In the last few years a special area has been developing in Clay County. Dr. Christine Jones realized the two acre level space adjacent to the Big Otter Clinic could be better utilized as a beautiful therapy area and walking trail with plants, benches, and a peaceful feeling for patients and the community. The first successful grant allowed for excavating, leveling, and graveling a path in the space.
The Braxton/Clay Master
Gardener group became involved with the project and was able to successfully earn the “Outside Classroom Grant” from Elk Conservation District. Suzie Legg, Melissa Dennison, Christi Boggs, and Aine Slabaugh prepared the grant and were very excited when it was approved! The grant funds will be utilized to purchase plants, display signage to identify plants, and add American Disabilities Act signs for the walking trail.
The Braxton/Clay Master Gardener group entered the “Boggs Walking Trail Project” and won the WVU Extension Project of the Year Award, which includes grant funds for additional plants and signage. The Master Gardener group is memorializing past members for their service with a beautiful set of wind chimes which will be dedicated at a future date for Jeffrey Wright and Judy Bean from Braxton, and Karen Hutchins, Bob Osborne, and Miriam Hopkins from Clay County. Pictured are several of the Braxton/Clay Master Gardeners who recently spent an evening weeding and caring for the trail. Marian Agostino, Beth Atkins, and Dina Weiss are also members of Judy’s Garden Club, Appalachian District.
Future developments would include obtaining funds to pave the quarter mile walking trail. Visitors and patients are encouraged to walk the path and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature surrounding them.
This trail has blossomed from Dr. Jones’ initial plan emerging from a need during the pandemic to a space where folks from Clay, Braxton, Calhoun, Roane, and Nicholas County come to visit and walk the inviting path. The true beauty of this project is evidenced by the community that has embraced the area and donated funds, plants, painted rocks and wooden benches. Many thanks to all who have invested time, talents, funds and well wishes for this special setting.