LOCK HAVEN — The Friends of the Bald Eagle Valley Trail are inviting members of the public to consider participating in their organization.

Friends of the BEVT was formed following the creation of the Bald Eagle Valley Trail, which has a trail head in Castanea Township. The all-volunteer group organizes clean ups and helps the county in maintaining the trail.

During its voting session last week, the Clinton County Board of Commissioners invited Friends of the BEVT President Mark Weaver to talk more about what they have to offer.

Weaver thanked the commissioners for the continued support of the Bald Eagle Valley Trail and the Friends.

“We would not have the trail and it would not be what we have if it weren’t for you,” Weaver said. “We’re looking forward to working with you in the coming year.”

Weaver said a lot of great things were coming up, including the installation of railroad signs along the trail. The signs were donated by the John Gummo Family.

Also expected to be installed is a new commercial bicycle pump for those using the trail.

“We’re especially looking forward to creating a new map that will show you the various sections of the trails. What can be used, what’s being proposed and what’s planned,” he said. “All of that is through help we’re getting from (the county).”

Weaver touched on three upcoming events for the community to consider participating in.

The first is a work day on the trail on April 19 at 1 p.m.

“We’re only there for about an hour or hour and a half. We clean up the trash, make sure the trail is presentable and something that is attractive to people to come to,” he said. He noted the rain date for the clean up is April 26.

Weaver said the Friends of the BEVT will also be volunteering at the Ironman Race on June 14. The race, which starts in State College, will see cyclists make their way to Mill Hall Borough as part of the race.

Weaver explained that the more volunteers that represent the Friends, the better its chances are to secure a grant that is offered by the Happy Valley Visitors Bureau to bolster volunteers for the intense race.

“The more people we get up there… the more money we might be able to receive. That money will be used to purchase a commercial bicycle repair station for the trail,” he said.

The Friends of the BEVT will be setting up an informational tent about their work and the trail during Castanea Community Day on Saturday, July 18. Weaver said the organization will not host its 5K/10K and instead opted to provide information.

“This year we’re just going to have a tent to promote bicycle awareness and safety and trail awareness,” he said. “There are so many people that don’t know we have such a beautiful trail. Whether you are walking, running or just getting out to enjoy nature. We want people to know it is there and use it.”

For those interested in learning more about the Friends of the BEVT, Weaver encouraged them to consider attending its next membership meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, at the Clinton County Government Building.

“You don’t need to be a member to attend. We’d like you to show up and see what we do, see what we’re involved with and if you’re interested, we’d love to have you,” he said.

Weaver said those who may not be able to attend the meeting, but would still like to learn more, can visit their Facebook page.

At the end of Weaver’s comments, Commissioner Jeff Snyder thanked the Friends of the BEVT for their work.

“Like you said, your volunteers who pick up trash, spread mulch and install benches. It’s a great partnership and we appreciate your participation at our recreation advisory committee meetings so we can also help you,” he said.