In 2020, MRP completed a new path section, many small projects, regular maintenance, and extensive planning for future path sections. The pandemic caused a late start, but we were fortunate that our work continued without a hitch once we got the green light from the state.
We would like to acknowledge that the work we accomplish each year is thanks to the generous and enthusiastic Mad River Valley community. More than 330 households and 30 businesses supported MRP in 2020 with financial gifts. Plus, dozens of individuals contributed to our successes through volunteering, in-kind contributions, and donated construction materials.
Below is a list of projects and accomplishments from 2020:
Projects & Programs
Completed new path section on Yestermorrow’s land continuing north from the Kingsbury Farm Greenway. A trail easement is donated to protect this section in perpetuity.
Began a new 1 mile side-trail at Yestermorrow stemming from the path (to be completed in 2021).
Built new boardwalk between The Swanson Inn and Mad River Vet Services on the Mill Brook Trail.
Restored and improved several bridges and stretches along the Mill Brook Trail.
Upgraded a bridge at Riverside Park.
Fixed the stairs behind the Warren Lodge.
Replaced a culvert with a flood-resilient bridge and rebuilt two new picnic tables just south of Bridge St in Waitsfield.
Installed new wayfinding placards across the path network.
Continued mowing and vegetation management program across the path network.
Coordinated and began year two of Irasville winter maintenance with KMK Property Management and Lawson’s Finest.
Repaired the gazebos along the Sugarbush Snowmaking Pond loop and the West Greenway.
Eradicated invasive honey suckle along the Hosford Highway Boardwalk.
Continued invasive knotweed management on the Austin Parcel with Friends of the Mad River, the Town of Waitsfield, and Vermont Master Naturalist Program.
Set up two StoryWalks® in partnership with MRV Libraries.
Launched the Biggest Tree in the MRV Challenge.
Made the MRV’s first Bird Bingo game available for free to everyone.
Built and launched a new modern website with an interactive path sections map.
Planning & Assessments
Determined priority maintenance and path/trail resilience projects for 2021.
Continued discussions with landowners and VTrans to complete important gaps in the Warren to Moretown Path and the Irasville to Long Trail trail.
Met with partners to strengthen collaborations on trail building and maintenance in the MRV.
Applied for grant funding to complete planned projects.
Began permitting processes for 2021 projects.
