Volunteer Trail Work Day at Nisene Marks with Lunch to Follow

** IMPORTANT! **
**PLEASE READ ALL INFORMATION SO THAT YOU ARE ADEQUATELY PREPARED AND COMFORTABLE WITH THE STATED LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY**

As the state budget cutbacks have severely hampered the ability of the California State Parks to upgrade and maintain the park, it is necessary for us active park users to pitch in and help. The Advocates for the Forest of Nisene Marks is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering and maintaining the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park for everyone to enjoy. Park users like ourselves can help maintain the trails we so often enjoy.

Every 3rd Sunday of the month (except December) the Advocates and volunteers meet in the park for trailwork days. I think this will be a fun and rewarding event to do as a group! I've done it and and found it to be a really enjoyable way to get in a good physical workout amongst the trees with new and old friends.

We'll meet at Peet's Coffee Aptos, Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center, at 8:45am and leave promptly to hike the short distance to the Nisene Marks Front Entrance Kiosk via Aptos Rancho Trail. Coffee, pastries, fruit and tools are all provided. We'll enjoy the provided free snacks and coffee (and bathroom break) until the 9:30am Trail Work Kick-Off.
If you choose to drive into the park instead, let the ranger know at the Entrance Kiosk that you are volunteering for the Trail Work Day. They will waive your parking fee. Meet the rest of us there by the banner and sign-up table.

Volunteer Trail Work Time: 3 hours Total Event time: 5 hours (including hike in and out and lunch)

We will need to sign two waivers at the sign-in booth. One for State Parks and one for the Advocates for Nisene Marks State Park.

What to bring:
Wear comfortable clothing (long sleeves and pants recommended) and closed toe shoes. Bring your own drinking water. Garden hoes, rakes, loppers and gloves will be provided. I'm going to bring my own gardening gloves and probably pruning shears.

We'll work until 12:30 then hike back to our cars. And then for those interested, we'll meet down the street at Aptos St BBQ for delicious food and refreshment.

Safety: Please keep in mind that you attend these events at your own risk and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety.
Take a few moments and refer to the frequently updated Soquel SoleMates Hiking Group general description ("What We're About") for important information about this group. Soquel Soulmates Hiking Group
https://www.meetup.com/soquel-solemates-hiking-group/

I hope to see you there!
Jill :)