Greater First Colony residents say they are committed to keeping the Virginia Capital Trail clean – now they have the sign to prove it.
Residents celebrated adopting a mile of the pedestrian and cycling trail Monday morning with a new “Adopt-A-Trail” sign at the residential community’s entrance on John Rolfe Lane.
Craig Larson, president of the Greater First Colony Civic Association, said doing “our share” to take care of the trail through adoption is a natural step for Greater First Colony residents.
Beth Weisbrod, executive director of the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation, a nonprofit that advocates for the completion and enhancement of the trail, said it is a “great partnership” for the state when private citizens volunteer to maintain the trail.
“It’s great to know that citizens are taking such an interest in this trail so it’s pretty and safe for everyone,” Weisbrod said. “We hope to see more of that along the trail.”
The Virginia Capital Trail is a 52-mile paved trail that connects cyclists and pedestrians to Richmond, the current state capital, and Jamestown, a former state capital.
The Greensprings Road section of the trail, which is located in James City County, was one of the first sections to be completed and opened in 2006. The ribbon-cutting for the entire trail will be held at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 2 in Richmond.
Cyclist Rick Catalano rides his bicycle daily on the stretch adopted by Greater First Colony. He said he appreciates the trail maintenance he’s seen so far.
“It’s nice to see it clean,” Catalano said. “It’s nice that the [tree] branches aren’t hanging out over the trail.”
Paul Kieffaber, who walks the trail daily, agreed, adding that a clean path is safer for all, especially after a storm.
“It’s nice to know the debris will be taken care of,” Kieffaber said.
Greater First Colony will host its first work day to clean the trail Sept. 26.
