FoOT and NPCC Recreation Association Meet, Visit and Hike

Bo and Brenda Lea, representing Friends of the Ouachita Trail (FoOT), recently met with Carol Werner and her students from National Park Community College’s Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Wellness Class.  The purpose of the meeting was to share information about the Ouachita Trail and FoOT.  One goal was to see if a relationship between NPCC Recreation Association and FoOT could lead to opportunities for students to gain experience in outdoor recreation and leadership.

The group met at the Ouachita Trailhead on Highway 7 north of Jessieville.  An overview of the OT was given, an explanation of membership categories such as working members verses adopters were discussed and finally some of the basic tools used for trail maintenance were demonstrated.

After that the group headed up the mountain toward Moonshine Shelter.  Along the way several things pertaining to the trail and trail maintenance were pointed out to the students.  Some of those things pointed out were; blazing, mile markers, water bars, tread, lopping, weedeating, and use of a sling blade.     

Upon reaching the shelter the group took a break and enjoyed some snacks then headed back down the mountain. Along the way there were several trees identified as having bear activity and some beautiful rock formations.

Bo and Brenda really enjoyed spending time with Carol and her students, Josh, Barb, Larry and Barbara.  Carol’s dog, Jack, was an added bonus – a great trail dog!