Celebrate NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY - Volunteer on Falls Lake Trail!, Sept. 27th

On the 32nd annual National Public Lands Day help celebrate, support and honor our public lands by volunteering to help enhance and maintain the Falls Lake Trail, a beautiful 60+ mile section of the NC Mountains to Sea Trail.

DATE/TIME: Saturday September 27th,2024, 9 am - 4 pm.
If you are unable to stay for the entire time know your contribution is greatly appreciated.

MEETING LOCATION: Meet at the outside edge of the Food Lion parking lot at the intersection of Sherron/Patterson Road and Highway 98. The address is 121 Sherron Rd., Durham, NC 27703. GPS: 35.974617,-78.793

Enjoy a complimentary biscuit and coffee before a short safety and organizational briefing after which we will disperse to tend to various sections of the trail.

RSVP: to [jdbrewer104@gmail.com](mailto:jdbrewer104@gmail.com) or 919-900-0483 by Sept. 24th for this volunteer activity.

BAD WEATHER POLICY: If the workday is canceled due to bad weather a mass email will be sent by 11:00 PM the evening before the event to everyone who has RSVP'ed as described above.

If you are new to trail work please let us know and we can pair you with an experienced volunteer.

What you will need to provide:
Work clothes suitable for the weather,
Solid shoes or hiking boots,
Plenty of water,
Bag Lunch,
Work gloves, if you have them (If not, we have some).

We have the tools that will be needed.

WORK SAFELY: This is the most important thing, and our main objective!
In particular:

• Use tools carefully. If you do not know how to use a particular tool, or what to do in a particular situation please ask.
• Do not work too close together and be careful with rakes, shovels, and mattocks to avoid hitting the person next to you. When walking past another volunteer, please say something so they know you are there.
• Know your limits. Do not lift anything heavier than you can comfortably lift and lift with your legs not with your back.
• Pace yourself. This is not a race. We will be working on and maintaining this trail for many years to come.
• Take frequent breaks. Make sure to drink plenty of water. Don't wait until you feel thirsty.
• Be aware of hazards. There are holes in the ground to step in; branches, rocks and roots to trip over; thorns; wasps; poison ivy (fortunately not too much of that on this segment of trail); ticks; chiggers; and other hazards.
• Remain alert and be cautious.

Have a good time. This is a scenic area. There are box turtles, heron, woodpeckers, hawks, deer, beaver, and other wildlife in this area as well as scenic views of the lake.

Thanks to:

• Great Outdoor Provision Company for sponsoring our breakfast from Chick-fil-A for our Saturday workdays.
• Starbucks off Falls of Neuse Road and Durant Road for the coffee.
• REI Co-op, whose stewardship grants support our volunteer trail crews, add new miles of footpath, and improve signage which helps more people find and follow the MST.

NOTE: To be added to the official FMST email notification list to receive Falls Lake Trail's and other FMST workday announcements and details, email: [bbrown@mountainstoseatrail.org](mailto:bbrown@mountainstoseatrail.org)

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Interested in knowing more this National Park Service celebration? Check out National Public Lands Day ?