"When I tell people I am a Trail Steward and work with the weekly trail repair crew, their usual reaction is: 'Bedford has trails?'" says Trail Steward Dave Butler. In fact, Bedford has a variety of public trails, from flat and easy (Heritage Trail on the Merrimack River) to uphill climbs (Martin Trail at Pulpit Rock) to tricky gorges (Ravine Trail at Pulpit Rock). Whatever trail is your favorite, the Bedford Trail Stewards work hard to keep the trails in good condition.  

The Trail Stewards and Pulpit Rock Subcommittee, who maintain the trails at the Pulpit Rock Conservation Area, volunteer under the Bedford Conservation Commission (BCC) umbrella. In January 2022, the BCC launched the idea of the Bedford Trail Stewards (Stewards) under the leadership of the Town's Conservation Planner in the Planning Department. The Commission identified several goals for the group, such as mapping trails, maintaining and improving Bedford's trails, and creating new trails where appropriate. During the past two years, approximately 25 Stewards have worked diligently to do just that. 

Stewards find many benefits to volunteering, like Tanya Vigneau, who says, "I enjoy the trails on a weekly basis with my dog and occasionally with my husband and kids as well. Although I'm not able to volunteer much, I do enjoy being a trail scout and reporting downed trees. I also stay informed about the latest trail updates and improvements. We are very blessed to have an excellent network of trails in town!"

Hopefully, by now, you've noticed the work of the Stewards. Some Stewards, like Tanya, adopt a trail they regularly walk, removing limbs and twigs, trimming encroaching vegetation, and checking trail markers. After significant weather events, they walk the trails and clear or report storm damage. Obstructions that cannot be cleared with a hand saw are removed by the Department of Public Works (DPW) or the chainsaw crew, who are chainsaw certified.

Steward Dave Butler notes that serving on the weekly trail repair crew is another way to serve and is a fun way to give back to the community. He explains that trail crew "management" maintains a list of projects and schedules a project each week based on priority and logistics. Since Bedford is "well-watered land," a frequent task is solving an issue associated with drainage – this can be anything from a low wet spot to a perennial stream to a brook crossing. The solution may involve cleaning established channels, installing stones to provide dry footing, or constructing a wooden bridge across the drainage.

When asked why they volunteered, another Steward remarked, "I have walked most of the Bedford trails and done some trail maintenance work over the last couple of years. Most people in Bedford have not discovered our wonderful trail system. Almost all trails are easily walkable. Trails lead through different woodland environments, which can be particularly interesting across seasons. Most trails are less than 15 minutes from your door. They are great places to take the family, the dog, or just yourself for a nice walk in the woods." Another Trail Steward noted, "It's fun, rewarding, and provides a legacy."

Steward Jeff Kerr built a trail in his backyard during Covid and enjoyed it so much that he joined the Bedford Trail Stewards so he could keep working on trails and advocating for improvements. When asked what he enjoys most about the experience, Jeff offered, "I like designing and building things. Having the opportunity to build new snowshoe trails and bridges or maintaining trails that are eroding is very rewarding." What is his favorite trail? Jeff says, "I love all the trails at Legacy Park. The wide-open trails are fun for hiking and mountain bike riding, and there is plenty of elevation change to get a workout. I started Nordic skiing when I moved to NH and really enjoy the ability to ski locally on the Legacy trails." 

Jeff continued, "My favorite trail memories are working with young residents. I worked with the Bedford HS Boys Cross Country team to improve the Legacy trails ahead of their home meet in 2023. The DPW supplied the materials, and the boys worked hard hauling and adding gravel and hard pack to the trails. They felt proud of the work they did." 

When Girl Scout Troop 51760 wanted to do a service project, they jumped at the chance to build two new bridges on the Legacy snowshoe trails. Jeff says, "I gave them the plans for the bridge, and they took care of everything else. I showed up on installation day to help, but they didn't need much input. For me, seeing other people that want to contribute to the betterment of the town is very gratifying."

Another Steward shared, "My favorite project was the construction of the Log Climb, which can be found on the way to the Fairy House Trail - Bedford Hollow. One of the Stewards suggested the idea, and it took the whole team of Stewards to scout big logs, get them onsite, haul gravel, and engineer the design. Now, it is one of my favorite spots in town. I even like to climb it."   

Trail Steward Brian Nolen, currently working in Ukraine with NH4Ukraine.org, had this to say, "After being a Trustee with the Bedford Land Trust for years, it was a natural transition to stay active working on the trails after the BLT merged with the Piscataquog Land Conservancy and my "official" position was eliminated. I love every minute out on the trails, and my only wish is that more people would get to know what beautiful properties we have! My favorite trail is the Martin Trail on the Pulpit Rock Property. In my opinion, it's the 'undiscovered gem' of the trail network and leads to a beautiful open field where I often see various wildlife."

Another member commented, "Whatever their reasons for volunteering, the value of what they do is a benefit to the entire community. They're not just building and maintaining trails; they are building connections and community. They're helping us value and take care of what we have in Bedford."  

That sense of community is the motivation for another Trail Steward. She joyfully shares, "I found my people! I am learning a wide range of skills I've always wanted to acquire but did not have the time or the mentors to teach me. Some Stewards are experienced trail builders, others are great carpenters, and still others like me, just like to be in nature. I love to geek out over trail problems, construction projects, or admiring a big, old tree." Study upon study reiterates that having recreational opportunities nearby benefits us by providing access to nature, physical fitness, community well-being, enhanced quality of life, a sense of place, and community pride. Another Steward notes that local recreational opportunities help our community remain a desired place to live.  

A list of public access trails is available on the town's website, bedfordnh.org, by clicking on the Bedford Conservation Commission page and Trail Maps. Trail maps are currently available for the Heritage Trail, Legacy Park, Pulpit Rock Conservation Area, Van Loan Preserve, Benedictine Park, Muller Park, and the Fairy House Trail. More maps are in the works. 

Get out there, Bedford, and find your favorite trail! We are all stewards of our town, whether you are part of a group or just a caring individual. We'd love to have you if you are interested in volunteering with the Bedford Trail Stewards. Contact Kathleen Ports at the Bedford Planning Department: Kports@bedfordnh.org. For more news about the Bedford Trail Stewards or the Easy Going Walking Group, visit "Friends of Bedford Trail—Bedford, NH" on Facebook.  

PLEASE DON'T PRINT THIS LINE. - Please place these quotes somewhere:

"Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt." 

"Time spent amongst trees is never time wasted."

Katrina Mayer