MEVO Partnership Improves NJ Trails

MEVO made trail improvements in Ramapo Reservation this season.

This year’s trail crew from Mahwah Environmental Volunteer Organization (MEVO) continued their fantastic partnership with the Trail Conference, giving their time and effort this summer to improve trails in northern New Jersey. Between June and August, five volunteer crew members under the guidance of their MEVO crew leader spent two days each week (over 1,000 total hours!) tackling high-priority projects that could not otherwise get done in 2021.

In Norvin Green State Forest, the crew rerouted over 700 feet of trail to improve the hiking experience and sustainability of the recently orange-blazed Lake Sonoma Loop. Upon hiking the new stretch of trail, Trail Conference volunteer and author Daniel Chazin commented that it was “expertly sidehilled” and “significantly improves the trail.”

The MEVO crew also spent several days continuing to improve the popular Reservoir Loop in Ramapo Valley County Reservation. Moving many tons of crushed rock and fill dirt, they elevated a 60-foot section of trail tread above a perennially wet area by creating a variety of technical trail structures—including retaining wall, drainage lenses, and cross drains—keeping hikers’ feet dry for years to come.

Many thanks to the 2021 crew for all their hard work!