Building Bridges
The new demonstration trail is finally complete and we are eagerly anticipating its opening. The final step was to build a bridge to link the new trail to Poplar Run Loop, a portion of the existing nature trail.
First, the crew dug footers on either bank of the creek. Next the footers were filled with gravel and leveled.
We prepared six 20 foot-long oak boards from trees harvested on Montpelier. The crew drilled through the boards so that when in position, rods could be inserted to ensure the stability of the finished bridge. 
Then, Erik Filep and Ed Furlow along with other dedicated foresters and Montpelier staff transported the boards more than a half-mile through the woods to the bridge site. The boards, each weighing close to 1000 pounds, were carried over one at a time. A log arch was used to reduce the impact to the ground and to ease the passage of the heavy beams.
Once at the site, five of the boards were set in place and rods were inserted through them. An extra board has been left at the site to be made into a bench in the near future. Railings were also constructed. The boards for the railings are from the same Montpelier oaks that were originally felled for the bridge.
With the completion of the bridge, efforts are now underway to produce signage and a brochure that will enhance the visitor experience to the demonstration trail. We eagerly await the official opening of this new trail on Arbor Day, April 30th.
Tags: Forestry