A preview of all the sights and sounds that are a part of Callahan Brook Nature Trail in Morrisville can now be viewed in one place, thanks to a recently unveiled new welcoming entrance kiosk.
The kiosk was funded by the Strong Hearts, Healthy Communities project through Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County. It is stationed at the entrance of the Main Trail, part of the one-and-a-half miles of marked, self-guided trails found at the site that begins behind SUNY Morrisville’s Aquaculture Center on Eaton Street in Morrisville.
The kiosk provides information about and photos for the variety of forests, meadows and wildlife found throughout the scenic trail, which runs through the Village of Morrisville and is managed by the college’s Environmental Sciences Department. A trail map is also displayed, helping visitors navigate through hiking destinations and stream access points via the Main Trail, Woodland Trail, Commons Trail and Overlook Trail. The Main Trail, marked in red, is approximately a one-mile loop.
The kiosk is part of SUNY Morrisville’s efforts to enhance the trail experience for visitors throughout the past seven years. Morrisville assistant professor of environmental sciences Rebecca Hargrave, who helped with the kiosk’s display, has been the catalyst behind such projects.
Two years ago, Hargrave and students from her Recreation Area Management class unveiled a new bridge they restored on the trail, using lumber from trees harvested from Morrisville-managed forests and milled in the college’s sawmill.
“We are excited to make the Callahan Brook Nature Trail more accessible to the public,” Hargrave said. “The trail itself winds along the creek and through different cover types. Many types of waterfowl, songbirds and mammals are commonly seen while hiking and there are many spots to stop and enjoy the water and scenery.”
“And, the one-mile loop is perfect for a Monday Mile,” Hargrave added, referring to the efforts of the Madison County Rural Health Council to create accessible one-mile trails across the county that encourage people to walk more.
Debbie SeGuin, educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension, noted that the goal of the Strong Hearts, Healthy Communities Project was to create a more walkable community for all residents.
“Several members of our Strong Hearts project identified the need to make the trail more user-friendly and to encourage more residents to see what a great place this is to walk,” SeGuin said. “We were excited to be able to help create the new signs and put up trail markers so more people can enjoy using this beautiful trail.”
Callahan Brook is the headwaters of the Chenango River, which flows into the Susquehanna River and ultimately out to the Atlantic Ocean through the Chesapeake Bay. In addition to trail maintenance activities, it is the site of aquatic ecology and stream health and management exercises for students in Morrisville’s Environmental Sciences classes.
The trail, open year-round from dawn to dusk, is free to the public. Hikers are asked to leave no trace.
