Community spirit reflected in upkeep of Sterling Pointe trail

Even though she retired from a 35-year nursing career, Donna Williams still works. Although these days she doesn't attend to patients, instead her life revolves around the Sterling Pointe equestrian trail."I want everyone to know that working on this trail is about preserving the essence of what Loomis is," said Williams, who has lived in Loomis for 35 years, where she has ridden the local trails and participated as a member of the Folsom Lake Volunteer Patrol.For about the last five years Williams has been active in the upkeep of the 4.6-acre county park and trail system that is located in the Sterling Pointe neighborhood off Lomida Lane and Auburn Folsom Road in Loomis."This is a pedestrian and horse trail only," Williams said. "It was built as a place for families."Al Frei and his 18-year-old daughter Alina visit the Sterling Pointe trail a few times each week. Al Frei was the principal at Del Oro High School from 1975 to 1981. He appreciates the area's easy access and the staging area for his horses."This trail offers lots of variety and you can go all the way to Lake Tahoe or just down to Granite Bay from this site," Al Frei said. "It's important to have trails like this one and being able to share it with pedestrians and hikers. I also appreciate that it's safe and well-maintained."The trail begins with an equestrian staging area and a few kiosk-style bulletin boards with maps and trail markers as well as one entitled "The Life of a Mountain Stream," which was created by local volunteers."We've had so much help," Williams said.Loomis resident Jack Velasco helped build two of the trail bulletin boards that feature information about what visitors can expect to see. Glenn and Mary Meyers of Loomis provided the cement pads for the tables and benches and trail improvements."They never charged anything," Williams said. "They brought in their own equipment and men. Terry Haney of Knickerknob Stables even paid for half of the cost of the trail signs."Twin brothers Sam and Will Meijer, 15, of Lincoln, who usually work at the Loomis Flower Farm Nursery, also have given their time to help plant trees in the trail's parking lot. The boys spent several hours a few weeks ago planting nine California Sycamore trees that were donated by the Loomis Basin Horseman Association.Williams said the work on getting the trail in shape for public use began with a donation from the Wendell T. Robie Foundation that paid for the trail maker signs. In addition, Placer County Parks and several other local agencies have provided funding for the park and trail. Today, much of the Loomis trail features several interpretive signs on the plants and also includes information about the plant usage by Native Americans."We even have signs at the beginning of the trail done by the Audubon Society that tell people what birds they might see while walking," Williams said. "When people come out here they can relate to the geography, wildlife and plants that are here. All the signs help to put it in context for them."The Sterling Pointe equestrian staging area and trail are open seven days per week throughout the year during daylight hours.