Ironton Rail Trail Oversight Commission embraced the first day of spring by holding a work day cleanup on the trail March 20. Eighteen volunteers, including Whitehall Township Mayor Michael Harakal Jr., met near Second Street, across from Saylor Park, early in the morning to remove heavy debris left from winter.

The work day’s main project was to clear out the invasive honeysuckle trees that had begun encroaching on the trail’s walkway - a very heavy lifting task. The group of volunteers worked for hours from Saylor Park to East Church Street. They had two dump trucks, which were donated by IRT volunteers, and made more than a dozen trips to the Whitehall Recycling Center to empty them throughout the day. The trail has now received a full spring cleaning, as just a week prior, the township public works department cleared the lining of the trail with a Tiger saw on the loop and spur.

Most of the active volunteers are retired community members who are committed to keeping the IRT’s history alive. The trail thrives because of these passionate residents who strive to maintain the scenic pathway for generations to come.

If you are interested in participating in the next work day, visit irontonrailtrail.org for details.