning the site its eligibility in the National Register of Historic Places. Assuming this plan is implemented (more or less) we can expect much more than just a trail...Thematic areas are planned for construction in downtown Thomas and at the site of the coke ovens. These will include illustrative panels, informational kiosks, thematic seating and surfaces -- all aimed at educating and capturing the imaginations of visitors. I read about this in the USFS plan for the trail, which I am sure has several approvals and budgetary hurdles ahead. Nonetheless, it is exciting to glimpse the future trail systems surrounding Davis and Thomas.

Friends of Blackwater on Mountain Biking

Friends of the Blackwater stands to be a real force in helping to ensure ample mountain biking access to the Blackwater watershed and canyon area. I've been aware that the organization has always promoted mountain biking, particularly since a premier rail trail runs right down the canyon from Hendricks to Thomas. While that is not a surprise to many, it is one thing to be supportive of mountain biking and quite another to: understand that mountain biking trail infrastructure is one of the keys to recreation-based economic development in the area. FoB understands this.

In the July Newsletter of FoB, an article entitled, 'Mountain biking Rules the Canyon and the Highlands," stated FoB's position unequivocally. "Promoting and advancing mountain biking in the region -- in all it's diverse expressions -- is part of the mission of Friends of Blackwater."

Today I was riding in Patapsco Valley State Park near Baltimore, and there were literally dozens and dozens of people on foot, sharing the trail with bike riders. Now this park has been around since 1907 and probably has a good idea of what is the highest and best use for its beautiful woods and streams. Sharing has worked just fine, giving the park more visibility and more visitors.

It is rapidly being realized that hiking, equestrian and mountain biking are relatively non-invasive ways to allow visitors to explore our parks.

The Town of Davis is at the beginning of establishing itself as a hub for exploring its surrounding parks. Stay there, dine there, and head out on your bike, your skis or on foot to many trails, from easy to extreme. FoB is a powerful lobby for parkland conservation. Mountain bikers and area businesses will be major beneficiaries of their work. And the canyon will remain beautifully undisturbed.

Thank you FoB for your efforts to ensure mountain biking in the lands you seek to protect!

Riverfront Ramblers Run for IT! Saturday 9/27

The "Tour of Davis -- Run For It!" event is a 5K run or walk organized by the Tucker Community Endowment Foundation (TCEF) to raise money for various community causes that are represented by teams. TCEF itself is offering various add-on contributions for teams that win various competitive categories. I have been intrigued with the progress and financial growth of the TCEF endowment, and it's management is efficient -- meaning they don't have high expenses and get alot of money to their charitable causes. Last year I was stunned to see no team running to raise money for the Riverfront Park. Cemeteries and Libraries are nice, but they won't drive the economic development of Davis the way a beautiful park would. The small parks in downtown Crested Butte, Durango, Telluride, Jackson, Santa Fe -- you name the mountain jewel -- are important to attracting and retaining visitors.

This year is the year that the Riverfront Park gets on the track to win some support.

The team I would like to introduce is "The Riverfront Ramblers." The team captain is Sandy Schmiedeknecht of Davis and the team's cause is the Town of Davis' Riverfront Park. For those not familiar with this nascent but exciting town park, it is a 5-acre parcel along the Blackwater River behind the old bank building, and the historical site of the Babcock Boom and Lumber Company mills. In the illustrative plan shown in this post, the park comprises the undeveloped green space, trails, gardens and plantations. These past two summers, volunteers and contractors have been clearing trails, grading land, removing hazards, installing benches and defining future amenities for the park. Ultimately, it will have a pavillion, an amphitheater for concerts in the park, a trail head information kiosk, a pedestrian bridge across the river to Blackwater Falls State Park, and other attractions for young and old. The Davis Riverfront Park will be a wonderful green space to enhance your visit to downtown Davis. The Davis Parks & Recreation Commission owns and manages the park, and qualifies for tax deductible contributions.

How can you participate or help?

Enter the event as a Riverfront Rambler for $10 and get a race T-shirt!

Sponsor the team for $100 or any amount you see fit! I have pledged a match of $5,000 as a dollar for dollar match to all contributions made on behalf of the Riverfront Rambler's cause.

For more information:

Tucker Community Endowment Foundation is at www.tuckerfoundation.net
Riverfront Ramblers Team Captain, Sandy Schmiedeknecht, 304-642-9047 or qsandy@mountain.net