Minnewaska Volunteer Trail Work Day

Minnewaska Volunteer Trails Day
September 14 2014

Come to the Park Preserve to meet new friends, help improve trail conditions and learn about basic trail maintenance from experienced trail keepers in this stewardship project. Join members of the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, a region-wide volunteer organization devoted to maintaining and improving public trails, and Park Preserve staff to help improve one of the many scenic footpaths that meander through Minnewaska. Volunteers will use hand tools to clip back overgrown shrubs and tree roots, clear woodland debris, build water bars and improve the trail route. This event is also a great way for students in public school to accrue necessary community service hours for completion of their requirements. This program is recommended for adults and teenagers, who must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18 years. Participants are encouraged to bring their own work gloves and tools including loppers, bow saws and clipping shears. The parking fee will be waived for participants volunteering for this program.

Pre-registration is required by September 13 by phone at 845-255-0752, or by email: Laura.Conner@parks.ny.gov

Hiking or work boots recommended.
Phone: (845) 255-0752
– See more at: http://nysparks.com/events/event.aspx?e=11322.0#sthash.w9h0CVNg.dpuf

In partnership with Lake Minnewaska State Park Preserve, the GCC is organizing an invasive species weed pull to help eradicate Japanese stilt grass (luckily they’re really easy to pull out). Pull weeds for a couple of hours, have the rest of the day to hike or climb for free, and feel good for helping to grow the relationship between the climbing community and the landowners.

Volunteers will meet at 10am at the Peter’s Kill parking lot/ranger station. They will supply everything (gloves and rakes, etc.) The GCC will provide some morning coffee for volunteers. Everyone who participates is welcome to stay after weeding and use the park for free.

Dress comfortably, bring food and water, and keep in mind that you have the rest of the day to go climbing or hiking.

When you arrive at Peter’s Kill, tell the person in the booth that you are here to participate in the Gunks Climbers’ Coalition weed pull so you can enter without paying the fee.

To register for the weed pull, please email gcc@gunksclimbers.org so ensure we have enough coffee and equipment.

Climbers and Non-Climbers are welcome! Please share this event information with your friends and other organizations so we can show Minnewaska State Park that the climbing community cares about the land we climb on.