The Southampton Trails Preservation Society (STPS) has been protecting 300 miles of trails for 30 years. The group offers dozens of guided hikes year-round that showcase the beauty and uniqueness of the local landscape.
Keeping the trails available to hikers is the primary mission of STPS, whose tireless volunteers perform constant maintenance. “Trimming, weeding and mowing. We do a lot of everything,” says Susan Colledge, Co-Chair of Trail Maintenance at STPS. “We also do blazing, which is nailing the trail name signs to the trees. We make sure they’re always in good condition. We’re constantly seeking volunteers.”
STPS found that scenic trails were being lost to development. The Society works actively with the Town of Southampton government, neighboring trail groups and many environmental organizations to advocate for and create a system of public-use trails. STPS members are volunteers dedicated to protecting and preserving historic trails, greenbelts and open space, as well as creating new trail systems.
STPS has sponsored thousands of free weekend hikes led by experienced volunteers. People are encouraged to embrace nature and learn about the different species of plants and animals, and various habitats. “We saw a bald eagle once at Crooked Pond,” says Kirkbright. “It was so amazing.” With trails leading to and around 12 ponds, and 18 different hikes to choose from, there’s a hike for every age and ability. “We’d love to see more children participate,” says Colledge. “We make it fun and exciting.”
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I am Jeff Clark, founder of Internet Brothers, producer of this blog, and passionate about hiking. I live in Western NC near the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests are just out my door, so the content will focus on these areas, but let me know what you would like to see on the site. 
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