Silver City Mayor Ken Ladner (left) and long-time trail advocate Joseph Gendron evaluate the Spring Street trail head at Boston Hill.Silver City' Boston Hill Open Space trail advocates Bob Schiowitz and Joseph Gendron recently took a walk with Silver City Mayor Ken Ladner to discuss the upcoming improvements at both the Cheyenne and Market Street trail head entrances. Both will see drainage and grading improvements to reverse damage from heavy rains earlier this year, making the trails less steep and more accessible to a diverse group of users, explained James Marshall, assistant town manager. Improvements are expected to be completed by mid-January.

"Most people don't understand that the Town of Silver City doesn't have staff dedicated to maintaining our local trail system - we just don't have the resources," Marshall said. "That's why we are so appreciative of local trail and open space advocates who bring maintenance needs to our attention, and who are willing to get out there and help us actually do the work. This partnership makes all the difference in the quality and accessibility of our open spaces here in Silver City."

There are nearly 20 miles of publicly owned trails in Grant County, all of which need regular care and maintenance, in addition to other informal trails within Silver City town limits. Collaboration is key, says Marshall, given that the trails pass through lands owned by various governmental entities, including the federal Bureau of Land Management. The Market Street trail entrance improvements, for instance, are a collaborative effort of the Town of Silver City, Grant County, Western New Mexico University and trail advocates like Schiowitz, Gendron and others who will help improve trail head aesthetics once the grading work is completed.

In 1999, trail advocates convinced Town leaders to purchase Boston Hill for recreational use, and negotiated a portion of the land to be donated. "Now the challenge is to find funding to manage and maintain our local trails," said Schiowitz, who is considering creating a nonprofit organization to do just that. "We've been fortunate to have help from local trail enthusiasts, youth from Aldo Leopold High School as well as the International Mountain Biking Association to develop the trail heads and kiosks. Hidalgo Medical Services funded all of the signage - it's been a real community effort over time."

Schiowitz added that trail advocates are currently evaluating the Spring Street trail head for maintenance needs. He encouraged trail users to pitch in and help maintain the trails for everyone.

"People assume that there is someone getting paid to maintain the Boston Hill trail system, but that's just not the case, and we all need to help," he said. "If you see trash, pick it up. Anyone can pitch in an hour or two of their time. You'd be surprised what you can accomplish when we all work together. These trails are a great natural resource close to where many people live, and they really improve the quality of life for Silver City residents."

For more information or to volunteer, please contact James Marshall, assistant Town Manager, at 575 597-6340.