Work on the John Knouse Trail continues, and we’d like to say a big thank-you for the generosity of our friends who have donated to this cause. The trail is being built in honor of John, whose death in January has left a big void in our Conservancy family.
Athens Conservancy and Buckeye Trail Association are partnering to build the new hiking trail. It will connect the separate trail systems of Strouds Run State Park and Baker Preserve. This two-mile-long trail will cross the recently established Canaan Preserve, making it possible to hike from Sells Park to SR-690 near Canaanville (nine miles by trail) without crossing a road.
Six trail segments in Canaan Preserve are being built; the eastern portion is complete. To reach that section from the Baker Preserve parking lot, follow Liar’s Ridge Trail clockwise, or take a shortcut on Cockatiel Ridge Trail.
Work on the trail is gearing up as our weather quickly improves. Want to lend a hand in trail-blazing? Watch our website for updates and keep an eye on our Facebook page or email us at info@athensconservancy.org. We continue to welcome contributions to a fund supporting John’s trail. Please visit our Donate page, and be sure to make a note that you’d like your donation to support the John Knouse Trail.
John was a true visionary and a driving force for local land protection and recreational trails. As Board member Donna Goodman said, “When we think of John, he is in the woods, blue bandanna on his head and mattock in hand. A trail named in his honor is just a tiny measure of thanks for all he has done for the plants and fish and bugs and birds and all of the other critters who need the woods to survive … including us.”