The Mechanicsville Riding Club has embraced the Tread Lightly! concept and is working with James River State Park to promote a good conservation ethic with all visiting equestrians.
Tread Lightly! principles are designed to protect the outdoors and to also protect access to recreational opportunities for now and the future.
While camping at James River State Park the Mechanicsville Riding Club viewed responsible horseback riding posters around the park and spoke with Assistant Park Manager Debbie Coffin.
The group offered to make a donation to the park to help with the efforts of promoting responsible riding. The plan was to reach the equestrian community about the conservation issues associated with going off the trail.
“To have an entire organization of horseback riders help with educating the other equestrian users is a huge step in the right direction,” said Coffin. “The park looks forward to working with this group and possibly other groups in the future.”
Thirteen members of the Mechanicsville Riding Club joined a few of the staff at James River State Park on May 7 and constructed an attractive embellishment to a pedestrian access on the river along the River Trail which had been used by horseback riders in the past. 
“This is such a great group of equestrians to work with because they understand the importance of responsible riding and how it effects the conservation of our natural resources,” said Coffin. “We had a great time working on this project and I expect to have the signage ready and installed by this fall.”
The park is located off of Route 60 at Bent Creek, 7 miles down Route 605 (Riverside Rd.).
Any one interested in volunteering at James River State Park can contact the main office at 434-933-4355 or sign up on line.
For general park information visit our website, contact the park office at 434-933-4395 or e-mail James River State Park at JamesRiver@dcr.virginia.gov. James River State Park is located at 751 Park Road, Gladstone, VA 24553.
Overnight reservations can also be made by calling 1-800-933-PARK (7275) or by booking on line.
