Photo By Noe Gonzalez | Granville, Tenn. (Sept. 27, 2025) — John Deane (left), owner of Wildwood Resort &...... read more read more
GRANVILLE, Tenn. (Sep. 29, 2025) — National Public Lands Day volunteers recently composed a new chapter of adventure and learning on the Periwinkle Trail at Cordell Hull Lake by creating a unique ‘Storybook’ experience for childhood literacy.
The community collaboration involved organizations such as the Jackson County Imagination Library, Smith County Library, Boy Scouts of America, Friends of Cordell Hull Lake, and the Tennessee Tech Wildlife Society. They teamed up with the Nashville District for the NPLD event Sept. 27 and installed a half mile of mulch along the new “Storybook” section of the trail.
"The Corps of Engineers' land-based recreation aligns perfectly with the new Storybook Trail of the Periwinkle Hiking Trail," said Ashley Webster, a park ranger with USACE who builds strong relationships with these volunteers. "This initiative brought together multiple agencies for a shared mission: promoting literacy and encouraging youth to get outdoors in Smith and Jackson counties. It's an accomplishment for everyone involved."
The effort marks the beginning of an adventure that combines reading with outdoor exploration, encouraging young visitors to discover new stories along the 2.5-mile stretch of scenic trail.
The Storybook Trail concept
The Storybook Trail merges early childhood literacy with outdoor activity. As visitors hike along the trail, they encounter stations featuring pages from a children’s book, accompanied by activities that encourage interaction with nature.
The idea for Storybook Trail comes from Kenny Claywell, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers natural resources program manager, who saw a similar trail at a North Carolina lake. “The Periwinkle Trail marks the founding of the Friends of Cordell Hull Lake, a nonprofit cooperating association with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.” Claywell said, noting the collaboration with partners like the Smith and Jackson County Chambers of Commerce, the county mayors, and both Imagination Libraries.
John Deane, owner of Wildwood Resort & Marina and board member of the Jackson County Imagination Library, led the ribbon cutting ceremony “It’s a journey into the imagination,” Deane said during the dedication. “Each page along the way invites children and families to explore stories under the sky and the trees, blending the magic of reading and the wonder of the outdoors.”
Faith Henshaw of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Jackson County Chapter Board of Directors, read aloud the inaugural book featured on the trail, When the Storm Comes by Linda Ashman, during the dedication ceremony.
Stone Fagan, a park ranger who spearheaded the project, said, "The development of the Storybook Trail and Track Trail has been a rewarding experience, and none of this would have been possible without the dedication of our incredible ranger team and the invaluable support from our partners.”
Volunteers bring the vision to life
The success of the Storybook Trail happens because of the dedication of local volunteers who turn the vision into reality. More than 400 bags of mulch were pre-staged by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rangers the week before the event, and volunteers worked together to move the mulch onto the trail in under 90 minutes.
Volunteers from the Friends of Cordell Hull Lake, Jackson County Imagination Library, local Boy Scout troops, and the Tennessee Tech Wildlife Society play a huge role in the day’s efforts.
The Tennessee Tech Wildlife Society is recognized as the ‘pack mules’ for the day, carrying mulch along the 0.5-mile portion of the Storybook Trail, part of the overall 2.5-mile trail. Boy Scouts from Gainesboro Troop 2319, including Eagle Scout Tabitha, help lead the project. Scouts from Carthage Troop 367 also assist.
Scott Penfield, Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 367, emphasized the longstanding partnership with the Corps. “We've been working with the Corps of Engineers every year during National Public Lands Day for 23 years,” Penfield said. “Everything from planting trees at Defeated Creek to mulching a trail here.”
Penfield, who mentors youth through Scouting for over two decades, shares how such projects help young people develop character and self-reliance. “Watching these boys grow through the program makes a huge difference,” he says. “It’s amazing to see them develop from troubled youth into responsible, self-confident young adults.”
Penfield also highlights the rapid success of the day’s work: “We finish two hours ahead of schedule. The number of people that show up isn’t just Boy Scouts. There are folks from Tennessee Tech and other troops from different towns.”
Claywell praises the volunteers: "You made it happen. The Friends group made it happen. Everyone coming together, and that’s what the Friends group is all about."
Ted Tillman, a Cordell Hull Lake volunteer who works closely with park rangers, the Friends of Cordell Hull Lake, and the Boy Scouts to support project completion, was recognized for his efforts in bringing the initiative together and received a plaque honoring his dedication. Park rangers Ashley Webster and Stone Fagan were also acknowledged for their contributions. Additional key partners in attendance included Mayor Jim Morgan and Jackson County Commissioner Doug Stafford.
The project could not have been completed without the Handshake grant funding from USACE HQ. This $20,000 grant will support the installation of three Storybook Trails as part of the overall effort.
“The Handshake funding opportunity truly highlights the power of collaboration, allowing us to bring this vision to life for the community. Together, we've created something special that will inspire and engage visitors for years to come." said Fagan.
Additional funds came from the Friends of Cordell Hull Lake, which raised money through the Imagination Library and the governor’s early literacy grant. These funds were used to purchase the Storybook Trail stands, which park rangers helped install along the trail, while the Handshake grant covered the mulch.
The Periwinkle Trail spans 2.5 miles across Smith and Jackson counties, with trailheads at Indian Creek Campground and near Wildwood Resort & Marina on Highway 53. The Corps manages 381 miles of shoreline at Cordell Hull Lake, which includes 22 boat-launching ramps, two campgrounds, and three recreation areas offering hiking, fishing, and boating opportunities.
"We know the trail will require some maintenance, so I encourage local scout groups and other community organizations to reach out to us and get involved," said Claywell.
The Friends of Cordell Hull Lake remain a key partner in supporting the project. Individuals can sign up for a $5 annual membership to help further the development of the lake and its recreational opportunities. For more information or to get involved, contact John Deane at john@wildwoodresortTN.com
The public can obtain news, updates and information from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District on the district’s website at https://www.lrd.usace.army.mil/About/Districts/Nashville-District/, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nashvillecorps and on X (formerly Twitter) at www.x.com/nashvillecorps. Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest Nashville District employment and contracting opportunities at https://www.linkedin.com/company/u-s-army-corps-of-engineers-nashville-district.
| Date Taken: | 09.29.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.13.2025 16:16 |
| Story ID: | 551049 |
| Location: | GRANVILLE, TENNESSEE, US |
| Hometown: | NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, US |
| Web Views: | 26 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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