Trails don't take care of themselves

National Trails Day comes along a week from today, but I want to celebrate now while still here on Martha's Vineyard island. For the last couple of months I've been exploring multiple pathways to my absolute delight (aside from one dramatic mishap.)

Today an article in the NY Times laments that the country seems to no longer be able to fund or staff crews to maintain trails in national parks. That is distinctly not the case here. An elected commission gets a cut of land transfers whenever real estate changes hands; they map the island natural resources here. Numerous private groups acquire and care for lands they make open to the public.

We've been walking with friends who are yearround residents; we all marvel at how well maintained the trails seem. They report that they regularly encounter trail crews, moving fallen trees and leveling areas washed out over the winters. 

As in so many respects, I'm lucky to be able to enjoy their work.