Trail Work at Girty's Woods

Learn trail building skills, specifically "trail benching," and help to restore Girty’s Woods! We will be working at the direction of the Allegheny Land Trust to bench existing trails in this nature preserve in Reserve Township.

Girty’s Woods is named for Girty’s run, and is a 165 acre tract that was preserved through the efforts of the Allegheny Land Trust in 2021. Girty’s Woods has seen many uses over the years, including past logging, mining, and dumping. Concerned residents helped to protect this land and the ALT is working to ensure that the woods are preserved to absorb heavy rainfall that would otherwise overwhelm the watershed.

Trail benching is a trail building technique that involves cutting and shaping the tread of the trail into a slope. We will be using a variety of tools to dig into the trail, and participants may move logs and other materials to support the downside of the trail.

We will be working hard and getting dirty while we learn about the rewilding of this place. Participants can expect to hike up to two miles on uneven terrain, often in full sun. The trail segments that we'll be working on are steep. Volunteers are asked to work within their ability.

Long pants and close-toed shoes are required. Tools and gloves will be provided, but volunteers are welcome to bring their own gear if they prefer. There are no restrooms on site.

You MUST register for this event at: https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00000u7z3SIAQ&_gl=1*zwgln2*_gcl_au*MTgyNzMxOTczMS4xNzUyNTEyNTQxLjEwNzY4MDg1NTEuMTc1NTUzNTQyMS4xNzU1NTM1NTIz*_ga*MTA4MzY1NjgxMy4xNzQ0NjQxNjYy*_ga_41DQ5KQCWV*czE3NTU1MzU0MjAkbzY5JGcxJHQxNzU1NTM1OTUwJGo1NCRsMCRoMA..