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Learn more about the collaboration efforts of our partners here on the blog in addition to the latest news and events happening at the Baileys Trail System.
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The Baileys Blog
Connecting Students with Local Communities
Last summer, three internships were facilitated through Ohio University’s Center for Campus and Community Engagement with the intent to link students with Baileys Trail System projects. According to Ohio University’s website, the Center for Campus and Community Engagement “connects students, faculty, staff, and communities (from local to global) to create and maintain mutually beneficial academic, […]
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Conservation Through Trails
“Getting out into natural spaces is the first step to loving them, and loving them is the first step to wanting to protect them.” Throughout history, trails have been used as a tool for conservation. This practice, beginning with recreational hiking, expanded in the United States in the 19th century, at a time when […]
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On the Trail: From High School to Vet School
Meigs High School junior, Alexis Medley, is no stranger to a challenge. With a full academic load and a busy extracurricular schedule, Medley didn’t hesitate to accept yet another responsibility as a Baileys Trail System student intern. Tasked with writing blog articles, Medley has been contributing content to the Baileys’ website through the winter, while […]
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Birding on the Baileys
“I was never the same after seeing that bird…It’s not easy to explain, but you can almost feel something shift in your guts after seeing a bird like that for the first time, like you will be drawn to see as many sights like it as you possibly can for the rest of your life.” […]
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Beyond Bikes: Trail Running on the Baileys
“An increase of trail runners coming into our area would benefit the economy, including local businesses. Once there are more trails open there’s going to be even more people coming from other areas…That’s going to be great for the economy. Tons of people will come to stay for the weekend.” The Baileys may be […]
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The Voice Behind the Baileys
“When I look down at this region from up on the trail, I see opportunity. I see a natural resource, not for its coal or salt or clay, but for its breathtaking beauty. This land still has so much to offer the thousands already coming from near and far to experience it. I count myself […]
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Tom & Barb Kostohryz: The Motivation Behind the Match
“We envision new businesses springing up in the area to accommodate visitors who would like to spend some time on the trails. We see tourists needing more B&Bs, Airbnbs, restaurants, and a host of other businesses while enjoying their stay here. We think it will be a destination, similar to Hocking Hills, that will bring […]
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Riding the Baileys Trail System to New Career Paths
“This is the first time I’ve ever done anything like this. It’s my first professional job. I’m lucky. A lot of people don’t get these opportunities. This job could set me on a whole new direction. It’s the biggest thing that’s ever happened to me.” Meet Dallas Taylor, a 19-year old resident of Glouster, […]
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ABC: Bikers Behind the Baileys
Today we’re recognizing the contributions and volunteer efforts of the Athens Bicycle Club (ABC), a local organization whose involvement with the Baileys Trail System has proven instrumental to the project’s success since day one. I had the opportunity to speak with club president, Bob West, as well as active members, Kelly Shaw and Ellen Gerl, […]
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ACC: A Local Crew Building Local Trails
Today we’re featuring the Appalachia Conservation Corps (ACC) and their efforts on the Baileys Trail System. ACC first assisted with Phase 1 trail construction in fall 2019, but I’m going to focus on the summer 2020 crew who helped build out miles of the system as part of Phase 2 Construction. I was fortunate enough […]
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ATR: A National Partner of the Baileys
In today’s feature on the blog, I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Jeremy Wimpey, the principal at Applied Trails Research, and discuss his company’s involvement with the Baileys in addition to his thoughts regarding the project’s evolution. Applied Trails Research (ATR) is an outdoor recreation firm and one of several national partners of the […]
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A Sister Project to the Baileys
Today we’re featuring the Buckeye Trail Association (BTA) and its new trailhead project in Shawnee, one that’s parallel in concept and funding to the Baileys. Recently I spoke with the BTA’s Executive Director, Andrew Bashaw, to get an insider’s perspective on this sister project and how the two will work together, promoting outdoor recreation throughout […]
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Chauncey: Where the Trails Begin!
Today I want to highlight the Village of Chauncey, home to the Baileys’ current trailhead as well as many advocates of this new outdoor recreation destination. While writing this feature, I had the pleasure of speaking with the village’s mayor, Amy Renner, and village councilwoman, Connaught Cullen, in the hopes of learning more from them […]
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An Introduction to the Baileys
As of May 30, 2020, the first 14 miles of the Baileys Trail System are now officially open to the public! Four years in the making, this initial milestone in project construction came just in time for Chauncey locals and Ohio visitors to enjoy the trails during 2020’s summer season. Specific to these 14 miles […]
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