FARMINGTON — A newly formed volunteer group of students from Mount Blue High School, led by Tyler Beach from Farmington, gained a new appreciation through trail maintenance Nov. 23.

Teens spent several hours Nov. 23 picking up trash, and clearing leaves, branches, and brush from trails around Prescott field.

“My friends and I come down here all the time but I never really gave it much thought before,” said Beach, according to a news release from High Peaks Alliance. “I just assumed somebody was paid to take care of this area.”

After discussing the importance of community service and gathering the group of four friends, the teens spent several hours picking up trash and clearing leaves, branches and brush from trails around Prescott field.

The group said they were amazed at how much trash they found around the area, and that they will always pay attention to the trail’s conditions now that they have done the work. Beach intends to formalize the group, continue doing more community service in the area, and to talk to their soccer coach about an ongoing Adopt-A-Trail effort (since they are all from the same team).

“I think it’s important to keep young people involved in the community more because we are the future generation,” says Beach. “There’s a lot of history and nature here to preserve for everyone to enjoy.”

“We are incredibly proud of these young volunteers,” said Brent West, executive director of the alliance. “Their dedication to maintaining this accessible trail system shows a deep understanding of community responsibility and environmental stewardship. We encourage other youth groups and community members to follow this example.”

For more information, email highpeaksalliance.org.

Check out upcoming area events!