Volunteers needed to build Madison’s new nature trail this Saturday

Madison Greenways and Trails and the Land Trust of North Alabama are looking for volunteers to help build Madison’s newest nature trail this Saturday, May 9.

The trail will be located in the new Mill Creek Nature Preserve on land owned by the Land Trust in the Mill Creek area. This Saturday’s workday will work on the first phase of the preserve by clearing paths, cutting out roots, digging up trip hazards, and compacting the ground to form a level walking surface.

MG&T volunteers already completed a trailhead kiosk earlier this year in April, and the City of Madison laid the groundwork for public access to the trailhead and adjacent historic Gray Cemetery by creating a parking lot and driveway.

“The Land Trust, in coordination with the City of Madison and Madison Greenways and Trails began the process of designing a trail system and getting the plan approved by the City in 2025. Madison Greenways and Trails is taking the lead on constructing the new trails and will be instrumental in maintaining the trails and trailhead as the new preserve grows. A phase two of the new preserve, to add more trails and a second trailhead, is being planned now with hopes of beginning construction late in 2026 or early 2027,” said Abigail Harrison, Land Trust of North Alabama Marketing Director.

Phase 1 will later also include a site survey performed by the Land Trust and the construction of 4 more trails compromising approximately 1 mile total in length.

The preserve and trails are part of the city’s 2045 comprehensive plan to connect Mill Creek Greenway and Bradford Creek Greenway. MG&T anticipates a summer ribbon-cutting to open the area to the public.

Volunteers for Saturday’s workday are advised to wear long pants and closed toe shoes and bring snacks, drinking water, work gloves, and safety glasses though gloves and glasses can be provided.

“Come on out,” urged Heather Morgan of MG&T. “We love having individuals help us build a better Madison. That’s what community is all about. Compared to the creation of trails on Rainbow Mountain, work on these current trails is quite easy. There are no rocks, and the terrain is relatively flat.”

Registration is required to participate in the workday and can be completed online at https://landtrustnal.org/event/trail-build-mill-creek-3/. Updates on future volunteering opportunities can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/madisongreenwayandtrails/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/madisongreenwayandtrails/.