Looking at the sky in a forest of pine trees.

JACKSON, NJ – Pathfinders, a group of volunteers in Jackson, New Jersey, has been maintaining four woodland trails in the area. The group charges no fees or dues, and their trails are open to the public every day for nature appreciation, hiking, and mountain biking. The trails are maintained with interest and enthusiasm from the participants of the group. The group is responsible for the Silver Stream Trail, the Steve Kitay Living Trail, the Purple Heart Trail, and the Jackson Jungle Children’s Trail.

The Pathfinders trails are free and open to the public every day, and downloadable PDF maps and interactive Google maps of the trails are available on the group’s website. The group also provides information on other trails in Jackson, including those at the Forest Resource Education Center.

The Pathfinders are now organizing a public event for the beautification of the Silver Stream and Kitay Trails on Sunday, May 21, from 9 am to noon. The group aims to fully restore both trails after a historic storm and tornadoes hit the Jackson area on April 1, toppling at least nine large trees along the Silver Stream Trail. The NJCF staff cleared the trail and removed the remains of an old bridge which once connected the trail to the unique and beautiful Metedeconk Island. The Pathfinders, along with an Eagle Scout candidate and his friends, constructed a brand new bridge to replace the old one.

The Pathfinders are inviting interested individuals to participate in the beautification event on May 21. The group will be trimming branches and briars and making additional improvements to other boardwalks and bridges along both trails. Participants can register for the event by sending an email to event coordinator Dan Green at Hazzan@Optonline.net, with the subject line “PATHFINDERS” and a message that says, “PLEASE INCLUDE ME IN THE MAY 21 TRAIL EVENT,” along with their full name, cell phone number, and the names and cell phone numbers of family members and friends coming with them.

Participants who show up without registering in advance will also be welcome, but the group encourages everyone to register in advance so that they can contact them if there are any changes or cancellations or emergencies out on the trail. Before the event day, the Pathfinders will send full instructions, including what to bring from home. The group encourages everyone to come and be part of the beautification event.

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