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AmeriCorps Teams Up with FLMSP:
Replanting Native Roots Along the Trail
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By Abigail Rathers
This spring, I had the opportunity to co-lead a native reforestation effort along the Little Miami Scenic Trail, thanks to a collaborative project between the Friends of the Little Miami State Park (FLMSP), AmeriCorps, and local nursery
partners. The initiative focused on restoring a section of the trail where invasive honeysuckle had recently been removed by FLMSP volunteers. While great progress had been made in clearing invasives, there wasn’t yet a plan in place to replant native species—leaving
an opportunity to support long-term ecological recovery.
To guide the restoration, I researched the site’s soil conditions, sunlight, and local wildlife pressures, and selected native trees and shrubs that would thrive while minimizing disruption to trail users. Species like Hackberry, Redbud,
Pawpaw, Hazelnut, Red Osier Dogwood, and Buckeyes were chosen for their ecological value and adaptability. With the help of local nurseries and one transplant from Caesar Creek State Park, we sourced the plants, flagged locations, and coordinated a community
planting day. AmeriCorps members and FLMSP volunteers worked side by side to get everything organized and in the ground – a big thank you to everyone who played a role!
Following the planting, protective tree tubes were installed, and Becky Retzer and I plan to add netting to guard against this year’s cicada emergence. This project not only restored a cleared section of trail but also produced a vetted
native plant list FLMSP can use for future restoration if they so choose. As honeysuckle removal continues, native replanting is critical to ensure these areas don’t return to an invasive monoculture.
If you're interested in helping with future clearing or planting efforts, FLMSP is always looking for volunteers—visit their website to learn more and get involved!
https://littlemiamistatepark.org/join-us/membership
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Safe Trails:
Suggestion that Surpasses all others
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Over the years, I’ve shared countless safety tips, but if there’s one that rises above the rest, it’s this:
wear your helmet—and wear it properly.
A properly fitted helmet snugly conforms to your head, with the chin strap adjusted so that you can slip
one or two fingers between the strap and your chin—but no more. And proper
helmet positioning means keeping it
level to protect your forehead, not tilted back where it can’t do its job.
I’ve emphasized the importance of helmets time and again. I’ve called them
personal protective equipment (PPE) for your head and even pointed to elite cyclists who have learned firsthand that crashes can happen unexpectedly—no matter what their skill level. I’ve explored advanced helmet technology
that detects falls and alerts emergency contacts, but at the core of it all, even a
basic, certified helmet can provide the necessary protection. The
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and other organizations set safety standards to ensure helmets do their job.
Beyond fit and certification,
helmet upkeep matters too. Replace your helmet every
3-5 years, as Styrofoam materials break down over time. And if your helmet has been in a crash or dropped, it’s time for a new one.
With good weather ahead and the Little Miami Scenic Trail calling, take a moment to check your helmet’s condition. If you’re unsure, visit your local bike shop; they’ll help you get the right fit. Hopefully, you won’t need to test its
limits, but if the moment ever comes, you’ll be glad your helmet is ready to protect you.
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In this edition and future issues of TrailMail, we will share details about four invasive species found in Ohio. We would like to thank ODNR for providing their slides from Project Learning Tree.
For many years, Friends of the Little Miami State Park have been dedicated to eliminating invasive plants. We hope this information will be beneficial for your own green spaces as well as helping FLMSP
identify those along the Little Miami State Park.
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Rick Forrester handing out work assignments for the day.
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Carl Linz "knighted" as master of the chain saw!
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Pat and Fritz cleaning out a culvert.
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Sip Trip 5
May 31, 11 - 10
Start at either end, grab a passport, traverse the 19.7 miles, stop in at these vendors and get your passport stamped.
- Fifty West - Wooster Pike
- Miamiville Trailyard
- Cappy's Wine and Spirits
- Cartridge Brewing
https://www.facebook.com/events/677547404925066
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Make sure to express your appreciation for the Little Miami State Park while you’re there and enjoy your visit!
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