Team-building on the trail

October 22, 2021| Environment, People, Recreation

By: Donna Macalle-Holly

One of the goals of the Lake Hopatcong Foundation is to build a sense of lake community and to support the local businesses that surround it. So, when local business owner Tony Cretella of Custom Sign Source in Landing contacted us about organizing a community-service and team-building day for his employees, we were thrilled! 

Tony and his employees came out earlier this week, on a spectacular fall day, and assisted with trail maintenance along the Lake Hopatcong Trail at the Roland May Eves Sanctuary in Hopatcong. Although we were prepared with tools and supplies, the eager group came with additional tools and, most importantly, a can-do attitude. 

Some of the volunteers had done trail maintenance before and some were brand new to the task, but everyone worked enthusiastically as a team to get the job done. New blazes were hung where needed, trails sections were realigned to avoid obstacles, small trees and logs were moved to clear the trail, and, in some sections, leaves were raked to provide a clearer view of tripping hazards like rocks and tree roots.

Though we worked for several hours, we were all very happy that there was one trail maintenance task we barely had to do. We only had to pick up one piece of litter. Yes, you read that right!  Only one piece of litter, which was the top of a broken bottle. Everyone can help with litter when hiking by simply bringing a bag, collecting litter, and properly disposing of it when home.

Rachel Bezak, Custom Sign Source Sales & Project Support Specialist and Hopatcong resident had never been hiking on the Lake Hopatcong Trail but plans to do more. “This area is just so beautiful and amazing and I can’t wait to hike more of the trail from the Sanctuary,” said Rachel. 

Our hats off to Tony and his team for helping to maintain the Lake Hopatcong Trail. Thank you!

We are always in need of volunteer trail maintainers. Signing up as a Lake Hopatcong Foundation volunteer is simple!

If you are interested in setting up a day of service or team-building day, please email us at info@lakehopatcongfoundation.org.

Find out more about the area they were working on at Hiking the Lake Hopatcong Trail at Roland May Eves Sanctuary