MADRID TOWNSHIP — The High Peaks Alliance hosted two volunteer work days on Aug. 21 and 28 to start construction of the Fly Rod Crosby Trail, a new heritage trail that will eventually stretch 35 to 40 miles from Strong to Oquossoc in the Western mountains of Maine.

About 20 people showed up over the course of two days and built approximately two miles of trail along the western bank of the Orbeton Stream.

Volunteers cut a corridor for the trail, built two switchbacks up a steep hill and constructed a section of bog bridging (elevated cedar planks to keep hikers out of the mud) through an especially wet area.

This was chosen as the first piece of the trail to be built because it will both ease traffic on a heavily used multi-use trail on the other side of the river and, once completed, will allow for a loop option utilizing both trails.

Local businesses chipped in to help the volunteers by donating the use of a grill, hamburgers, hot dogs and rolls for a cookout, coffee and a percolator.

Another work day will be held Saturday, Oct. 2, and organizers are asking people to meet at 10 a.m. at the Reeds Mills Road bridge across the Orbeton Stream. Contact Ben Godsoe with the Maine Conservation Corps at 578-0306 for more information.

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