LONG LAKE - The $18,000 matching grant awarded the Town of Long Lake will be used to complete the Long Lake Nature Trail, repair retaining walls and help offset the cost of maintaining the garden area at the town beach.

Part of the 90 Miler Blueway Trail Strategy, the Long Lake Nature Trail will connect two business districts within the hamlet.

According to mylonglake.com, the nature trail is designed to increase pedestrian traffic around Jennings Park Pond and to offer a quiet, natural alternative to visitors and residents in the center of town.

It’s a great spot to watch birds, including herons, bald eagles and geese; and a popular fishing spot stocked with trout each spring.

The Nature Trail is a widening of trail connecting the town ball field around the pond, leading to the Long Lake Beach, Helms Seaplane Service and Adirondack Hotel.

Projects to improve the trail include adding pedestrian view spots and safety measures, widening the trails and identifying the flora and fauna along the route.

Long-term plans include expanding the trail to Long Lake Diner and across Route 30 along the brook to Hoss’s Country Corner, making it one mile long.

The Blueway Trail runs from Old Forge to Saranac Lake. It is the water route of the annual Adirondack Canoe Classic paddle race.

The Environmental Protection Fund money is coming from the New York State Department of State. Central Adirondack Partnership for the 21st Century is coordinating the Blueway Trail projects.