Join the Fun! - Volunteer Trail Maintenance Day, Nisene Marks SP

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

Every 3rd Sunday of the month (except December) the Advocates for the Forest of Nisene Marks host a Trail Day for volunteers like ourselves to get together and assist with trail maintenance. This is a very fun and rewarding event to do and a great way to get in a good physical workout amongst the trees with new and old friends. Enjoy the satisfaction of giving back and helping to maintain the trails we all enjoy.

We'll meet at Peet's Coffee Aptos, Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center, and leave promptly at 9:00am to hike the short distance to the Nisene Marks Front Entrance Kiosk via Aptos Rancho Trail. There is one stepping-stone water crossing along this 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 Day 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 and create a parking spot for you there at the Kiosk. Meet the rest of us there by the banner and sign-up table. It is preferred to carpool or hike in.

Please pre-register with the Advocates at the following link so that they have a record of how many to prepare for: https://calendly.com/nisenemarks/sign-up?month=2026-01

Volunteer Trail Work Time: 9:30am to 12:30pm.
Level of Difficulty: all fitness levels welcome

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 fire hoe.

We'll work until 12:30 then hike back to our cars.

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 :)