Condé Systems, Universal Woods Donate Signs to Alabama Hiking Trail Society

Condé Systems, in conjunction with Universal Woods, donates four mileage signs to the Alabama Hiking Trail Society Gulf Coast Chapter.

Perdido River Hiking Trail now has mileage signs at four milestone points along the trail system, guiding hikers through the river corridor. Each sign details how many miles until the next landing or shelter and makes it easier for beginners to learn the trail and anticipate what’s next.

Condé Systems’ president David Gross offered the graphic design work needed to make the signs and coordinated with Universal Woods to have the metal donated. Sublimation technology ensures the signs can withstand the effects of UV damage and vandalism.

The Condé team chose a dark green background with white text. Even with minor effects of UV damage, the white text will still be readable. It also used this style to align with the branding of other signs installed by the State Lands Division in the Perdido River Wildlife Management Area.

Eight volunteers with the Gulf Coast Chapter installed the signs. Volunteer coordinator Trey Gross says the new signage is a small step in a larger plan to help beginner hikers navigate the trails.

“We know that in the United States right now in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are flocking outside, and this unique outdoor revolution has brought many beginners to places that are quite isolated,” says Trey Gross. “I don’t think this effect is temporary because once people go outside and see how much beauty there is outside of the house, it compels you to come back. I think us outdoor enthusiasts have a responsibility to be open to teaching and guiding them so they can enjoy the outdoors as well. I see these mileage signs as a small attempt to do this.”

The Gulf Coast Chapter says the work would not have been possible without the help of Condé Systems, Forever Wild, and the State Lands Division.