West Liberty University Completes Work on Two Miles of Campus Hiking Trails

Photo Caption: The Campus Woods trails provide recreational and educational opportunities forWest Liberty University students.

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. —West Liberty University has completed work on two miles of hiking trails in its 169-acre Campus Woods.

“Developing a hiking trail on campus provides numerous benefits for students, employees, and the surrounding community,” said Dr. Tim Borchers, President. “Beyond offering an opportunity for outdoor recreation, the trail system serves as a valuable resource for academic research, experiential learning, and student engagement.”

Expand Energy provided a $25,000 grant for trail system improvements, including a new trailhead, signage throughout the trails, a bridge over North Fork Short Creek, and a side-by-side utility vehicle.

A Volunteer West Virginia September 11th Day of Service Grant supported a volunteer event during new student orientation. Students built and placed benches and picnic tables, marked trails, and removed debris and invasive species. For ongoing trail upkeep, Warwood Tool Company provided a grant of professional-grade tools to the WLU Foundation for use by volunteers and maintenance teams.

Under the guidance of Visual Communication Design Professor Moonjung Kang, WLU student Bre Boogaart developed branding and signage for the trails. “It is very exciting to see my design work come to life with such a meaningful project that inspires others to engage with nature,” said Boogaart. “This project gave me first-hand experience creating and working on a long-term branding project. And it taught me the many components that play a part in large scale projects like this one.”

WLU staff say the trails offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and learning while supporting physical and mental health.

“Walking is beneficial to physical health in many ways such as lowering your blood pressure and improving lung function. Specifically, walking outdoors on uneven terrain such as the WLU Campus Woods trails causes more muscle use than walking on a treadmill,” said Christy Bennington, Director of Student Health Services. “Outdoor conditions make your body work harder leading to increased calorie burn. Sunlight helps your body produce Vitamin D which supports bone health and immune function.”

“There is an increasing amount of evidence documenting the beneficial impacts of physical activity and being in nature on mental health,” said Lisa Witzberger, Director of Counseling Services. “Hiking reduces stress, improves mood, and improves cognitive function. Overall, the trails are a great place to reduce stress and overthinking, enhance mood and improve quality of life.”

“Donor support and the work of our Facilities Services staff have created a beautiful asset for the University that will provide opportunities for our students for years to come,” said Borchers.

West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. To apply or learn more about West Liberty University, visit westliberty.edu.

Media Contact:
Rhone Thrash
West Liberty University
rhone.thrash@westliberty.edu