Cape volunteers help clear a mile of new path along the Ozark Trail

SULLIVAN, Mo. -- In celebration of National Public Lands Day on Saturday, a group of 30 volunteers from Cape Girardeau traveled to Sullivan to build new paths along the Ozark Trail. For many of the volunteers with the Ozark Trails organization, however, the commitment was inspired by more than just a designated national day of service.

The founder of the association was killed in a farming accident in July. John Roth started the association in 2002 to help repair the existing trail and to expand it.

Roth, a former computer business owner, sold his St. Louis-based company in 1999 to devote all his attention to improving and promoting the Ozark Trail.

Ozark Trail Association volunteer and crew leader Kathie Brennan said Roth's dedication continues to provide inspiration to volunteers who travel hours to build trails.

"His personality was infectious. He was one of those cool guys. Everyone considered him their best friend," said Brennan, of Cape Girardeau.

Brennan started working with the Ozark Trail Association five years ago and has participated in more than 40 trail-building events. She said building a trail gives volunteers a vested interest in the project.

"I hike what I build. You get a thrill about what you created. It is cool to say 'I built this,'" Brennan said.

Bulldozers are used to cut out the trail, but because the trail should follow the contours of the tree line, GPS units and maps are used to finish it. Often a trail is planned around the land's natural features. Care is taken to minimize damage to existing vegetation and to reduce erosion.

Brennan said workers spend a lot of time on their hands and knees "finessing the trail." This includes removing debris, stones and invasive plants and raking the finished trail. Once the trail is completed, it is tagged with ribbons to indicate the path.

Brennan said despite the work involved in creating new trail, it is definitely worth the effort.

Brennan is not only active in volunteering along the Ozark Trail, but has also helped with projects closer to Cape Girardeau. She and other volunteers recently assisted in rerouting a trail at Trail of Tears State Park.

Volunteers at many of the Ozark Trail Association's builds are of all ages and experience levels. For some, it is a family activity. Volunteers on the weekend builds are provided free camping. Following the build, there are planned activities including bonfires and barbecues. That mix of work and play attracts many volunteers.

"My whole family does it. It is one of the most family-oriented activities. It is a neat bunch of people and so much camaraderie and companionship," Mark Seesing said. The Cape Girardeau resident has been active with the Ozark Trail Association since 2002. He and his children, Hannah, 17, and Kirkland, 14, enjoy hiking the trails they build. He said he is already looking forward to the next build.

Seesing said the Ozark Trail Association and similar organizations inspire him and others to help their community, particularly on National Public Lands Day.

"This is my opportunity to give back. It is such a beautiful trail," he said.

Although an afternoon rain shower slowed their progress Saturday, this weekend's 180 volunteers were able to lay almost a mile of new trail.

Brennan said Roth would have been happy with their progress.

"He would say we pulled it off. If everyone walked away happy, he was pleased," Brennan said.

The Ozark Trail stretches from the St. Louis area southwest through the Ozarks to the Arkansas border. It is about 350 miles long and mostly wooded. The trail was named a National Recreation Trail in 2008 by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

National Public Lands Day was established in 1994. According to the National Public Lands Day website, more than 1,300 volunteers were expected at more than 2,000 sites across the country to participate in activities to refurbish and restore America's public lands.

More information about the Ozark Trail Association and volunteer opportunities with the group are available at www.ozarktrail.com.