Decatur Scouts Seek Help From Community in Clearing Fallen Trees, Brush, and Tackling Erosion
The Scouts of Troop 46 in Decatur recently embarked on a quest to improve the hiking trails and primitive camping areas at Turkey Creek Waterpark by clearing the trails that have become dilapidated after years of severe weather and erosion. And while the troop is dedicated in completing the task of cleaning up and repairing the 12-mile-long trail that will take over two years to complete, they are requesting help from the community in speeding up the process.
Rick Berrhyhill, along with his wife, Paula, are Scoutmasters for the boys and girls of Troop 46. According to Berryhill, he and his 12–15-year-old scouts used to enjoy walking the horse/hiking trail around Turkey Creek to work toward earning their hiking merit badges while enjoying the beauty of the wilderness.
“It’s a strenuous 12 miles hike, but the trail is an adventure in Mississippi flora and fauna,” Berryhill said. “You see highland pine forest, you see swamps, you see hardwood bottoms. It’s a variety that you wouldn’t be able to see anywhere else.”
However, after serious drought conditions and an ice storm that devastated the area about two years ago, Berryhill said they can’t really use the trail now due to dead and fallen trees and other bad conditions. Adding to the bad conditions are some existing systems of culverts and drainage crossings that are overcome by sediment collection and show effects of woodland erosion. According to Berryhill, the hiking trails at the park were developed in the hopes that the community would help keep them functioning and he knew it was up to the scouts to try and help.
“It’s nothing against the park. They’re not funded to take care of the trails,” said Berryhill. “So, we approached them and got permission to begin working on them.”
During Spring Break earlier this year, Troop 46 Scouts spent three days “wilderness camping”, while working to clear large sections of debris form the trail and create a new bridge crossing across a washed-out culvert. The 40-foot bridge was built using donated power poles and locally milled rough-cut lumber. The Scouts used recycled materials to treat and stain the lumber, then hauled more than 60 of the 2x6x8 boards to the bridge area. While they were hoping to get more done, the Scouts were challenged by limited accessibility to the remote area, inclement weather, and limited workday availability with their Scouts. However, they were able to complete their first major crossing project and are now preparing for their next project, a bridge that spans four times longer.
According to Berryhill, the Scouts are committed to revitalizing the trail, which to his estimates will take up to 18 months. However, with the help of community members with the means of helping with the removal of fallen trees, clearing brush, and helping solve the erosion issues, the trail could be up and running less than a year.
“It would be tremendous to have the community get involved by donating their time, talents, or monetary resources to this project. The Scouts are excited about improving their community,” said Berryhill. “Look at the potential of what this facility could be. We’ve hiked on trails in many states, and this is a great trail that could be promoted regionally, as well as nationally. Wouldn’t that be cool!”
To donate or volunteer to help towards the Scouts efforts in improving the hiking trail at Turkey Creek Water Park, or if you have any questions, contact Rick or Paula Berryhill at 601-479-7261 or 601-490-9952.
