Bonnie Cranmer
Contributing writer
When the Craig County Board of Supervisors decided to put a team together to learn more about the potential trail from Craig to Botetourt County, the volunteers showed up. First were the initial committee members, then community members and then in 2024, the Pathfinders for Greenways group came forward.
The Craig Valley Railway Trail Committee partnered with Pathfinders for Greenways and their Mid-week trail crew to accomplish deferred maintenance on the existing one-mile greenway. Pathfinders is a private, non-profit, organization formed in 1997 to promote trails and greenways. Their volunteer crews regularly build and maintain trails of all kinds all around the Roanoke region. Pathfinders donated funds for fuel and rental equipment, and the Mid-week crew donated 327 hours to improve the greenway.
VDOT was grateful for the assistance and asked the crew to assist them in improving access to the railroad bed along the entire route. The Mid-week crew contributed an additional 819 hours to clearing downed trees, brush and briers along the railroad bed in both Craig and Botetourt Counties. On a typical workday the crew has 8-10 volunteers in attendance. Two members of the Mid-week crew are Craig County residents. In addition, Pathfinders was awarded a grant from the Roanoke Outside Foundation for improvements along the greenway and the railroad bed. The trail committee expects to complete these projects in the next few months.
Looking toward 2025, the trail committee will continue to document public input and share that with the Board and VDOT. They will be continuing the partnership with Pathfinders and will assist VDOT with work along the railroad bed as directed. “We expect to improve access to the point we can begin to recover tires and other debris that has been dumped along the grade over the years,” stated Woody Lipes. The next round of public meetings will be announced early in 2025.
These aren’t the only volunteers that keep Craig County moving! Many governmental boards and appointments are volunteer positions. The farmers market, the library, youth sports, senior programs, church programs, the list goes on and on of all the important work that happens because of volunteers serving Craig County residents. During the Christmas season, remember to thank the volunteers who provide resources, support and encouragement throughout the year.
