The coronavirus has seen many aspects of public life suspended to ensure public health. But that doesn’t include getting outdoors for fresh air and exercise.

The 51.7-mile paved pedestrian and bicycle trail on state Route 5 between Richmond and Williamsburg, known as the Virginia Capital Trail, has become even more popular during the pandemic as people are anxious to get out of the house to exercise and ease the stress of staying indoors.

The trail has a bevy of committed volunteer caretakers under the auspices of the nonprofit Virginia Capital Trail Foundation led by board president Barry S. Watkins.

The Henrico County resident, who has served on the board since 2017, views the foundation’s role as one of protecting, promoting and enhancing “one of the greatest recreational amenities in our region.”

“Especially during this time of fear and anxiety, the trail can provide a sense of calm, peace and exercise,” Mr. Watkins says. “The foundation helps to ensure that people continue to have access to a first class trail and to participate in a variety of meaningful ways, such as programs, events or just a leisurely walk or ride.”

During the month of March alone, trail usage has increased by 65 percent, he says, making it even more important for people to follow the health and safety guidelines of keeping 6 feet apart and wearing masks.

When the VCTF was started in the fall of 2004, its primary goal was to advocate for the completion of the trail, which was built in sections running from the state’s capital city, Richmond, through Henrico, Charles City and James City counties to Williamsburg, the former Colonial Capital. The foundation helped raise public awareness of the trail and funding for its completion and promotion.

Today, the foundation’s work continues with advocacy and programming. Foundation volunteers work as ambassadors monitoring the trail and helping pedestrians and bicyclists with information, first aid and bike repair along the route; keeping the trail free of litter; and planning for various events.

One of the largest events is the annual Cap2Cap fundraiser scheduled for Aug. 22 in which bicyclists of all ages and levels of ability can ride part of or the entire trail from Dorey Park in Henrico to Chickahominy Riverfront Park in James City County.

On Monday, May 11, the VCTF is launching the Capital Quarantine Challenge, where participants are invited to com- plete the entire 51.7 miles in sections or all at once through running, biking, rollerblading, walking or “whatever fits them,” Mr. Watkins says.

“After they complete it, they get a certificate of completion and a T-shirt,” he adds.

The foundation also has scheduled its 2nd Annual Cap Trail 10 miler/5K in October, which marks the fifth anniversary of the trail’s completion.

While Mr. Watkins says more money would help the foundation do its work, he sees a potential boon in a network of interconnected trails throughout the state joined to the Virginia Capital Trail. This system could potentially enhance transportation opportunities while leading to increased usage, programs and events in the region.

For now, Mr. Watkins and the foundation are intent on keeping the trail open and safe for everyone who wants to use it, especially during the pandemic.

“The Capital Trail enables people from all walks of life to enjoy the great outdoors in a beautiful scenic area,” Mr. Watkins says.

Meet an advocate for a community treasure and this week’s Personality, Barry S. Watkins:

Occupation: Retired YMCA executive.

Date and place of birth: June 8 in Lynchburg.

Current residence: Henrico County

Education: Bachelor’s degree in English, University of Richmond, and master’s in social work, with an emphasis in administration and planning, University of Tennessee.

Family: Wife, Lois Gilmore Watkins; two adult daughters and one grandchild.

No. 1 volunteer position: Chairman, Board of Directors of the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation.

When and why Virginia Capital Trail Foundation was founded: Founded in September 2004, the VCTF became a nonprofit in 2005. In 2008, ground was broken for the trail. Thankfully, local leaders envisioned a great recreational and economic development opportunity to connect two historic capitals – Richmond and Williamsburg – in a 51.7- mile paved pedestrian and bicycle trail along state Route 5.

Names of founders: Founders included Whittington Clement, Jon Lug- bill, Mark Merhige and Jay Paul.

When elected and length of term: I was elected to the board of directors in 2017. Terms are for two years, but elected members can serve up to a total of six years before they rotate off for at least a year. I became board chairman in September 2018 and currently serve on the Governance and Fundraising committees.

Why I became involved with the VCTF: It is an opportunity to serve and support an incredible enhancement to the region.

What the VCTF means to me: The Virginia Capital Trail is one of the greatest recreational amenities in our region. The foundation is an excellent public/private partnership serving recreational and transportation needs for all, as well as providing social connection. The trail helps provide a means of economic development as well as a means of connection for individuals, friends, families and localities.

VCTF mission: The VCTF exists to protect, promote and enhance the Virginia Capital Trail and to serve as a resource, community builder and connector to other trails throughout the Commonwealth.

No. 1 objective: To promote and maintain a first-class trail open to all while connecting it throughout the Commonwealth.

Strategy for achieving it: We are working on completing a three- year strategic plan. There are three main priorities we are refining with strategy development: 1) Ensure that the Virginia Capital Trail continues to be an excellent recreational and transportation infrastructure in the region; 2) Expand trail usage and ensure that the Virginia Capital Trail is open to all; and 3) Establish a framework for regional trail development.

We could do more if: It would be easy to say more money, but to take this question a little deeper, we could do more if we had a network of trails throughout the state that were interconnected to the Capital Trail. This trail system would lead to increased users, programs and events in our region. It also would enhance transportation opportunities.

How VCTF is financed: By individual contributions, governmental support and fundraising events.

VCTF’s COVID-19 response: With COVID-19, there has been increased usage on the Capital Trail by 65 percent in the month of March. With this increased usage comes self-responsibility. VCTF is encouraging users to follow trail etiquette, keep 6 feet apart and wear face coverings. We are updating our website when necessary on safety recommendations and facilities and businesses along the Virginia Capital Trail. People can check it out here: www.virginiacapitaltrail.org/coronavirus-covid19.

How I start the day: Generally by catching up on news with my wife and a good cup of coffee. We then get outdoors to walk the dog in the park, which helps with a good frame of mind for the day.

If I had more time, I would: Read more, bike more and play more music.

A quote that I am inspired by: “The real issue in life is not how many blessings we have, but what we do with our blessings. Some people have many blessings and hoard them. Some have few and give everything away.”— Fred Rogers

Kindergarten taught me: To borrow from the famous poem, “Live a balanced life, learn some and think some.” The Capital Trail can help with that advice!

Best late-night snack: Yogurt with an Aussie Bite crumbled in it.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: I have had a lifelong love of all kinds of music and love to sing. My father encouraged me to get a musical instrument in the eighth grade instead of a motorized minibike. I have played the guitar for 50 years and also play banjo and a little mandolin.

Person who influenced me the most: The Rev. Bev Cosby, pastor and leader of Lynchburg Covenant Fellowship in Lynchburg and an incredible person of commitment to the poor and the inner-city, a visionary and spiritual leader.

What I’m reading now: “The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl” by Timothy Egan.

Next goal: Figure out how to get my hair cut!