September 19, 2007
Brattleboro, VT – The nonprofit Windham Foundation will host a public celebration for the completion of the work on the Retreat Trails recreational trail network on Wednesday, September 19 at 4:00 p.m., at the Retreat Farm in Brattleboro. The Retreat Farm is one of the five trail heads, featuring an information kiosk marking access to the trails. A new trail map will be unveiled at the celebration.
Two years ago, the Windham Foundation and the Brattleboro Retreat spearheaded a project to revitalize the nine mile public trail network, which exists on lands owned by the Windham Foundation and the Brattleboro Retreat between I-91 and Linden Street (Route 30) in Brattleboro. Working in conjunction with the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, the organizations overhauled the trails to create an environmentally stable network of publicly accessible trails.
“For years, the trails have been enjoyed by residents of and visitors to Brattleboro, but they needed a lot of work,” explained Windham Foundation President and CEO Stephan Morse. “The trails had become overgrown, had erosion issues and were littered with fallen trees. Now the trails are more open, eroded sections have been stabilized and they are also easier to follow thanks to the new trail signs and maps that will be available at each kiosk location.” Retreat President and Chief Executive Officer Rob Simpson added, “The trails were constructed for use by Retreat patients beginning in 1880. We are gratified that they continue to provide recreational activities for citizens of the area.”
The public is invited to attend the celebration at the Retreat Farm, especially those who enjoy the trails on a regular basis. Additionally, the Brattleboro Union High School Cross Country boys and girls teams, along with members of the Windham Wheelmen bike club will be on-hand to take to the trails at the trail map unveiling. The trails are open to all hikers, walkers, runners and bikers in the summer months; when the snow flies, they are popular for snowshoeing and Nordic skiing. The trails are not open to motorized vehicles.
Kiosks representing public trail entry points are located at the following sites:
New trail maps will be hung at each kiosk. Carry-along trail maps will also be printed and will be available at each kiosk at a later date, as well as at the Brattleboro Parks & Recreation department and the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce. The trail map can also be downloaded on the Windham Foundation website at www.windham-foundation.org or the Brattleboro Retreat website www.retreathealthcare.org after September 19.
Headquartered in Grafton, Vermont, the Windham Foundation is an operating foundation engaged in philanthropic, charitable and educational activities. The Foundation’s programs are intended to preserve and enhance the social, economic and cultural vitality of Vermont’s small communities and rural way of life, especially within and around Grafton. These activities are undertaken with regard for Vermont’s history, natural resources and agrarian traditions. In accordance with these goals, the Foundation operates the Grafton Village Cheese Company, The Old Tavern at Grafton, Grafton Village Nursery and the Retreat Farm in Brattleboro. As an operating foundation, it uses much of the annual earned income from its subsidiaries to fund its charitable programs.
The Brattleboro Retreat, founded in 1834, is a not-for-profit, regional specialty mental health and addictions treatment center, providing a full range of diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitation services for individuals of all ages and their families. Nationally recognized for its premiere treatment in behavioral healthcare, the Brattleboro Retreat offers a high quality, individualized, comprehensive continuum of care including inpatient, partial hospitalization, residential and outpatient treatment. For more information on Retreat services, call 1-800-RETREAT.
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