Submitted photo Middle school cross country runners, including athletes from Elkins Middle School, race on the old Davis & Elkins College campus trails on a course that included a high percentage of sidewalk, concrete and washed-out trail due to the existing layout and the lack of trails and connectivity.

ELKINS — Construction work will begin this summer on several miles of trails on the Davis & Elkins College campus, officials said.

D&E and Elkins Area Shared Trails (EAST) announced that Nature Trails NC, LLC has been contracted to construct three miles of new and improved trail on the campus, with work expected to begin in July and to be completed by October.

About two miles of new natural surface trail will be constructed on the hills surrounding the McDonnell Center, officials said. �…t the same time, a mile of existing trail, within the Robert E. Urban Natural Area, will be upgraded and rerouted for “safety and sustainability purposes.”

“The Robert E. Urban Nature Trail serves as a valuable resource for nature study, teaching, scientific research, recreation, and quiet reflection,” a Monday press release from D&E stated. “It is a key element of the campus aesthetic, connecting visitors to both the natural environment and the rich historical and cultural heritage. The new trails are designed to allow for comfortable shared use by walkers, runners, and bikers.”

The D&E campus trails project will be the first construction effort to result from the 2023 Elkins Area Master Trail Plan. The first phase of the project was made possible through funding from the Richard King Mellon Foundation.

“It has been a true honor to collaborate with the Richard King Mellon Foundation on this transformative project,” said Scott Goddard, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Davis & Elkins College, and an EAST board member. “Their generous support is a significant step toward bringing this trail initiative to life and creating lasting impact for both Davis & Elkins College and the greater Elkins community.

“This grant will not only enhance outdoor recreation and strengthen our collegiate athletic programs, but it will also establish a destination that connects people to nature and fosters a sense of community. We are thrilled to embark on this journey, knowing it will contribute to a healthier, more vibrant Elkins, and help create a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy.”

EAST is providing administration and contract management assistance throughout the project. Technical assistance is being provided by the WVU Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative.

Nature Trails NC, LLC is “an experienced professional trail building firm from North Carolina,” the release states. “They are known for high-quality construction of a wide variety of trail and greenway projects. Nature Trails mission is to use

trail systems to connect urban and wilderness landscapes and create communities that promote health, well-being, and happiness.”

A second phase of trail construction on the D&E campus is planned to include an “all-weather loop” around the athletic fields, along with additional natural surface trails on the north side of campus. This phase will begin once funding is secured, officials said.

The D&E campus trail plan was designed to “connect the buildings, students, and surrounding community with the natural areas on campus and to enhance recreation opportunities for both students and the Elkins community,” the release states.

The 2023 Elkins Area Master Trail Plan plan was spearheaded by EAST, with support from D&E, the WVU Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative, Woodlands Development and Lending, and the City of Elkins, and was funded by an Appalachian Regional Commission POWER Planning grant.

EAST is a non-profit organization established in 2024 “from a large and active partnership of over 30 federal, state, regional and local entities,” according to the release. “EAST’s mission is to bring people together through the development, stewardship, and enjoyment of local trails.”