Visit Franklin Edible Walking Trail on Facebook for up to date progress.
A series of planned edible walking trails in Franklin NY (Delaware County). First trail opened 2017 behind the village park.
In 2016, approximately 3 acres of pasture was donated to the Village of Franklin by the Walter Rich estate. Upon considering uses of this land, along with ideas on what might attract visitors to the already existing memorial and community park- the idea of creating an edible walking trail was proposed.
Thus was born Delaware County’s first public edible walking trail. Planning began with informal surveying of the land and identification of indigenous plants already existing in the pasture, as well as potential routes for trails within the pasture.
In the spring and summer of 2017, the first of 3 proposed trails was created along the lower western portion of the property. It was also determined that a foot bridge would be necessary to allow dry access to the first trail, as a marshy area remained wet and muddy throughout the spring and much of the summer. Funding for the foot bridge was provided by the O’Connor Foundation and a private donor.
Other individuals and organizations have contributed various plants, shrubs and trees, and many more have pledged a plant donation upon appropriate planting/transplanting seasons. And yet others have pledged to assist with the physical labor required to help further develop the pasture.
The grand opening of the first trail occurred on August 26, 2017, during New Old Franklin Day with a few words from Mayor Tom Briggs and an official ribbon cutting ceremony.
The edible walking trail will serve many purposes including: an option for mild/moderate physical exercise, educational opportunities, healthy snacking and eating options available for harvest, and something for the community to simply enjoy and share.
Future plans over the next year include further development of trail #1, creation of trail #2, purchasing and planting in fall 2017 and spring 2018, and building of an information kiosk for trail visitors.