Overview
Chatham University, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, is completing a Trail Master Planning process for the existing trails on the Eden Hall Campus. Through this process, we are assessing the sustainability of the existing trails and proposing to develop a new trails system. The plan includes an accessible trail loop, a paved trail for those with varying physical abilities that connects to existing paved paths on campus, and a redesigned natural surface track trail through a variety of forest and habitat types. The proposed trail system will include over seven miles of trail.
Progress to Date
Chatham began working with Pashek + MTR in the fall of 2019 to analyze the existing trails and provide recommendations for the new sustainable trail system. We also conducted key person interviews and held several focus group meetings with internal and external stakeholders. Pashek + MTR has now completed the first draft design of a new sustainable trail system and we will be holding the first of two public meetings to share the design with community members and offer the chance for feedback.
Eden Hall Trails DRAFT PLAN
Download the Eden Hall Trails Project Draft Plan by clicking the map image above.
Public Meetings Q&A
Below you’ll find some of the questions, comments and responses from the Public Meetings.
Are walkers free to roam the woods, or are they expected to stay on trails?
The users will be encouraged to remain on the trails. This is due to a couple of factors, one being to protect ongoing research that is being completed in the woods, another is to preserve and protect the sensitive habitat of the woodlands. We welcome your thoughts on this subject if you feel strongly one way or another. It was noted that attendees felt strongly that walkers should remain on trails.
During deer hunting season there are frequently poachers on Chatham property. Are walkers advised of this danger?
That is a very important concern. Though at this stage we have not addressed this, but trail signage, especially at each trailhead would advise visitors of all concerns, dangers, or have information in case of an emergency situation.
Is anything is being done to control ticks?
The approaches that we are trying to take are about designing trails that will minimize walkers contact with the vegetation and focusing on removing the species where ticks hang out - particularly Japanese Barberry.
It would be great to upload the trails to AllTrails app that is widely used.
Agreed! Great thought!