JACKSON, N.J. — The Jackson Pathfinders, a volunteer group dedicated to maintaining local woodland trails, is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024. Since their founding, the Pathfinders have overseen the upkeep of four trails within Jackson Township, offering opportunities for nature appreciation, hiking, and mountain biking.
The group maintains the Purple Heart Trail at Bunker Hill Bogs Recreation Area, the Silver Stream Trail in the Metedeconk Preserve, the Steve Kitay Living Trail, and the Jackson Jungle Children’s Trail near the Jackson Justice Complex. These trails, free and open to the public, are used by residents and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
In recent news, the entrance to the Jackson Jungle Children’s Trail has garnered attention, reaching over 50,000 views on Google Maps. “We hope that many of those people will actually go inside and enjoy its 5-minute walkaround,” the group said in a statement.
The Pathfinders are preparing for their next event on Sunday, September 22, along the Silver Stream Trail, where volunteers will evaluate non-slip walking surfaces on trail bridges. Anyone interested in participating can contact the group’s coordinator, Dan Green, via email by Thursday, September 19.
In addition to trail maintenance, the Pathfinders hold monthly planning meetings, open to the public. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 19, at 7:30 p.m. at the Jackson Township municipal building.
For more information on the Jackson Pathfinders, including trail maps and volunteer opportunities, visit their website at jacksonpathfinders.org.