Forest Keepers

The Trail System was built and is currently maintained by an unofficial group called the Forest Keepers. This motley crew of resident volunteers is informally led by resident Tom Mann, who is the driving force behind the creation and ongoing success of the trail system. The group is dedicated to protecting the Salemtowne woodlands and preserving them in their natural state while providing residents access to them.

In the group, there is always something to do such as woodwork, trimming limbs, briars, and weeds, walking the trails daily to remove small, fallen twigs and limbs, using a leaf blower, procuring supplies, making signs, identifying trees and plants, fundraising, and advocating for the trail system at the Independent Resident Council and various resident committee meetings. So, any residents who would like to join the group of volunteers are welcome, just contact Tom Mann or any member of the group for more information. The only qualification for membership is a warm body, a love of nature, and a desire to keep the Salemtowne woodlands viable and accessible.

The group also appreciates cheerleaders who encourage them to keep up the good work for the betterment of the Salemtowne community.

Completed Forest Keepers projects

• Built numerous trails.

• Coordinated an Eagle Scout project that led to the building of three large bridges over streams by Anton Sissk.

• Built a small bridge over a stream.

• Installed trail, tree, and plant identification signage.

• Installed Trail Access Point Markers with walking pole containers attached.

• Built a cedar guard rail on the Woodlands Trail using reclaimed wood from the woodlands.

• Built a boardwalk over some wetlands on the Muir Trail.

• Cleared storm damage from the trails.

Possible future Forest Keepers projects

• Install steps down the hill at the south trailhead of the Muir Trail.

• More trail signage.

• Remove small protruding objects on the trails that are trip hazards.

In Memory

• • Sadly the Forest Keepers lost one of its founding members last night. Joe Millard passed on 31 October 2021.  Joe and his wife Doras moved to Salemtowne last year and could be seen walking the campus and its woodland trail regularly. Last fall, Joe and Doris kept the trails visible by blowing leaves off them. Last winter, he and other Trail Keepers, blazed and built the Woodland Trail, built the cedar handrail on the Woodland Trail, blazed and built a detour on the Muir Trail, and built the much-needed boardwalk on the Muir Trail. Joe will be missed by everyone but his dedicated work on improving the trail system will be enjoyed by residents for decades.

  • Sadly the Forest Keepers lost another one of its founding members. Crendell Herrin passed on 26 February 2022  Crendell and his wife Sue moved to Salemtowne in 2020. Last winter, he and other Trail Keepers, blazed and built the Woodland Trail, built the cedar handrail on the Woodland Trail, blazed and built a detour on the Muir Trail, and built the much-needed boardwalk on the Muir Trail. Crendell still had his farm and his farm tools made working on the trail much easier. Crendell will be missed by everyone but his dedicated work on improving the trail system will be enjoyed by residents for decades.