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Trails committee advances publicity, accessibility and volunteer recruitment plans; seeks partners for "walk all trails" campaign
Summary
The Trails Advisory Committee reviewed a proposed "profile of a trail" social-media and newsletter piece, discussed a Walk-All-Trails program, a photo contest, accessibility improvements for all ages and abilities, and outreach to recruit two committee members; the committee also welcomed public commenter Jenny Capas and learned a Rutgers Master
The Trails Advisory Committee spent a substantial portion of its Jan. 8 meeting on outreach, recruitment and accessibility for township trails, agreeing to move forward on a short social-media "profile of a trail" campaign, an initial "walk all trails" participation program and a pilot focus on accessible routes.
Public comment and volunteers: The meeting opened a public-comment period in which Jenny Capas introduced herself and described her background in invasive-plant research and conservation work; committee members invited her to consider applying for a committee vacancy and to get involved with native-plant and trail activities.
Profile of a trail and publicity: Committee members reviewed a draft "profile of a trail" (short copy, photo and map) intended for social media, the township newsletter and the committee's website; they agreed to refine images and wording and to coordinate timing so social posts and the Franklin Times item align after hunting season (suggested late February). Members agreed that short social posts plus a longer newsletter item would be produced and that the committee would use the Pathways & Trails Plan (PTP) language for trail descriptions.
Walk-All-Trails program, photo contest and incentives: The committee endorsed a low-friction Walk-All-Trails program using a QR code and an online form for participants to log trail visits (honor system). The group discussed small incentives (stickers, pins, certificates, calendars or other giveaways) coordinated with the township's Healthy Franklin program to encourage participation. Committee members also discussed restarting a photo contest, possibly with an extended submission window and regular use of contest images in committee promotions.
Accessibility for all ages and abilities: Members reported a successful therapeutic-hike pilot at Negri Napodi and discussed making more routes accessible (boardwalk/crushed-stone surfaces, parking and amenities like benches and accessible parking stalls). Staff recommended starting with an assessment by an accessibility expert or partner organization to identify the lightest lifts and priority sites; the committee also discussed partnering with local nonprofits (AARP, Disability Rights New Jersey) and therapeutic recreation groups for guidance and outreach.
Master Gardener native-plant inventory: The committee learned that a Rutgers/Somerset County Master Gardener project application is moving forward to inventory native plants along trails, starting at Negri Napodi. The group supported the project and encouraged inclusion of invasive-plant notes for public education and map layers tied to trail profiles.
Vacancies and governance note: Members reviewed the trails-committee ordinance language and confirmed the committee can have nine members, with one seat designated for an Open Space Advisory Committee appointee; the group currently has two community-member openings and encouraged outreach to fill them. The chair said she would follow up on appointment procedures and application forms.
Ending: The committee asked staff to finalize the profile copy, prepare the Walk-All-Trails QR form, consult Healthy Franklin on incentives, and reach out to Master Gardener and accessibility partners for an initial assessment. Members set next steps for coordinated publicity and a spring schedule of hikes.
