NWOET Volunteers Work on the Buxton Trail Head Whistle-Stop Shelter

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Northwest Chapter Volunteers

Even when it rains Northwest Chapter volunteers of Oregon Equestrian Trails get the job done. With all the rain this year, the Shelter at the Buxton Trail Head of the Banks–Vernonia State Trail in Oregon was having some drainage issues from our abundant rainfall this year. The shelter entrance was being over run by ground water.

The solution was to build a french drain to provide  the extra ground water a place to go other than the whistle-stop entrance.

Mud and silt flowing over the cement pad
Before: Mud and silt flowing over the cement pad

The Whistle-stop shelter at the Buxton trail head was a whistle stop along the early 20th-century rail line that was converted to a rail trail in the 1990s. Now it provides access to the the first linear rail trail state park in Oregon, the Banks–Vernonia State Trail. The Banks–Vernonia State Trail includes an eight-foot wide hiking and bicycle trail paralleled by a four-foot wide horse trail.  The gentle grade allows hikers, bikers and equestrians to enjoy the scenic mountains, meadows and forests of Washington and Columbia Counties.

Discussion with Ranger Terra from LL Stub Stewart
Discussion with Ranger Terra from LL Stub Stewart
The drainage issue was addresed by installing a frenceh dran
The drainage issue was addressed by installing a french drain

 

 

Other activities for the day included repairing the Handicap and Loading Ramp, clearing debris from the picnic tables and doing normal maintenance getting ready for the spring riding season.

L. L. “Stub” Stewart State Park near by is also adjacent to the trail. The Northwest Chapter volunteers also spend time there making trail improvements, and helping to maintain the horse camp.

 

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