The third of a series of four walks in Newton County Trails’ Everybody Walk Newton campaign will be Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Porterdale.

Porterdale Mayor Arline Chapman will lead the walk, telling the group about the benefits of trails as an economic development tool.

Porterdale has used outdoor recreation as a tool to improve the mill town as groups gather there every weekend to kayak along the Yellow River.

"Porterdale is moving forward inch by inch and foot by foot with the Yellow River Trail. We are pleased to be a part of the Newton County Trail system and thrilled to welcome citizens to Porterdale this Wednesday,” Chapman said. “We will meet at the Depot and follow the Yellow River Park Trail meandering parallel to the beautiful Yellow River."

The first two walks in the Everybody Walk Newton series were held in Covington, along the Eastside Trail. The first Wednesday in April, participants heard from Dr. Ryan Tomlins about the physical benefits of walking. Last week, walkers heard form Covington Mayor Ronnie Johnston and Covington Police Chief Stacey Cotton on trail safety and the benefits of trails in building a community.

The fourth, and final walk, will be April 27 in Oxford with Avis Williams, local minister and community activist and Dr. Doug Gilreath, senior pastor at First United Methodist Church leading a discussion finding spiritual and mental health on the trail.
During the first two walks a total of nearly 150 citizens participated in the campaign. Those walking in at least three of the four walks will receive a Newton Trails T-shirt. Another way to receive a T-shirt is to join Newton Trails by making a $100 tax deductible contribution.

More information on these walks and other trails news, can be found at newtontrails.org.