IN Peters Township August/September 2016 | Page 57

46 miles from Moon Township near Coraopolis to Clairton. The remainder of the Montour Trail, including a portion of unpaved trail that runs through Peters Township, is maintained by the Friends of the Montour Trail, an all-volunteer group. “There are many tasks that need to be done to keep the trail going, and while much of that is during scheduled work parties and events, for some volunteer activities there are no schedules,” says Mark Imgrund, a volunteer trail council member. “Physical tasks such as trimming vegetation, picking up litter or working on committees and events are critical to maintaining the trail.” The existing Montour Trail, which currently runs more than 40 miles with a few gaps in between, connects to the 150-mile Greater Allegheny Passage, which links Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. The Arrowhead Trail is the only paved section of the Montour Trail; the other portions are surfaced with crushed limestone. Although no plans are in the works for building upon the existing Arrowhead Trail, Harmel says she would certainly welcome new opportunities. “If there was any way to expand or extend the trail in the future, we certainly wouldn’t be opposed to doing so,” she says. ■ TRAIL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED The Friends of the Montour Trail are always in need of more volunteers to help manage and maintain the trail. Help is also needed for a variety of “behind-thescenes” tasks. “Building and operating a 63-mile trail system requires engineering, legal, accounting, administrative, clerical, real estate and fundraising services along with grant applications to keep things moving and the trail alive,” says Mark Imgrund, volunteer trail council member. “If you have skills you are willing to shar e in these areas, the Montour Trail could most likely benefit from them.” There is no minimum time commitment required to volunteer. “Volunteers can give as little or as much time as they see fit,” says Imgrund. In Peters, the Friends of the Montour Trail have monthly meetings and work parties. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer in Peters Township can contact Imgrund at [email protected]. Those interested in helping with other sections of the Montour Trail can visit montourtrail.org and find information on Friends groups under the “Help Us” tab. More information about the Friends of the Montour Trail can also be found on Facebook. Peters Township | August/September 2016 | icmags.com 55