GREENFIELD, NH — Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center is seeking volunteers to join in a celebration of "National Trails Day" on Saturday, June 3rd at 9:00 am . Participants will be part of a groundbreaking opportunity to develop a new universally accessible hiking trail to and around a large wetland, enabling everyone, including people with disabilities, to enjoy the wilderness. Water, lunch and tools will be provided.

Volunteers will be using bow saws and loppers to remove small trees and brush to open a corridor for the proposed trail. Participants may bring their own tools and should wear appropriate footwear for the woods. Bug repellant is also advisable.

"Our vision is to create a series of trails on our campus that are no more than a 5% grade," explains director of environmental projects, Jim Orr. "We will be using natural materials to create a smooth, hard-packed surface that will accommodate strollers and cross-country skiers, as well as those who use wheelchairs."

Crotched Mountain is a proud member of the Alliance of Hiking Organizations, and will be conducting additional trail-building days on Friday, June 16^th and Saturday, July 15^th. Directions are available on the organization's website: www.crotchedmountain.org. For further information, contact Jim Orr: 603-547-3311, ext 409.

National Trails Day was launched in 1993 by the American Hiking Society (www.americanhiking.org) to increase the awareness of community trails and support local volunteer trail clubs. With 1,132 registered events in 2005, the awareness of trails was brought to thousands of people through dedications, hikes, nature walks, bikes, paddles, horse rides, trail maintenance trips, and many other activities.

Crotched Mountain is a charitable organization employing 900 people. Its mission is to serve individuals with disabilities and their families, embracing personal choice and development, and building communities of mutual support. Crotched Mountain provides specialized education, rehabilitation, community, and residential support services for more than 2,000 consumers, including individuals with disabilities and the elderly, living in New England and New York . For more information about Crotched Mountain please visit their web site: http://www.crotchedmountain.org.

(END)