June 2, 2019
By: Dwayne Page
Edgar Evins State Park celebrated National Trails Day on Saturday with a ribbon cutting at the kid friendly half mile Hillside Story Book Trail featuring the new story “Anybody Home”? by Marianne Berkes and illustrated by Rebeccca Dickinson
Miss Teen Tennessee Beauty Supreme, Gracie Travis of Woodbury joined Ranger Ramble, the Tennessee State Park mascot, in cutting the ribbon on the updated trail which tells the story about Polly Possum who is looking for a home among the forest creatures where she can raise her expected babies. Full color reproductions of book pages are posted at child height level at 60 yard intervals along the trail for youngsters to read or have their parents or caregivers read to them as they stroll along the trail.
The purpose of the Storybook Trail is to stimulate young readers as well as to encourage youngsters and caregivers to enjoy an outdoor experience together. It was built by volunteers and park staff as a project of the Friends of Edgar Evins State Park.
(Meet Miss Teen Tennessee Beauty Supreme, Gracie Travis of Woodbury)
Saturday’s event featured refreshments, party favors, face painting and other activities. Bob Tarter of Animology (formerly NHECM) brought along a few wild animals to show and Andrew Webber, a seasonal ranger at Edgar Evins State Park, took around a baby opossum for children to see and touch. Kids and grown ups were also provided possum ears to wear and take home made by members of Girl Scout Troop 3094