Trail Closures at Pathways Retreat
Why do we close trails?
The trails marked in red are areas of particular concern when it is muddy because of the mosses that cover them. As a part of ecological restoration activities in the woods, invasive species were removed, trees were thinned, and the availability of light to the forest floor increased. As paths were cleared of vegetation to make trails, mosses began to grow. We did not plant these mosses; they were able to colonize the trails as a result of the right ecological conditions being present!
The mosses that cover these trails are susceptible to damage, especially when the ground is soft from snow melt and rain in the spring. We view these moss-covered trails as a beautiful gift and we want to protect them. This means closing the mossy trails for periods of time when the ground is especially soggy. As you use the trails in wet and muddy conditions, please be aware and use your best judgement to help us keep the mosses on the trails healthy and vibrant.
The trails marked in red are areas of particular concern when it is muddy because of the mosses that cover them. As a part of ecological restoration activities in the woods, invasive species were removed, trees were thinned, and the availability of light to the forest floor increased. As paths were cleared of vegetation to make trails, mosses began to grow. We did not plant these mosses; they were able to colonize the trails as a result of the right ecological conditions being present!
The mosses that cover these trails are susceptible to damage, especially when the ground is soft from snow melt and rain in the spring. We view these moss-covered trails as a beautiful gift and we want to protect them. This means closing the mossy trails for periods of time when the ground is especially soggy. As you use the trails in wet and muddy conditions, please be aware and use your best judgement to help us keep the mosses on the trails healthy and vibrant.