Buckeye Trail volunteer Diane Wright urges Milford to promote its 'trail town' status

Diane Wright, a volunteer and section supervisor with the Buckeye Trail Association, told the Milford City Council on April 2 that Milford occupies a special place on the 1,400‑mile Buckeye Trail and urged the city to promote its status as the association’s first trail town.

Wright said she represents the Buckeye Trail Association and described the trail as a loop that intersects long‑distance routes including the American Discovery Trail and the North Country Scenic Trail. “So my name is Diane Wright, and I'm here representing the Buckeye Trail Association,” she said. She told council members that Milford’s trail junction and trailhead draw hikers passing through the Loveland and Williamsburg sections and that volunteers maintain the trail blazes and help hikers with shuttles and local hospitality.

The presentation highlighted volunteer logistics and local recognition. Wright noted volunteers mark routes with blue blazes and that the association relies on small groups called section supervisors and informal 'Trail Angels' who provide shuttles and aid to through‑hikers. She said she is 630 miles into hiking the trail herself and that Milford was the organization’s first designated trail town. “You are the very first Buckeye Trail trail town,” Wright told the council.

Council members and staff asked about practical support and promotion. A councilor asked whether trail volunteers keep a public list to coordinate shuttles; Wright said section supervisors maintain a list to connect hikers with volunteers who can provide transportation or local assistance. City Manager Michael Doss and others noted that the city could promote the trail on the municipal website and consider signage or Trailhead information at the bike path junction.

Wright offered the association’s help on local outreach and noted the group can provide support letters and participation in events. She asked the council to consider membership or to share contact information with her so the Buckeye Trail Association can add Milford to its local email list for coordination.

City staff and council members thanked Wright for the presentation and said they would explore adding trail information to the city website and possibly highlighting the trailhead in future city promotions. No formal action was taken; the presentation concluded with council appreciation and a referral to staff for follow‑up.