Another attraction has been added to Collier's Panhandle Trail, already well-known for its lush hillsides, pooled rock quarries and serene beauty.

Volunteers from the township and the Pennsylvania Conservation Corps spent three days last week adding an outdoor stage for events such as the annual Rock the Quarry music fest Aug. 28-29.

Placed near the second quarry, the cement/ stone stage blends in with the surrounding decor. Huge boulders were excavated and hauled from a wooded area to a site next to the trail. The rocks were arranged in a circular pattern to serve as a natural-looking stage base. The center of the circle was filled with earth and topped with a textured concrete for a flat stage surface.

A small nearby pavilion was expanded, too, as part of the work.

The Panhandle Trail project is considered one of a dozen signature projects being done across the state by the state conservation corps, a 25-year-old program that provides opportunities for youth ages 18 to 25.

Sponsored and funded by the state Department of Labor Industry, it provides work experience, job training and educational opportunities to young people who complete conservation, recreation and historical preservation projects on public lands. In exchange for their labor, communities provide the project materials and food for the workers.

"We try to make them be productive citizens of society," said Paul Will, of Somerset, a regional crew leader who, with several other skilled workers, brought 15 youths from Butler and Westmoreland counties to Collier. By interacting on projects with local professionals, the youths learn trades and work ethics.

"A lot of them will want to come back and walk the trail later and say, 'We did this,' " Mr. Will said.

Cost to the Panhandle Trail is about $20,000, with $5,000 of that amount to be paid through a Pittsburgh Foundation grant.

Volunteer Herb Ducsay, of Rennerdale, couldn't say enough about the young workers.

"They were always there to help us. They were hungry for the knowledge, and anything you asked them to do, they did," he said.

Commissioner Bob Schuler was pleased about the interaction of local volunteers with the corps workers.

"It's a community in action," he said.

How the unusual project came about is a story in itself.

Last fall, Dave Hewitt, of Nevillewood, whose wife, Cindy, has been active with township park and recreational planning, read a Post-Gazette story about the Pennsylvania Conservation Corps. A meeting was arranged with Mr. Will, and a wish list of about 26 items was developed. The idea for a stone stage came from Rita Downey Melvin, of Fort Pitt.

Over the winter months, the final project was selected and construction dates determined. Tom Chidlow, of Rennerdale, drew up a plan for the stage, and Commissioner Kay Downey-Clarke suggested placing stone boulders around it.

During the past few weeks, residents Dan Fotovich of Fotovich Excavating and Jim Minahan, who owns Decorative Concrete Concepts, harvested rock from a back shoal at the trail. Mr. Minahan also provided expertise in finishing the stage and pavilion floors so they match the environment. Concrete was provided by Joe Testa Contracting, a township commercial contractor.

In turn, corps members were pleased with their reception in the township.

"The hospitality's been fantastic," said Larry Blose, of Armstrong County, as he eyed an array of lunch foods donated by residents.

Even a few of the younger Collier residents got involved in last week's work on the trail, which will celebrate its 10th birthday in the fall.

In honor of Earth Day, Mackenzie Fotovich, 2, Sarah Dobbins, 9, and Faith Gratzmiller, 3, sowed wildflower seeds and apple seeds along the trail.

At least one community volunteer said more residents should lend their hands to further develop and maintain the popular recreation spot.

"For all the people who use the trail, I'd like to see more give us a hand, even on the upkeep," Dan Fotovich said.