Apr 27, 2018 4 min read

WAYNESBURG – Need a breath of fresh air in Waynesburg? The new Unity Trail on Waynesburg University’s campus is offering calm respite in the heart of the borough.

Assistant professor of biology Janet Paladino led the trail project, which was dedicated at a ceremony Wednesday and included a student-led tour of the trail. Paladino said countless students have put more than 2,000 hours of work into preparing the area.

Students cleared invasive species, replacing them with native plants. The area has seen a lot of deforestation, Paladino said, and used to be a WWI training area. The students also worked to remove fallen trees and litter.

Paladino wants people “to take a nice, quiet walk, to appreciate what nature has to offer and to take their children and appreciate nature firsthand.”

The Unity Trail, named to signify the collaboration between the school and the community, is about two square miles, including 1.5 miles of walking trails. The borough owns part of the property the trail runs through, so the name really highlights the “unity with the community,” Paladino said.

The trail’s start is down the hill from the end of East Wayne Street near Martin Hall on campus. Work continues as they’re determining whether they’d like to make it a loop or continue in another direction. The rear section is currently closed as they work to correct some slippage from runoff.

At the entrance is a pollinator and shade garden, and the trail also has an outdoor classroom clearing with benches.

Paladino is excited to see the trail now compared to the initial concept of the project, which was funded by a $20,000 grant from EQT’s foundation. Work began in 2015, though the grant in 2016 considerably ramped up development. That money went to buying tools and building a bridge over a ravine. EQT has also donated mulch that will be spread across the walking surface to make for an easier hike.

Nathan Ribar, who’s about to finish his master’s degree in environmental science from Duquesne University, first came to Paladino with the idea for a trail in her field biology class. The Waynesburg native remembers playing in the woods where the trail now runs. New students can come and leave their mark by working on the trail and leave a legacy for the next batch of students.

Ribar was excited to see the trail progress from that rough outline he helped cut by chopping down trees and clearing brush and that it “can only get better from here.”

Senior environmental science major Matt Colaluca started helping with the trail last summer, though his involvement began in earnest during the fall semester. He focused on removing invasive species, which he said was a huge issue, and replacing those plants. He also worked to track and attempt to halt erosion.

“It’s a nice, accessible nature place. You don’t really have to drive anywhere,” he said. “It’s easy, it’s simple and it’s not hard to walk.”

He estimates he’s put about 100 hours of work into the trail, if not more. There is still work that needs to be completed, though, like spreading mulch, building a podium for the outdoor classroom and planting a fern garden.

“It’s out here. Go see it. This isn’t just a campus thing. It’s supposed to be a community and campus collaboration, so don’t be afraid to reach out and ask if you can help,” Colaluca said.

Freshman environmental science major Jacob Kennedy said he grew up on a farm in Butler County and always knew he wanted to work outside. Now, with his experience working on the trail, he’s considering the possibility of future parks and recreation work. The Unity Trail is a great place to hang out and see nature as it is, Kennedy said, and he is grateful there is still natural beauty in Waynesburg.

Paladino said it’s a beautiful, peaceful area compared to the rest of Waynesburg. There also aren’t a lot of places to walk in nature close to the borough.

Paladino said the trail will be used for educational activities, including last month’s Easter egg hunt. The eggs used looked like real bird eggs from the native species in the area, and kids learned about biodiversity.

She also hopes there’s inspiration to study the history of the land. Students found brick walls and foundations and they aren’t sure what their past purposes were. It also provides opportunities for local scouts.

“It takes a lot of work to build a trail,” Paladino said.

To help with the Unity Trail, contact Paladino at jpaladin@waynesburg.edu or 724-852-3281.