Archive for the ‘Adopt-a-Trail’ Category

Adopt-A-Trail and Campsite Volunteers Needed

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is recruiting for volunteers to participate in two essential programs that help Park staff maintain the resources in the backcountry for a better visitor experience and to reduce potential human/animal conflicts. The Adopt-a-Trail (AAT) and Adopt-a-Campsite (AAC) programs are long-established activities in the national park and new recruits are always needed to cover the half-million acres within its boundaries. A training/orientation session has been scheduled for each of the programs to instruct on the specific duties associated with them.

AAT volunteers will aid in the Park’s 800-mile trail system, covering everything from picking up litter to removing treefalls and reporting trail problems to the Park. Specific trail assignments include collecting and removing litter; cleaning waterbars and drainage systems; performing brushing and removal of small windfalls or branches (hand tools only) and minor trail tread maintenance; removing illegal campsites and fire rings found along trail; and inspecting trail signs.

AAC volunteers will perform a variety of duties associated with the Park’s 100 backcountry campsites. These duties involve removal of litter and garbage in and around the campsites and dismantling illegal fire rings, as well as monitoring the condition of the food storage cables. Light rehabilitation of the site and removal of fallen debris are also part of the responsibilities.

Another important function for both programs will be to assist visitors with needed information and promote Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. AAT and AAC volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and in good physical condition. They are expected to hike/patrol their trail(s) and visit their campsite(s) at least eight times per program year-- March through October and complete a written report to the Park after each site visit.

AAT training will be held Saturdays, April 9 (TN) and June 11 (NC), and AAC training on Sundays, April 10 (TN) and June 12 (NC). All training is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and information regarding the training location will be provided once registered.

In order to attend, participants must register with Christine Hoyer, Trails and Facilities Volunteer Coordinator at (828) 497-1949. For the April training, the registration deadline is March 25. For the June training, the registration deadline is May 27.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Posted in Adopt-a-Trail, Campsite Volunteers, Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Comments Off

Smokies Adopt-A-Trail Volunteer Recruitment

Friday, July 16th, 2010
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is recruiting for volunteers to participate in the Adopt-a-Trail (AAT) program, an effort that helps to maintain the Park’s 800-mile trail system. The Volunteers in Parks (VIP) program has integrated volunteerism into many of its Park operations, including trail maintenance that covers everything from picking up litter to removing treefalls and reporting trail problems to the Park. A mandatory training program is scheduled on Saturday, July 31, in the North Carolina area of the Park for those who are interested in participating in the program.

AAT volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and in good physical condition. They are expected to hike/patrol the trail(s) at least eight times per program year--March through October. Specific trail duties include: Collect and remove litter; clean waterbars and drainage systems; perform brushing and removal of small windfalls or branches (hand tools only); perform minor trail tread maintenance; remove illegal campsites and fire rings found along trail; inspect trail and trail signs; and promote Leave No Trace outdoor ethics.

The training will be held on Saturday, July 31, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Park’s North Carolina Trail Shop Training Room near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, 2 miles north of Cherokee. In order to attend, participants must register by July 26 by email with Christine Hoyer, Trails and Facilities Volunteer Coordinator, or by phoning (828) 497-1949. The later part of the training will take place outside on the trail so people should wear appropriate clothing including sturdy footwear. Also, a packed lunch will be necessary.

If you are interested but are unable to attend the July training, please feel free to contact Christine Hoyer to be placed on a mailing list to attend future training sessions in Tennessee as well.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

Posted in AAT program, Adopt-a-Trail, Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Comments Off