Friends of the Spanish Moss Trail pitches kids program, seeks stronger links to East Coast Greenway

Mary, a board member of the Friends of the Spanish Moss Trail, said the group is introducing a children-focused program to encourage families to use the Spanish Moss Trail and is working to strengthen connections to Port Royal and downtown Beaufort.

The trail, Mary said, is also part of the broader East Coast Greenway. "This is also part of a bigger trail system called the East Coast Greenway," she said, describing plans to extend the route farther toward the Charleston area and to make connections that will bring the trail into Port Royal and downtown Beaufort.

Mary described her local ties to the trail: "I live 2 blocks from this trail and am a very active user," she said, and emphasized that trails serve more than recreation. "Often you can see people coming down this trail because they're using it as a travel corridor. It is their means to get to work," she said, citing hospital employees who use the route for their commute.

She outlined the South Carolina Trails Association's role in supporting trails across the state, saying the association represents a range of trail types — from paved sidewalks to river trails — and helps introduce programs to municipalities and nonprofits. Mary said the kids track program sits on a coalition coordinated with the association and was brought to the Spanish Moss Trail board for local implementation.

"Tract trails is a wonderful addition to this trail system," Mary said, urging residents to visit and use the trail. She called the improvements and expanding connections "a great asset for Beaufort County and the Spanish Moss Trail."

The interview closed with thanks from the host and an invitation to return for additional coverage.