Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s volunteer based program, Adopt-a-Trail, helps to maintain trails around the park.

“The Adopt-a-Trail program is a way of keeping the trails clear and safe for hikers,” said Kevin Tuttle, Everett Covered Bridge Adopt-a-Trail Leader and Cuyahoga Valley Trails Council Member. “It’s a volunteer group that goes out usually once a month and just does general light maintenance. We like to call it just a hike through the woods but carrying a tool.”

The Everett Covered Bridge Trailhead volunteer group meets for three hours at a time participating in picking up litter, trimming branches, clearing pipes, filling in divots, clipping back bushes and reporting trail conditions on their adopted trail.

“It’s great getting out and about in the sunshine, and it’s a civic duty to get out and make sure the treadway is clear and make sure there’s a place for everyone to come and enjoy nature,” said Brian Tuttle, Everett Covered Bridge Trailhead volunteer. “We’re here between Akron and Cleveland to get out of the city, get out in nature and just enjoy yourself.”

Kevin Tuttle said it is important to get the organics off the trails to keep them dry to reduce safety hazards.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Adopt-a-Trail program meetings were on hold. The parks saw an influx of visitors, but no one was maintaining the trails.

“You can imagine what it would be like if we weren’t doing simple things like clipping back the rose bushes or filling in the divots or hardening up some of the muddy surfaces,” Kevin Tuttle said. “Maintenance also helps keep a lot of the invasives at bay; it’s a never ending battle.”

All Cuyahoga Valley trails except for two have an Adopt-a-Trail program that is required by the park to have 10 work sessions a year. Pine Grove Trailhead and Plateau Trail are both open for adoption and looking for leaders.

Built in the 1800s, Everett Covered Bridge is the only remaining covered bridge in Summit County. Today, the trailhead is home to hikers, horseback riders, environmental education groups and photographers.

Brian Tuttle said he is hoping the volunteer programs increase the longevity of Cuyahoga Valley National Parks.

“We’ve got a good program going, and we hope it just stays that way,” he said. 

Those interested in learning more about the program can contact [email protected] for more information, or contact the Adopt-a-Trail point of contact for the trail you want to work on at the volunteer events calendar.

Lauren Bischof is a beat reporter. Contact her at [email protected].