TA News

The Thetford Outdoor Program’s (TOP) Summer Leadership programs launched last month with its annual work week on TA’s trails. Each year, the TOP trail crew heads to the woods to assess and maintain Thetford Academy’s vast trail system – cutting back branches, repairing bridges, removing blowdowns, cleaning out water bars, and more.

This year’s group included 10 student crew members and two student leaders, with many returning members and four who have completed three consecutive years in the program. Community member Dan Grossman, whose vision for trails at TA resulted in the iconic Dan Grossman Woods Trail and more, also lent his equipment and expertise to the crew this year. According to TOP program coordinator Scott Ellis, the team met their goals of “hard work, safety, and fun” while taking on an ambitious list of projects. 

At the top of the list was tackling invasive species on the Torrey Trail, Thetford Academy’s new(ish) mountain bike trail located across Academy Road. In addition, the crew built a bridge and added a short trail between TA’s south campus (the former Barrett property) and the main campus to make passage between the two more safe. The new Panther Pride disc golf course also got some attention, with new stairs to an elevated tee pad, brush and invasive removal, new signage, tee pads, and more.

Two trees, too, were planted in honor of Connor Gaine ’25 and Eldon Crossett ’23, alumni whose dedication to and excellence in the Thetford Outdoor Program earned them the “TOP Tree Award.” All in all, this year’s trail crew left the TA trails and Panther Pride disc golf course in great shape and ready for another year of learning, exploration, and recreation.