The three Rotary Clubs of Beaufort recently added an important amenity on the Spanish Moss Trail by collaborating with the Friends of the Spanish Moss Trail to sponsor and install pet-waste stations.

“We hope this joint Rotary project will provide a model for others to support additional pet-waste stations and other important amenities and enhancements on the Spanish Moss Trail,” said Sissy Perryman, the Friends of the Spanish Moss Trail’s Public Awareness and Development Consultant. “These stations provide an attractive and convenient solution for managing pet waste and help ensure an enjoyable experience on the trail for everyone.”

[caption id="attachment_17062" align="alignleft" width="200"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Rotary-Club-Depot-Building-Pet-Waste-Station.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-17062" alt="The pet-waste stations installed by area Rotary Clubs at the Depot building on the Spanish Moss Trail." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Rotary-Club-Depot-Building-Pet-Waste-Station-200x300.jpg" width="200" height="300" /></a> The pet-waste stations installed by area Rotary Clubs at the Depot building on the Spanish Moss Trail.[/caption]

The Rotary Clubs involved include the Rotary Club of the Lowcountry, Sea Island Rotary Club and the Beaufort Rotary Club. Under the leadership of Charlotte Gonzalez, President of the Rotary Club of the Lowcountry, the three clubs funded and installed five pet-waste stations on the trail. Their leadership inspired a sixth station sponsored by private citizens Alan Beach and Wendy and Ron Wekenmann. The six stations are located at strategic locations on the Trail at the Depot Building; the trestle behind Technology College of the Lowcountry; the benches between Rogers and Broome Lane; the benches between Brotherhood and Riverside; and at the Westvine Trailhead.

“For years, the Rotary Club of the Lowcountry has been involved in Adopt-A-Highway and when asked to get involved in the Spanish Moss Trail we didn’t hesitate,” said Gonzalez.  “We have adopted the trail area between Riverside and Brotherhood and pick up the trash at least once a week for that portion of the trail. So when the Friends of the Spanish Moss Trail approached us to help secure these pet-waste stations, we invited the Beaufort Rotary Club and Sea Island Rotary Club to work together for this important project in community.”

Over the two days of installing the pet-waste stations, Gonzalez said they had about 25 different Rotary members along with their children and spouses pitch in along the trail.

The cost of these six trail pet-waste stations was $1,300. The Rotary Clubs also purchased 6,000 extra

[caption id="attachment_17063" align="alignright" width="300"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Rotary-Clubs-Pet-Waste-Installation-on-Trail.jpeg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-17063" alt="Members of local Rotary Clubs and their families install pet-waste stations recently on the Spanish Moss Trail." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Rotary-Clubs-Pet-Waste-Installation-on-Trail-300x225.jpeg" width="300" height="225" /></a> Members of local Rotary Clubs and their families install pet-waste stations recently on the Spanish Moss Trail.[/caption]

replacement bags and a sign attached to each station indicating they were provided by the three local Rotary Clubs.

If you or your business is interested in information about sponsoring additional pet-waste stations or supporting other amenities for the Spanish Moss Trail, please contact info@spanishmosstrail.com.

The Spanish Moss Trail has a 10-Phase Master Plan, which when complete, will be a 13.6-mile long, 12-foot wide, paved trail dedicated to pedestrians and bicyclists. The first two phases (3.3 miles) are complete and open for public use connecting the heart of Beaufort to the Town of Port Royal (with parking at Depot Road, Broome Lane and Westvine Drive). The Friends of the Spanish Moss Trail has led the effort in support of the most recent phase under construction between Parris Island Gateway and Roseida Road.

The Friends of the Spanish Moss Trail is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Northern Beaufort County by developing, enhancing and maintaining the Spanish Moss Trail — through community partnerships, local government participation and private support. For more information, visit www.spanishmosstrail.com or email info@spanishmosstrail.com.
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