Trail Tenders Coordinator: “You Have a Gorgeous Trail”

The Upper Saucon Rail Trail has gotten high marks -- with one exception -- from someone who knows a thing or two about trails.

Dennis Sholl, outreach coordinator for the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Trail Tenders volunteer group, told the township's Environmental Advisory Committee that despite invasive plant vegetation, the townhip has performed well in preserving its Rail Trail for users.

He said the trail is clean, well-maintained and trash free.

 “I’ve been on your trail quite a bit,” Sholl said. “I think it’s a beautiful trail.”

Sholl, a Hellertown resident, said the Rail Trail has very little problems he could identify. He commended the township for maintaining trash cans, intersection crossings and fencing, calling it “a very nice trail surface.”

The trail, however, does have its share of invasive plant species that choke trees. He pointed to plants such as Japanese bittersweet and "Tree of Heaven," which inhibits the growth of other plants. Sholl warned these species may spread wildly throughout the trail if not eradicated.

Apart from harmful vegetation, Sholl stated the Rail Trail is problem free, especially with litter.

“There’s no trash,” Sholl told the committee. “I looked for trash last night. I couldn’t find one piece of trash. It’s great. You’ve done a wonderful job.”

Sholl also said a Trail Tenders volunteer corps could work on the Rail Trail if the township would be interested.

Those interested in learning more about the D&L and volunteering with the Trail Tenders can visit the organization’s website at www.delawareandlehigh.org.