Volunteer for Rail Trail Cleanup from Poughkeepsie to Hopewell

It seems we may final have some decent weather this week. The up and down temperatures we have had the last few weeks have made it hard to really get out and enjoy all that we have to do outside in the Hudson Valley. This week we expect to have a few nice warm day which will mean that more of us will be out on our local trails.

The William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail that runs from the Poughkeepsie side of the Walkway Over the Hudson to the Hopewell Depot Museum in Hopewell Junction is going to be a busy place this week with all of us enjoying temperatures expected to go up over 80 on Wednesday. Many of us use it for bike rides, runs and our daily walk. It is probably perfect timing that this weekend there is a volunteer clean up schedule for the same trail.

Feel free to get ahead start if you are out this week but if you would like to join the "I Love My Park Day" celebration this Saturday (May 1, 2021) you are welcome then too. Dutchess County Parks is hosting the event and asking for volunteers age 13 and up to come out on Saturday and help pickup the trail. Crews will be out from 9 AM to 12 PM.

According to an email from Dutchess County this hands on event is open to everyone over 13 but under 18 must be with a parent or guardian. Volunteers should bring rakes, work gloves, a snack and water. You will be provided with trash bags, trash pickers and a work vest on Saturday. If you plan to come out please dress for the weather and be sure to wear high socks and boots because it will be necessary to get into the woods on parts of the trail.

Register online by clicking here and scrolling to the bottom of the page and selecting William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail Project. For question and more information call 845-298-4600.

Our Hudson Valley rail trails make great linear park adventures. This week be aware that the Dutchess entrance to Walkway Over the Hudson is closed due to construction. Many of our trail are still being worked on as this linear park system continues to grow just last year we found out that the Rail Trail from New Paltz to Kingston will get improvements. Also finished last year more of the Empire State Trail System that makes it possible to hike from the Hudson Valley to Canada and Buffalo.