|
Contact: Casey Johanssen, 870-449-4311
"Nothing maintains a trail quite like a pair of feet," said Steve Parker, Trail Maintenance Coordinator of the Ozark Highlands Trail Association (OHTA), as he spoke at the June 4, National Trails Day event at the Tyler Bend Pavilion. The day was kicked off with Buffalo National River Superintendent, Kevin Cheri, welcoming visitors to take part in the daylong festivities. Park volunteer, Dr. Rob Lambert, highlighted the benefits of hiking citing the reduction of heart disease by 45%, lower blood pressure and reducing the chance of stroke by 40%. Dr. Lambert also noted that those who get outside to exercise with others are more likely to stick with it. Park staff kicked off the new Adopt A Trail program, inviting people to select a section of designated hiking or horseback trail and to make a commitment to help care for it. Approximately 40 miles of trails at Buffalo National River were adopted on Saturday by local citizens. Many OHTA members were in attendance and on-hand to answer questions about the Ozark Highlands Trail, a 250 mile trail that runs through Arkansas, which can be accessed from Buffalo National River. The day also included a ranger led hike along the Sod Collier Trail, which focused on Leave No Trace principles, and a footbridge dedication on The Buffalo River Trail near Grinders Ferry by the OHTA. The Little Buffalo River Band provided afternoon entertainment followed by a dinner sponsored by OHTA that was prepared by the Big Springs Restaurant of St. Joe. Thank you to our partners for making this event happen, especially the OHTA, Buffalo National River Partners, and the Searcy County Chamber of Commerce.
|
Last updated: June 14, 2016