The Ameren power utility work that used a portion of the R2R Trail for access on Map 15 has been completed in the past few weeks so trail hikers should no longer be affected by this work. The following map shows the location of the work.
A few current trail conditions photos. This one shows the new gate installed across the road/trail at the property line between the FS and private land owner with an access gate for trail users. The property owner requested this in an effort to stop unauthorized UTV use on his property.
The Trail Society would like to give a Big Shout Out and Thank You to the 33 folks that showed up on Saturday September 23 morning and helped us clean up the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area of the Shawnee National Forest. The team picked up 151 pounds of trash from the Observation Trail; the area below the bluffs and observation trail; Indian Point trail, sections of trails 108K & 108I; sections of the R2R Trail and around the parking lots.
The group photo above shows everyone that showed up except 3. If you recognize anyone please give them a big Thank You.
In addition to all of the trash clean up efforts, 4 of the team worked for several hours trying to remove the graffiti from the cracks and crevices in the bluffs along the Indian Point trail. This work involved a lot of scrubbing in addition to carrying all tools, chemicals and water into the work area on their backs. The hike in was approximately 1/2 mile.
Interested in becoming a volunteer? The River to River Trail Society and The Friends of the Shawnee can use your help. If interested in helping in the future, please visit our websites for more details at http://www.rivertorivertrail.net/ and shawneefriends.org.
