For hiking interests in this nation, the first Saturday in June is called National Trails Day. For local canal and trails volunteers, this Saturday is also Volunteer Recognition Day.

To be recognized will be all those who have been involved in the past year's trail building and maintenance, park outdoor exhibit construction, serving as docents at the Canal Center, flower planting, work on the Stearns Truss bridge, and other related jobs.

The volunteers are invited to a free lunch at 12 noon at the Canal Park Shelter House in Delphi. The meal is provided by the local Psi Iota Xi sorority.

After lunch, family and friends, as well as the general public, may join the volunteers for the recognition ceremony.

All canal and trails volunteers present will receive an Earth Team hat or shirt for their efforts. The Carroll County Soil & Water Conservation District and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service have sponsored these items. Some volunteers have amassed hundreds of hours of service. Special recognition will also be given to the youth groups, Scouts and 4-Hers that have been involved during the past year.

Those who would like to become volunteers are also invited to the ceremony. There is a special need right now for co-captains for the canal pontoon boat.

Narrated walk

Immediately after the ceremony, at 1 p.m., a narrated hike will begin. The easy walk will include a visit to the site where the 1905 wrought iron Stearns Truss bridge has been placed behind Dairy Queen and Pizza Hut. For those wanting an additional longer jaunt, the walk will progress south on the VanScoy Towpath to Sunset Point at the confluence of Deer Creek and the Wabash. This year's focus of trail narration will be the site of the 1839-1840 wooden lock and nearby Irish canal construction camp.