Saturday, September 18, 2010, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Celebrate the coming of autumn by working on a new section of the Potomac Heritage Trail in nearby Prince William County.

For this project, REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.) and the Potomac Heritage Trail Association will team up with Prince William Trails and Streams, and Prince William County Parks and Recreation. We plan on completing the route of the Potomac Heritage Trail connecting the Julia Metz Wetlands with Leesylvania State Park. The work will involve improving an existing rough trail by cutting back vegetation, sidehilling and laying stone dust on the treadway.

We will assemble at Rippon Lodge and then car-pool from there to the Julia Metz Wetlands. To reach Rippon Lodge from the Capital Beltway: Go south on I95 to the Dale Blvd (Exit 156). Go east on Dale Blvd. to Rte. 1. After crossing Rte. 1 Dale Blvd. becomes Rippon Blvd. Stay on Rippon Blvd. for .5 miles and make a right on Blackburn Road. Make a right at the sign marked Rippon Lodge. Go through the gate and park at the top of the hill near the estate. Look for the PHTA or REI tents. Please bring gloves and water. Tools will be provided. For more information, contact Ric Francke at PHTA 571/436-7801, or Rhonda Krafchin at REI 571/522-6568.