History of the Nature Trail

As Marie Brinsfield wrote in her brief history of the trail, it was the vision of Paul Gaudreau, a retired architect and early resident of Charles­ town. Once it was determined that the trail would cross Herbert’s Run, Paul researched bridge designs and produced the sketches from which the covered bridge on the trail was constructed. A plaque at the Cross Creek entrance to the trail is dedicated to him.

John Erickson was an enthusiastic supporter of the trail, and his assistant, Dick DeLottinville, worked closely with Paul Gaudreau to make the trail a reality. With the help of the Grounds Department, the covered bridge and the wishing wells were built and installed, the 4 x 4 timbers that form the curb of the trail were laid, and the banks of Herbert’s Run were stabilized. Later, residents using the wood shop contributed the several benches along the trail. Members of the Maryland Forest Service identified and tagged the 26 species of trees found along the trail.

Several other early residents of Charlestown made significant contributions to the development of the trail. Bill Bowles, Marie Brinsfield, Sally McBride, Ruth and Tom Hopkins, and Lou Romatowski worked to discover, identify, and mark plants and wildflowers, eliminate weeds, and strip ivy from tree trunks. Ruth Hopkins worked to eliminate poison ivy along the trail. Dorothy and Howard Jones planted over 130 ferns. Carl Tongier planted dozens of tiger lilies.

Howard Jones made and installed numbered markers every 25 feet on the curb of the trail. Over the 25 years since the creation of the trail, numerous residents have contributed to its preservation.

Where to Find the Trail

The Nature Trail on the Charlestown campus follows the course of Herbert’s Run, the stream flowing through the wooded ravine behind Brookside.
One entrance to the trail is behind the Cross Creek Station lobby. From this entrance, the path curves downhill to the right and a short walk leads to one end of the trail. To the left, the trail curves downhill, leads across the covered bridge and exits at the Butterfly Garden on Erickson Way. This entrance to the trail is across from the Lake.

The Nature Trail Committee

Paul Gaudreau formed the first Nature Trail Committee made up of the residents who helped to develop the trail. The current Nature Trail Committee meets once a month. It works with the Grounds Committee of the Residents’ Council and the Grounds Department to maintain the Trail, enhance the environment of the Trail, and preserve the numerous native wild flower species.

The Nature Trail Committee is currently made up of a Coordinator, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and about 15 other members, several of whom have assumed responsibility for, among other things, the Butterfly Garden, the Rock Garden, the Wildflower Garden, tree and flower signs, and invasive species. In the Spring, the Committee also stages Nature Fest in conjunction with the celebration of Earth Day.

All are welcome to enjoy the trail and to join in its continuing upkeep and preservation.
Please contact Bonnie Kawecki or Donna Ferrara, with any questions about the Committee. See their contact information in the Resident Directory.