**The Gouverneur Lions Club, working in its first phase to upgrade the nature trail by the Gouverneur Elementary School, removed 12 50-year-old exercise stations. (photo provided by Roger LaPierre)**

by Rachel Hunter

With the approval of the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education and GCSD Superintendent of Schools Lauren French, the Gouverneur Lions Club in conjunction with the school maintenance department completed phase one of the Gouverneur Elementary School Nature Trail clean-up and upgrade, which included removal and disposal of 12 50-year-old wooden exercise stations.

Phase two of the project will be to resurface portions of trails which get flooded out at certain times of the year along with redoing the wooden walkway bridge, perhaps even as a covered bridge.

Superintendent of Schools Lauren French was also successful in obtaining a $10,000 grant for new trail equipment, which will help revitalize the nature trail for years to come.

More information on this endeavor will be published once it is made available to the Gouverneur Tribune Press.

Much gratitude is extended to all those for their cooperation on this project, so that the Gouverneur community can enjoy a great one-mile walk in the woods – that is safe and easy.

This Saturday, February 1, North Country families are invited to head out to the nature trail for a “Winter Book Walk” anytime between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. This is a free event that is sponsored by the Gouverneur Central School District Wellness Committee and Elementary PTO in conjunction with the St. Lawrence County Health Initiative. Mounted book pages located around the trail will give families the experience of walking through a winter story while getting active and having fun. There also will be fitness challenges at each stop for those looking for an optional challenge to get active with family members. All those who are interested in joining are reminded to dress warmly and don their winter weather gear before heading out the door to join this free, family friendly event. For more information, visit the GCSD Wildcat Facebook page.