With over 50 miles of trails in 15 separate park units, there is no end to trail maintenance. There is ample opportunity to improve the sustainability of pre-existing trails. The park has trained trail crew leaders that have the knowledge to appropriately build and maintain trails. Please wear appropriate clothing including long pants and closed toed shoes that work in wet and muddy conditions.  The park will provide all necessary tools and work gloves for the event.

Duties and Responsibilities

• To assist park staff and volunteers in maintaining a safe work environment, while being respectful of the natural resources in public lands.
• To safely and effectively operate various hand tools.
• Volunteers are responsible for wearing proper attire: close-toed shoes (boots are best), clothing appropriate for the weather and woods (there are thorny plants). Long pants are ideal (gloves will be provided).

Working conditions, physical demands, special hazards

• Requires the ability to work in various outdoor conditions (cold, hot, humid, wet, etc. please note that no trail work will be done in the rain)
• While working with tools, volunteers must maintain awareness of their surroundings and of other participants at all times.
• Volunteers with specific allergies need to bring their own medication and medical aids (such as EpiPens), and should notify the supervising contact of their group of any special needs.
• First-Aid kits and cell phones will be available, and staff will have first-aid and CPR training.
• Poisonous plants and animals of concern in the area will be identified (i.e. Copperheads and poison ivy).
• Water will be provided, but it is recommended that you bring your own beverages and snacks.

Skills required

• No particular skill set is required, just a desire to improve trails in the CRNRA.

Equipment to be operated

·      The park will provide all necessary equipment including work gloves and tools. Before any trail work begins, volunteers will be instructed on how to safely use the tools involved. Participants will be broken into groups and assigned a lead for the event. Work will consist of basic trail maintenance issues as well as trail closures.

• It is recommended that you bring your own snacks and water.
• Pulaskis, McLeods, picks, mattocks, pry bars, hand saws, bow saws, loppers, shovels.
• Proper use of every tool used will be addressed during the safety briefing.

Training provided

• A detailed safety briefing will be given prior to any work being done.
• All participants will be supervised by a certified Trail Crew Leader.
• Proper methods of use and transport of tools will be discussed.