In the township of Springfield, in eastern Pennsylania, local trail supporters were able to hire an engineering firm to help them build a bridge on the Indian Creek Hike & Bike Trail. Across the state in Dunbar, the local historical society got the small amount of money it needed to build two sheltered picnic tables and install them alongside the Sheepskin Trail. In Pittsburgh, Friends of the Riverfront was able to pay for the design and installation of six new map signs and two interpretive panels along the trail Three Rivers Heritage Trail.

These projects, and many others, were made possible by the Trail Mini-Grant Program for Pennsylvania Rail-Trails. Managed by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), this funding source helps trail organizations or municipalities in Pennsylvania that need to make small repairs or improvements to their trail, for dollar amounts typically well below that requested in major grants.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2013 round of Trail Mini-Grant Program grants, and must be submitted before the February 28 deadline.

Last year's grant awards ranged from $759 to $8,000, with volunteer labor and donated materials and services counted toward the necessary matching funds.

Application forms and guidelines can be found at www.railstotrails.org. For more information or assistance contact RTC program manager in the Northeast, Pat Tomes, at pat@railstotrails.org, or 717.467.4024.

Photo courtesy Mountain Watershed Association