Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation is undertaking an island-wide campaign to place benches along walking paths and trails so that more islanders may enjoy the conservation lands of the island.

“Take a Break is a key part of our larger TrailsMV effort to create an island wide network of connected and accessible trails,” said Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation Executive Director Adam Moore, in announcing the new “Take a Break” campaign during an event on Tuesday, September 11^th at the Caroline Tuthill Preserve in Edgartown.

Islander Susan Silk, 72, of West Tisbury brought the campaign idea to Sheriff’s Meadow. “About a decade ago I created a Sunday morning walking group of women with the goal of walking every one of the paths or trails in the Walking Trails of Martha’s Vineyard book by William Flenders,” said Ms. Silk. “We did a lot of them during those two-hour treks and kept at it spring, summer and autumn for several years. But unfortunately I cannot physically do that anymore. I need a place to sit down, rest my back, stretch my legs and reinvigorate myself. Without a bench, with a restorative back, I no longer am able to enjoy so much of island living.”

On hand for the launch event were students from the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School who have agreed to make 4-6 benches a year during wood working class time. Instructor Bill Seabourne will work with the students to create a sturdy design. At the event, Mr. Seabourne noted that each of the students present is a senior, and that this effort presents a great opportunity for the students to give back to the community. Assistant Principal Barbara-jean Chauvin said that she hopes that the School can create benches for a new property each year.

Island members of the Boy Scouts have also volunteered to create benches. The prototype bench, placed on the site of the gathering, was created by islander Doug Ruskin from a catalpa tree that was grown on the Island. Mr. Moore commented that he had learned that the catalpa wood used in the first bench came from a tree that was planted in a student tree-planting effort that took place decades ago.

Chris Bruno, Superintendent of the Manuel F. Corellus State Forest, spoke in support of this effort, noting the interest of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation in placing wooden benches at intervals along hiking trails. Berta Geller, chairman of the West Tisbury Complete Streets Committee, spoke about the accessibility work of the Complete Streets Committee and expressed support for “Take a Break.”

Sheriff’s Meadow initiated the campaign with an initial gift of $10,000 to build and place the first ten (10) benches. There are 20 bench sites on Sheriff’s Meadow properties identified.

At this event Mr. Moore explained how the campaign will continue its fundraising efforts. Bench “donors” will be asked to gift $1,000 and bench “resters” $500. Plaques honoring their generosity will be placed at kioks at trailheads.

“We all know that the island’s population includes many senior citizens. And there are many of us undergoing hip and knee replacements or needing physical therapy for one reason or another. Getting out and walking is often the recommended path to feeling better. Our island trails should be a part of that wellness effort,” Mr. Moore said.

In addition to Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation properties the campaign is reaching out to the island’s other conservation organization to encourage their participation as well as town recreational committees and state agencies. The campaign is seeking corporate sponsorships, donations from the health care and wellness community and individual donors who appreciate the benefits of island living.

“There are more than 200 miles of trails and on this island. There are many opportunities to enrich the lives of Islanders by making these beautiful spots accessible for more and more of our residents and visitors. We have created a campaign that is affordable and truly an Island effort,” Mr. Moore said.