Bluebird Steps Project – December 2022/January 2023 and January 2024

Throughout 2022, strong rains and tree growth resulted in disintegration of two sets of steps on Bluebird Trail. These are located at the beginning of the Trail near the dog park and midway, near the Robin trailhead junction. Bluebird and Robin are heavily used and two of the most popular trails by residents. As such, it was critical that these steps be reconstructed as quickly as possible.

The Lumberjacks accepted the challenge. The first task was to create wooden steps from a fallen tree behind the homes on Scarlet Oak. Eighteen man hours later, the beautiful, natural step treads you see here were ready.

Committee members and volunteers then began the labor- intensive process of removing the damage along 30+ feet of previous trail entry steps, digging foundations, installing step treads and back-filling all the step materials. The task of moving the trusses into position, installing temporary supports, connecting the trusses, digging foundations, mixing concrete on site and constructing the foundations.  Then, they moved on to the second set of steps… and on January 2, 2023 the projects were completed and opened to hikers.

Then, again in January of this year - 2024, Bluebird had significant damage due to the retention pond near the dog park.   The situation required more drastic measures since the wash-outs were quite frequent and very damaging.    Thus, Bluebird's entrance across from the dog park needed to be relocated.    With dedication, the Lumberjacks have moved the entrance about 20 yards closer to the Clubhouse.   

We are looking for a drier and safer Bluebird in the days and years ahead.

Kudos to all of our Club members / Lumberjacks who worked so quickly and hard to restore these features on the popular Bluebird trail.