Students and Maryland Forest Service Improve the Green Ridge State Forest Hiking Trail

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Flintstone, Md. — Students from the Department of Juvenile Services at the Green Ridge Youth Center recently worked with the Maryland Forest Service to construct a new section of hiking trail at Green Ridge State Forest. The latest section of trail is on the west side of Polish Mountain, and significantly improves the connection to the Mid-State Pennsylvania hiking trail near Black Valley Road north of Flintstone, Maryland. Both trails are part of the Great Eastern Trail.

“This is an excellent program for both Juvenile Services and the Maryland Forest Service,” said Francis Zumbrun, Forest Manager at Green Ridge State Forest. "The students help us to get important work done in the field. At the same time, students who participate in outdoor programs often see improvements in test scores, develop better conflict resolution and problem-solving skills and experience greater self-esteem.”

The Maryland Forest Service also provides environmental education to the students working in the forest. These efforts are part of the Maryland Partnership for Children in Nature, Governor O’Malley’s state-wide initiative to reconnect youth with the great outdoors.

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January 12, 2009

Contact: Ray Weaver 410-260-8002 office I 410-507-7526 cell rweaver@dnr.state.md.us

Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov.