A Bridge Together: Wehrung’s Materials + Friends Hard Work
August 2026
Directions to the Sterner Mill Trail:
From Route 313, turn onto 563 North for about 0.8 miles, turn right into the “only” parking lot for Sterner Mill Trail.
From 412, follow 563 south for approximately 7.5 miles, parking lot is on the left.
The Storm
In 2022, a storm sent a massive red oak and an ash tree crashing down onto the Sterner Mill trail bridge. Our trail maintenance crew cleared the debris, but the verdict on the bridge itself was grim: it was beyond repair. Only the footing could be saved.
The project stalled. Funding was tight, even though our members were ready and willing to supply the labor — we just didn’t have the materials to build it.
The Solution
Then came a stroke of luck. In a casual conversation, one of our members happened to mention the bridge to a member of the Wehrung family. Wehrung offered to help. We put together a sketch and a Bill of Materials, and Wehrung came through with EVERYTHING on the list.
From there, it was up to us. Over three work parties and roughly 60 hours of volunteer labor, our crew turned lumber into a bridge. On August 4, 2026, the new Sterner Mill trail bridge was complete — built on a foundation of community, generosity, and a little bit of luck… and one very generous friend in Wehrung.
