Environment and Wildlife
Cascade Trail Project - Maryland
Located in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area, the trail is popular with hikers, bikers, and equestrians.
A $20,000 Recreational Trails Program grant allowed the heavily used Cascade Trail, a multi-use trail located in the Orange Grove Area of Patapsco Valley State Park, to be repaired and improved.
Due to heavy use, the trail was in very poor condition prior to the renovations, with several sections extremely eroded, creating hazardous conditions for all users, and allowing sediment into local streams.
The erosion was corrected by installing cribbing and water bars in such a way so as not to interfere with any users. Rock steps were constructed on one very steep section of trail next to Cascade Falls to correct hazardous and often slippery conditions. The steps also alleviated some of the erosion occurring along the stream bank.
A short switchback corrected another steep, treacherous section, which now makes the trail safer for all users.
An aesthetically pleasing natural bridge, constructed of native locust timbers, was erected at a stream crossing to allow for a safer and dry crossing, and further protects the stream bank from erosion.
More winners of this award
2014: Navajo Lake State Park BOR Trail Rehabilitation - New Mexico
2013: Seneca Bluffs Trail and Trailhead Facility - Maryland
2012: Swords Park Trail (Phase 2) - Montana
2011: Middle Run Valley Bridge - Delaware
2010: Leave No Trace Program - Washington
2009: Highbridge Park Project - New York
2008: Crestone Needle/Humboldt Peak Project - Colorado
2007: Camp DREAM/Vermont Youth Conservation Corps Collaboration
2006: Four Corners Farm Conservation Easement - New Hampshire
2004: Lake 22 Trail Construction Project - Washington
2004: Yellowstone Wildlife Area Equestrian Trail - Wisconsin