FALLS VILLAGE — On a dreary Monday morning, April 12, a group of 35 eager University of Connecticut students gathered in a clearing off River Road in Falls Village, ready to do some trail work.
They were greeted by Bob Whelan, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Connecticut. The organization owns the property, which includes the access to the Blue Trail.
The goal, Whelan explained, was to clear up the access to the trail and the parking area.
The other goal, Whelan explained, was to avoid tick bites. He was equipped with various tick-discouraging ointments and sprays.
The students were all part of Honors Across State Borders (HASB), a student organization that focuses on community service.
As the name suggests, HASB usually goes out of state.
Group leader Cailin Tennis of Granby, Conn., said that with pandemic restrictions, the group had to cancel last year’s planned trip to New Orleans, and this year decided to stay in state.
Asked if she had any regrets at spending spring break in a chilly wet field instead of, say, a Florida beach, she was emphatic.
“Never!”
The HASB volunteers were scheduled to work on trails and other Habitat projects for the entire week. They stayed at Club Getaway in Kent.
