BOOKS AND BEYOND … Delta Children’s Librarian Jenn Griewahn and Wauseon Children’s Librarian Kenzie Keene manned the check-in desk. (PHOTO BY AMY WENDT, STAFF)
By: Amy Wendt
The morning of Saturday, May 6 brought with it perfect weather for the Rails to Trails Conservancy “Celebrate Trails Day” sponsored by Fulton County Visitors Bureau and the Fulton County Emergency Management Agency.
The free family-friendly event was originally slated for Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, however, it had to be postponed due to cold, rainy weather.
Nature lovers of all ages met at the Northwestern Ohio Rails-to-Trails Association maintenance building on the corner of State Route 109 and Fulton County Road EF for check-in.
From there, they were invited to walk east on the North Fork of the Wabash Cannonball Trail at their own pace while checking out the signs and sounds of a beautiful spring morning. Some walkers turned around at the Fraker Mill Bridge while others walked well beyond.
Along the way, many of the younger kids took part in a “bear hunt” where they were challenged to spot bears hiding along the first half mile of the walking trail.
When the little hunters returned to the staging area, they were invited to paint rocks and they received swag bags full of goodies to commemorate Earth Day.
The Seed Swap group from Delta had a table set up and brought with them seeds and starts of native pollinator-friendly flowers.
Families were encouraged to take a starting pot and plant a seed or seedling to take home for their own garden or flower bed.
All participants were welcome to spread out in the grass picnic style and enjoy a free lunch featuring a choice of sandwich, chips, cookie, and water.
Local musical talent, Squeeze-Play, was on hand to provide upbeat Folk music to entertain visitors while they enjoyed their laid-back lunch.
The Wabash Cannonball Trail, formerly two railroad lines, is a 66-mile non-motorized, multi-use trail that covers four counties including Williams and Fulton.
Walkers, hikers, bikers, equestrians, and cross-country skiers are encouraged to enjoy the trail all year long. For more information and trail maps, check out www.wabashcannonballtrail.org.
Amy can be reached at Amy@thevillagereporter.com
