Trail Maintenance
The AMC Worcester Chapter Trails Committee and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will be partnering again at Wachusett Mountain State Reservation (WMSR) with trail maintaining opportunities. Last year's program was highly successful and well attended. Again this year, Dwayne Ericson, Facility Supervisor at WMSR, will lead volunteers to further improve the trails at WMSR and the Midstate Trail.
National Trails Day
When: Saturday, June 7, 9:00 am
Where: Meet at the John Hitchcock Visitor Center (directions)
Preregistration: Required. Contact Don Hoffses at rockypond@charter.net or (508) 869-0062.
Agenda: Join the American Hiking Society, the Worcester AMC Chapter and Eastern Mountain Sports in a day of trail maintaining projects. No experience necessary. Tools supplied. Bring water, packable lunch/snacks, work gloves, and wear sturdy boots and clothing appropriate for conditions. For more information and to preregister contact Don Hoffses at rockypond@charter.net or (508) 869-0062.
American Hiking Society's National Trails Day® (NTD), held the first Saturday of every June, (June 7, 2008) is America's largest celebration of trails and the outdoors. With more than 1000 events hosted by trail and community groups, public agencies, and businesses from coast to coast, there is something for everyone!
NTD Background Information
Now in its 15th year, National Trails Day continues to inspire the public to flock to their favorite trails to discover, learn about and celebrate trails while participating in educational exhibits, trail dedications, gear demonstrations, instructional workshops and trail work projects. NTD Provides a perfect opportunity to thank volunteers, land managing agencies, and outdoor minded businesses for their support in developing and maintaining trails. Events take place in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. In 2006, a record 1,210 events registered with American Hiking Society for national sanctioning. The official date of National Trails Day is always the first Saturday in June; however, NTD events can also take place at other times during the year. American Hiking will always support NTD hosts every step of the way regardless of when your NTD event takes place.
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Pine Hill Trail Reconstruction
For those looking for a different pace, you can check out Steve Crowe's project on the Pine Hill Trail. Steve is incorporating a setup that uses a grip hoist (a sophisticated come-along winch), slings, wire rope suspended from trees, and shackles to sway up large rocks and move them over the suspended cable to the trail, to avoid dragging them over fragile mountainside. There, the rocks are used to build steps, scree walls and drainage features to clearly delineate the trails boundaries to keep hikers on track and protect the trail.
Midstate Trail
Midstate Trail work
Midstate Trail work
The Midstate Trail Committee, under the auspices of the Worcester Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), continues the administration and maintenance of the Trail. The Committee is augmented by a larger group of resident volunteer maintainers, who, like you, are invaluable to the survival of the Midstate Trail. The AMC/Worcester Trails Committee is assisting with hike publicity and recruitment of maintainers. The Committee welcomes anyone willing to help maintain a part of this "close to home" trail. The DCR has provided support, map printing, and publicity over the years.
This year the Trails Committee will be continuing our partnership at WMSR in Princeton. We do everything from digging in the dirt, clipping branches and painting blazes, to moving rocks, building steps, changing and building trails. Every project is different and has work for folks with all abilities and experiences (including none). Last years trail maintaining workshop, workdays and National Trails Day were quite popular. For more details and to register call Don Hoffses at 508-869-0062 or e-mail: rockypond@charter.net
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