The Troy Master Gardeners’ project to define the nature trail at the Pioneer Museum of Alabama with crossties needs the support of the community. The Gardeners purchased a large number of crossties with grant funds but more are needed to complete the project. Those who would like to assist with the nature trail project are encouraged to do so by making a monetary donation toward the purchase of crossties or to donate ties to the project.

Daniel Webster’s definition of the noun crosstie is: a tie placed across something for support, specifically a railroad tie.

Six members of the Pike Liberal Arts Excel Clubs didn’t know that definition. And they didn’t ask when Headmaster Becky Baggett asked for volunteers to help the Troy Master Gardeners to move and place crossties to define the nature trails at the Pioneer Museum of Alabama. The Excel Club members just jumped at the chance to earn community service hours that are required at the school.

“I didn’t know what a crosstie was,” said Gracie Capps, president of the Senior Excel Club at PLAS. “I know what it is now – a big, heavy stick of wood.”

Caitlyn Barron added to Capps’ definition of crosstie. “A stick that weighs a ton,” she said, wiping the “glistening” from her brow.

Jeffrey Saunders did not agree with Webster that “crosstie” is a noun. “It’s a verb because it’s work.”

The Excel members admitted they might not have volunteered at the Pioneer Museum if they had known the service project was “trying” to move a mile-high stack of eight-foot crossties that weigh 200 pounds each.

But, since they did volunteer and because it’s for such a great cause, they will be back and next time they’ll come dressed for the occasion – jeans, tee-shirts, boots and heavy gloves to prevent broken nails. And bug spray to keep away the gnats.

“The members of our Excel Clubs, junior and senior, are committed to community service,” Baggett said, pausing to lend an ear to a scream, ‘A spider’s on me!’ before continuing. “PLAS is the first school in the country to have an Excel Club and we’re very proud of that. Our club members participate in a variety of community service projects and they learn the importance of giving back to your community.”

The PLAS Excel Clubs, which are sponsored by the Troy Exchange Club, have a combined membership of 61. The senior club has 26 members and the junior club has 35.

Master Gardener Judy Griswald and chair of the museum project, knew the PLAS Excel Club members have earned the reputation of being dedicated to community service and of sticking with any projects to which they commit.

“I was very pleased that Mrs. Baggett was interested and excited to have the opportunity for her students,” Griswald said. “I’m not sure the students knew what they were getting into but they worked hard and did a good job. We look forward to having them back.”

Griswald admitted that moving crossties is no easy task but it’s a necessary one.

Time and the elements have taken a toll on the timbers that define the nature trails and need to be replaced.

“The nature trails were eroding and we were having some navigation problems,” said Kari Barley, museum director. “To fix those problems, the trails needed to be defined and the best and most lasting way to do that is with crossties.”

Barley said she and the museum’s board of directors greatly appreciate the support of the Troy Master Gardeners.

“The Master Gardeners partner with the museum in several ways,” Barley said. “Their project to define the nature trail is greatly needed and very much appreciated.

The Master Gardeners received a matching grant from the American Master Gardeners Association that made it possible for them to purchase the crossties for the project.

“The grant made it possible for us to get the project underway and will go a long way toward the completion of the project but we need more crossties and we’ll be working toward that,” Griswald said. “The Pioneer Museum is a real asset to Troy and Pike County and we enjoy being a part of the many good things offered here.”

The Master Gardeners plant and maintain an herb garden at the museum and a rain garden.

“We’ll soon be working to get the herb garden up and going,” Griswald said. “We’re going to plant old-time herbs next to the kitchen door and other good smelling herbs and herbs for medicinal purposes all around. We’re looking forward to fall and all the activities planned here at the museum including Pioneer Days.”