From left are Dena Ward, Tilly, Kyle, Jessi and Charlie Swanson.

MAYVILLE — On one of his recent trail runs, Bill Ward, Chautauqua Rails to Trails board member and Chautauqua County legislator, came upon a boy and his mom walking the Webb trail with their dog.

Charlie had an armful of various cans, bottles and refuse while his mom, Jessi Swanson, was carrying the overflow with dog Tilly in tow. She told Ward that this was at least a weekly effort initiated by Charlie, a member of Cub Scout Pack 126 in Mayville. At some point during their walks from their trail-adjacent home, Charlie noticed that there was a considerable amount of refuse along the sides and asked if he could clean it up. The tradition began and so along with Mom, dad Kyle Swanson, and Tilly, the 7 year-old trail steward would often go about his cleanup.

It so impressed the Chautauqua Rails to Trails board members that they decided to honor Charlie and his efforts with some Rails-to-Trails gifts presented on behalf of Dena Ward, Chautauqua Rails to Trails by board member.

For more info visit chaurtt.org.