INTRODUCTION TO TRAIL WORK (2 day workshop)

As they walk along a beautiful, well kept, sustainable trail, many people don’t stop to think how the trail got to this condition. It is done by trail volunteers from the Appalachian Mountain Club, Delaware Valley Chapter. If it weren’t for their efforts, the trails we love to hike might become filled with trash, overgrown, eroded, impassable, or might not even exist in the first place!

Think of that the next time you hike on a trail, give our trail workers a deserved “thank you,” and consider becoming a trail work volunteer yourself.

Here is your chance to learn all about trail maintenance and give back to the trails you know and love!

This two day workshop will cover the basics of trail maintenance as well as some more advanced techniques. It is designed for people with little or no experience. You will have a chance to contribute to the betterment of trails in two parks in Bucks County: Nockamixon State Park and Ringing Rocks County Park. The cost for the entire 2 day workshop is $20, unless you are an AMC member. If so, you may sign up for free- read on below!

Day 1 Saturday, May 17 8:30 a.m—1 p.m.
Nockamixon State Park, Tohickon Boat Launch parking area 40.4763, -75.20891

We will have a demonstration of the tools of the trail trade and learn the best trail practices. We will then focus on the maintenance technique called “brushing” and will get to learn the trail construction technique known as “sidehilling.”

Day 2 Sunday, May 18 8:30 a.m.—1 p.m.
Ringing Rocks County Park parking lot, Bridgeton, PA 40.560322, -75.128826

We will first focus on the trail technique known as “blazing,” followed by a lesson in water control for trails, with a practical application of improving a drainage feature, installing a water bar, and installing stepping stones.

The classes will go straight through without a lunch break, so please bring snacks to tide you over. You may also bring a real lunch and enjoy it at the picnic tables in these parks after we are done. Also carry plenty of water for hydration during your work. Wear work clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty or even getting paint on. Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required (hard hat, eye protection, and work gloves). These will be provided but bring your own if you have them.

Please note: In order to comply with Pennsylvania Youth Protection Laws, all children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. This policy applies for all events offered by the Delaware Valley Chapter as well as any other Chapter events within the state of Pennsylvania.

NOTE: This workshop is a Field Trip, which is a type of AMC experience designed to explore a particular aspect of the great outdoors.

Who gets to go on Field Trips? Anyone! Field Trips are open to all, member or non-member, but members get priority and come for free.

Want to join in on the fun? If you become an AMC member at Field Trip registration, we’ll put the cost toward your first year of membership and you’ll get 20% off! You then get to come to any and all Field Trip events and series during the rest of your membership year FOR FREE.

YOU MUST REGISTER ON AMC'S OUTDOOR CONNECTOR FOR THIS TRIP. REGISTRATION ONLY ON MEETUP WILL NOT SUFFICE!!

Here is a link to the event on Ouitdoor Connector: https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UUN0000013Bcf2AE/act00013056