2019 - Trails Improved at Lake Mansfield.

In April of 2019, ambitious trail improvements were accomplished at Lake Mansfield. Peter Jensen, our trail contractor supported all work. He directed a Greenager crew team in upgrading the trail surface of the Christian Hill connection area while completing the installation of a new accessible trail bed in the unsurfaced section of the loop trail. The work was commissioned by the town of Great Barrington and Great Barrington Land Conservancy. Grand funding came from Great Barrington’s Community Preservation Act and from the Great Barrington Land Conservancy made possible by donations made to the conservancy’s Lake Mansfield Alliance project.

  1. The new surface is composed of compacted crushed stone that is layered on top of a geo-synthetic fabric. The grade of the trail is carefully measured to ensure that it meet accessibility standards.
  2. Peter Jensen worked with volunteers (Ron and Sharon Meyers Dlugosz) a fellow trail builder (Rachel) and Greenager crew member (Jesse) and in 5 work days completed the newly accessible portion of the Loop Trail.
  3. The 2019 Lake Mansfield Greenager Team employed 2 team leaders and 3 industrious teen crew members.
  4. Peter provided instructions for safely operating the mechanical wheelbarrow.
  5. After instructions, Greenager crew members practiced a new skill.
  6. Crew members Loaded up the mechanical wheelbarrow at least 58 times during the course of the workdays.
  7. 22 tons of crushed stone needed to be moved to the Christian Hill spur of the trail.
  8. We learned to really appreciate the mechanical Wheelbarrow when wheelbarrowing the old-fashioned way!
  9. Crushed stone was applied over geo-textile fabric, raked evenly, and edges were set.
  10. Retaining timbers and stones were set to retain some sections of the improved trail segment.
  11. During this phase, community volunteer, Ron Dlugosz, took time to repair the bridge-boardwalk he helped to build in 2009.
  12. A Greenager with woodworking experience prepared a retaining log with debarking tool.
  13.  In 3 work days, Problem solved! A new trail surface for the Christian Hill entrance.
  14. Result: An improved trail, just right for families and friends!