Ivan Dickson Volunteer Trail Project with REI May 10, 2008

If you like to hike, bike, or ride and enjoy well maintained trails, think about becoming a trail maintenance volunteer. Join us at Las Trampas Regional Wilderness on May 10th from 8:30 to 1:30 for a trail maintenance day.

The East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) manages more than 98,000 acres of land in 65 parks, and maintains 1,150 miles of trails.

In order to provide for visitor safety and to protect parkland resources, EBRPD staff and volunteers provide a much-needed source of labor to repair and enhance existing trails and construct new narrow trails. In turn, the public learns concepts of land stewardship and resource conservation while giving back to the trails system they enjoy.

Typical tasks for the volunteers include installation of drainage structures, pruning, trail tread maintenance, and installation of special trail structures such as retaining walls, bridges, and causeways.

Volunteers use a variety of hand tools under the instruction of EBRPD staff. Participants can include anyone in good physical condition: children (10 years and older), teens, adults, and seniors. If under 18 years of age, an adult chaperon must accompany youth at ratio of 5 youths to 1 adult.

Be prepared for changing weather! Dress in layers and have appropriate clothing for light rain or to protect against full exposure to sun. Bring work gloves and wear sturdy boots or shoes, long pants and long-sleeved T-shirts. Bring drinking water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat that will protect your ears and neck. If your sensitivity to poison oak is high, bring an extra change of clothes and shoes, and a plastic bag to take away your exposed or soiled work clothes.

In addition to interested individuals, trail maintenance volunteers come from schools, churches, Scout groups, corporate partnerships, public agencies, and various trail user organizations.

Students can earn four community service hours per event.

FREE: Pre-Registration Required.

Official Website: http://www.ebparks.org/getinvolved/volunteer/trail