ONGOING AND FUTURE PROJECTS

Completed projects:

Memorial to Dr. Brillhart - Memorial gifts for Dr. David Brillhart, one of the trail founders, were used to construct a picnic shelter at the "Y" Park, near the Abingdon trailhead. The Town of Abingdon joined the club in this initiative and we are grateful to the many who gave in memory of Dr. B.

Interpretative signs were placed throughout the 34-mile trail length, focusing on history, wildlife, the forests surrounding the trail, ecology, and geology. The text was written by Ed Davis and Ed Morgan, authors of the Virginia Creeper Trail Companion (1997, The Overmountain Press) with help from David Winship.The grant also provided upgrades to two existing trailhead kiosks/bulletin boards and four new trailhead kiosks/bulletin boards that are now in place. Thanks to Dr. Bob Horsch and his crew for the tremendous amount of work done to accomplish this.

Ongoing projects

Conducting annual Spring trail cleanup, as well as periodic trash pickups as needed along the trail.

Working with the U. S. Forest Service and the towns of Abingdon and Damascus developing a Trail Management Handbook. Creating standards for development for parking lots, benches, bathrooms, buildings, bulletin boards, signage, trail surface, and picnic areas along the Trail. Note: We are looking for volunteers to help with the completion of this project.

Becoming active members of the Southeastern Foot Trails Coalition organized by the American Hiking Society and the National Park Service. This coalition seeks to promote and protect the long distance foot trails of the Southeast and connecting trails and their natural corridors by building a regional trail system and an active network of hiking organizations. Learn more at: http://www.americanhiking.org/alliance/sai.html

Recent construction by the Town of Abingdon and Creeper Trail Club volunteers of the pavilion dedicated to Dr. Dave Brillhart.

The dedication of the Winston Link memorial in Green Cove, Autumn 2006.
The club was a major participant in creating this event.