A Walk Through Trail Design
Sights and sounds of an area have an impact on the final plan
By Brenda Iraola and Chris Colvin
“In every walk with nature, one received far more than he seeks.”
--John Muir (naturalist) known as the "Father of the National Parks" and early advocate for the preservation of wilderness in the U.S. (1838-1914)
Photo: Brenda Iraola
Quietness, solitude, and a connection with nature away from urban settings are just some of the benefits of walking on trails. Being in nature stimulates the soul, strengthens well-being, and elevates the spirit. Trail use can benefit all age groups and no matter one’s skill level. Park systems across the country have seen an increase in outdoor trail use and a demand for fitness items such as bikes, skates, and hiking/camping gear during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC), Landscape Architecture Section for the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation manages park improvements for the county and regional district adjacent to the Washington, D.C. area. Woodland trails are an important element within the county-wide trail system.
Trail Connections And Partnerships
Several years ago, the MNCPPC 2017 Land Preservation Park and Recreation Plan prioritized trail connections in improving the regional trail network. One strategy was to provide a trail linking the existing MNCPPC Paint Branch Trail system (3.2 miles) to the College Park Metro Station used by residents and college students for access to the Washington, D.C. region. The new trail, named the Paint Branch Stream Valley Park (SVP)—College Park (CPK) Woods Trail Connector, and requested by residents, was to provide a neighborhood connection to the 30-plus-mile Anacostia Tributary Trail System. The larger Anacostia system links trail networks from Prince George’s County, Md., to Washington, D.C. and connects the northern Virginia Trail networks, providing an uninterrupted trail experience for 75 miles between Maryland and Virginia. This project builds on the East Coast Greenway and the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative.
Photo: Wayne Bierbaum
This unique project required access through the University of Maryland property and on private land owned by the College Park Lodge #453 Loyal Order of Moose. Park staff contacted communities and agencies to create a private-public partnership. Key stakeholders included the University of Maryland, the Maryland Department of Environment, delegates for funding allocations, landowners for easement access, and various state agencies for coordinating a permitting plan review and approval. Trail-design alternatives were reviewed by multiple agencies to obtain permits for crossing wetlands and to minimize disturbance of woodland areas.
After many years of visioning, trail planning, and collaborating, a final trail alignment was determined through wetlands and woodlands. However, it was necessary to obtain private- and public-land access and create easement agreements; the MNCPPC Parks Department agreed to build and maintain the trail as a capital-improvement project. The trail budget was $2 million and included state and PAYGO funding.
Designing For Awareness
As a landscape architect, I have found designing trails involves customizing site elements, fitness opportunities, and connections with nature. Trails can either be integrated into a woodland setting or make an artistic presence for design. Locating a trail requires minimizing impacts to woodland disturbance, wildlife habitat, and wetlands, while managing environmental protection and enhancing pedestrian access.
Photo: Chris Colvin
The Paint Branch Trail SVP—CPK Woods site is very colorful in the spring, summer, and fall, offering many opportunities to observe local wildlife off the trail after leaves have fallen. Native trees within the project site are red maples, American beech, sycamore, black tupelo, and flowering dogwoods; one might catch a glimpse of the Maryland specimen trees (30- to 42-inch diameter) found throughout the site, such as the tulip poplar, swamp white oak, and willow oak.
Signage: Courtesy Of MNCPPC
Many of Maryland’s indigenous wildlife, such as white-tailed deer and raccoons, are evident by the tracks they leave behind. Also, in the tranquility of a walk, one might spot a deer or fox among the trees and brush. The sound of a Pileated woodpecker hammering on a tree looking for insects or the unique calling through the forest reveals a position, and the bird is entertaining to watch. Eastern box turtles are less noticeable to the eye, but leave behind empty shells. The new MNCPPC trail includes information about this discovery of nature with 11 educational interpretive signs along the wetland boardwalk:
Diamondback terrapin
Eastern painted turtle
American bullfrog
Great blue heron
Red-winged blackbird
North American beaver
Common cattail
Dragonflies
Five-lined skink (yellow and blue-striped lizard)
Red maple tree
Sycamore tree.
While walking the 300-foot boardwalk through the wetlands, one can see red-winged blackbirds among the tall grasses and the presence of woodpeckers, which leave many holes in the large dead trees. Great blue herons are often present spearing minnows in the water shallows, and eastern painted turtles can be found sunning themselves on logs, then diving off if anyone ventures too close.
Wildlife habitats are easily observed while walking on trails, which provide access to the awe of woodlands, stream valleys, and wetlands. Enjoy the great outdoors and remember those who create, design, and build trails for public enjoyment, providing access to forested beauty; take a nature walk through woodlands and wetlands!
Brenda J. Iraola, ASLA, PLA, CPSI, COAA, NRPA, MRPA, is a Landscape Architecture Supervisor for the Park Planning & Development Division of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. Reach her at brenda.iraola@pgparks.com.
Chris Colvin, PLA, is a Project Manager for the Park Planning & Development Division of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. Reach him at chris.colvin@pgparks.com.
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Project Team
Chris Colvin, PLA
Landscape Architect, Park Planning & Development
M-NCPPCBrenda Iraola, PLA, ASLA
Landscape Architect Supervisor, Park Planning & Development
M-NCPPC Design and Construction Manager
Mitchell Moodie
M-NCPPC Construction, Park Planning & DevelopmentA. Morton Thomas and Associates, Inc.
Engineering Design Consultant
Garcete Construction, Inc.
Construction Contractor