Skiatook Journal

Thanks to the assistance of a troop of Boy Scouts, local joggers and bike riders will soon be one step closer to having a new 15-mil trail to enjoy.

On Saturday, Feb. 25, a group of Boy Scouts assisted Land Legacy, a local non-profit organization, in clearing brush and repairing fences along a stretch of trail in the northern metropolitan area. In addition to developing complete the trail for public use, the Scouts earned service points for their efforts.

QuikTrip Corporation provided materials as well as pastries and lunches from QT Kitchens for the Scouts and their adult leaders.

"We are very grateful to the Scouts for their help," said Jim Denny, Vice President of QuikTrip and Vice Chair of Land Legacy. "Land Legacy and QuikTrip are proud to partner with the Scouts on this important service project."

The Scouts spent the day clearing brush from the trail right-of-way and repairing a damaged fence along a portion of the trail. Once completed, the trail will be near completion.

Scout leaders see this project as perfect for their troops.

"We are always pleased to assist with projects that both benefit the community and help to develop leadership skills among the Scouts," said Bill Shaffer, leader of boy Scouts Troop 26 of Tulsa.

All materials needed for fence repairs and brush clearing, as well as food and beverages for the Scouts, were provided by QuikTrip.

This project allows me to wear three hats," said Denny. "It's a great opportunity to involve QuikTrip in this project. Plus, as a board member for both Indian Nations Council and Land Legacy. I'm delighted to see these two fine organizations working together."

The trail, which runs from downtown Tulsa to Skiatook, was opened to the public from the OSU-Tulsa campus to 56th Street North last year. The remainder, leading to just north of Skiatook, is scheduled to open this spring.

"With help from the Scouts, we hope to open this portion of the trail, extending from the Tulsa County line to north of Skiatook, to the public very soon," said Land Legacy Executive Director Robert Gregory. "this portion runs through some beautiful rural areas and will be a tremendous public amenity."

The Osage Prairie Trail is being constructed with funds through the Vision 2025 Program approved by Tulsa County voters and a Recreational Trail Program grant from the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department.