JACKSON – The Pathfinders are planning to create the Jackson Jungle Children’s Trail at the Jackson Justice Complex on Jan. 19.
Members of the public are invited to assist the Pathfinders.
The Pathfinders are men, women, teens and scout volunteers who mark, map and maintain local trails for hiking, nature appreciation, mountain biking and equestrian use.
“We sometimes even develop new trails on Jackson’s extensive and beautiful natural lands,” said Dan Green, the organization’s corresponding secretary.
Green said he believes the Pathfinders’ most exciting event in a long time will take place on the morning of Jan. 19 when members of the group create the Jackson Jungle Children’s Trail.
The site of the children’s trail is a wooded tract owned by Jackson, right next to the Jackson Jungle playground and within view of the Jackson branch of the Ocean County Library, according to the organization.
The Pathfinders said that during all seasons of the year, walking the new 10-minute, oval-shaped trail will provide refreshing natural beauty and an enjoyable respite from the rush of modern life.
“I do not know if there has ever been a trail that has specifically focused on little children and here we have this wonderful site that is next to a very popular playground,” Green said. “That is the reason why we thought this would be the perfect place (for a children’s trail) and here is a beautiful wooded area owned by Jackson that wasn’t being used for anything and it is right next to a playground.
“You can understand young parents might be afraid to go into the woods with their children because in this day and age you never know what is going to happen, but not only is (the new trail) right next to a popular playground, it is right within view of the library and a few feet away is the Jackson Police Department. So I do not think people will be afraid,” Green said.
He said it has taken the Pathfinders a long time to obtain permission to develop the children’s trail on township land.
“It will be our great pleasure to create Phase 1 of the trail on Jan. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. We will clear leaves and twigs along the planned route, then create and post a few important signs.
“When funding becomes available in the future, Phase 2 (not yet approved) will be the installation of a surface of crushed stone and stone dust. Placing those materials on the trail will make it accessible for strollers, baby carriages and even wheelchairs,” Green said.
Members of the public are invited to assist the Pathfinders on Jan. 19, but must register in advance. Interested individuals should email Hazzan@Optonline.net and provide the name and cell phone number of each person who is coming to help out.
Only individuals who register and sign a release will be permitted to participate in creating the children’s trail. The Pathfinders will maintain the trail once it has been established, according to the organization.
“The Jackson Pathfinders are proud to serve as the community advocacy group for New Jersey’s Forest Resource Education Center, located in Jackson, and we encourage public support toward preserving open space.
“The Pathfinders function in cooperation with the Jackson Recreation Department and the Jackson Environmental Commission, and receive support from the Township Council. We partner with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts on special projects, large and small,” Green said.
