WATERVILLE -- Hiking, biking and walking on recreational trails is not only a healthful activity, it's also free.

Waterville, Winslow, Benton, Fairfield and Oakland have seven miles of trails in scenic areas along the Kennebec River and Messalonskee Stream -- quiet places where birds and other wildlife are plentiful.

The Kennebec Messalonskee Trails organization has spent about $1.3 million on the trails so far and expects to put another $6 million or $7 million into a total of about 26 miles before the project is completed, according to President Peter Garrett.

"This is a trail system we want the community to think of as theirs, and they can exercise and enjoy where they live rather than having to go somewhere else for enjoyment of the outdoors," Garrett said Thursday.

On Sunday, those who love the outdoors are invited to a work party to help spiff up about a mile of trail behind Waterville Junior High School. Volunteers are asked to meet at 9 a.m. at the school and bring rakes and wheelbarrows if they have them.

"Materials needed to do any work to help groom the trail will be provided," said Don Sproul, executive director of Kennebec Messalonskee Trails. "Several areas kind of washed out. We'll be replacing steps and grooming where erosion has taken place. We'll cut back brush and fill in little holes and rake the trail."

The work is being done in preparation for National Trails Day on June 7, when Kennebec Messalonskee Trails will host a walk on the trail. The walk will start at 10 a.m. with both Garrett and Sproul speaking briefly about volunteer opportunities available and the importance of not only maintaining trails but also keeping funds for such maintenance. Shannon Haines, chairwoman of the publicity committee for the trails organization, also is scheduled to speak. She is executive director of the Waterville Main Street Program.

Butch Merritt, who cleared the trail about 20 years ago, will be recognized for his work, Sproul said. Healthful refreshments and prizes will be provided at the end of the walk, and more serious hikers are invited to cross West River Road and hike on trails at Pine Ridge Golf Course.

For the seventh year, Inland Hospital is partnering with Kennebec Messalonskee Trails on the National Trails Day event, with the hospital's Move & Improve Celebration Walk.

Ellen Wells, Inland's community wellness coordinator, says walking trails provide great places for people to engage in healthful activities during all seasons.

"Getting outside and being more active is a winning combination for managing your weight, lowering your blood pressure, reducing stress and boosting your spirits," Wells said.

Trails developed so far include those along the Kennebec River from Benton to Winslow; along Messalonskee Stream behind the Alfond Youth Center and North Street Recreation area in Waterville; near the Town Office in Oakland; along Head of Falls in Waterville; and at Mill Island Stream in Fairfield. Trails officials had hoped to open a trail being developed behind Thomas College for National Trails Day but parts of it were washed out during heavy rains this spring, Sproul said. He said that trail is being worked on and ultimately will be connected to the trail behind the junior high school.

Funds for the trails efforts come from various sources, with grants being the primary one, according to Sproul. He said the grants actually are obtained through municipalities.

"It's important to know that with every grant you get, there has to be matching funds," he said. "That's where we come in. We encourage municipalities to apply for funding and work with municipalities to get grants."

Kennebec Messalonskee Trails helps raise matching funds for grants that come, for instance from the Department of Conservation, he said.

"For every dollar we raise, we're able to leverage and get about $17.50 per dollar," he said. The state Department of Transportation also has grants available when trails can be used as alternate routes of transportation for commuters, he said.

Amy Calder -- 861-9247

acalder@centralmaine.com