MST Trail Crew: KTA Office Workday

by Raymond Arke, KTA Program Aide

On June 21, the KTA staff performed trail maintenance along the Mid State Trail in Everett, PA. Waking and hitting the road before the sun rose, we made good time, reaching Everett by 7 AM in time to pack our lunch and grab some breakfast.​

The trail maintenance crew, led by Debra Dunkle, was friendly and ready to hit the trail. The large group split to cover more ground. Deb split our group of 7 into smaller groups at our work sites. In the morning, Brynn and I were paired up with Tony, a repeat volunteer, and were sent up a side of a mountain. We went along clearing tree branches, re-blazing, and brushcutting on the trail. Meanwhile, Joe was paired up with Debra, Tom, and Carl. They brushed, mowed, and lopped the trailhead at Yellow Creek Bridge.

After reconvening and driving to a different location on the trail, we ate a brown bag lunch and split up again. This time Joe, Brynn, Tom, and Carl headed south along the Mid State Trail. Debra, Tony, and myself went north. Both groups went along blazing, chainsawing blow downs, and clearing brush and branches.

As Debra, Tony, and I were hiking the two miles back to the cars, we were suddenly caught in a massive thunderstorm. The rain was a deluge that left us soaked to the bone! It did help to wash off a day’s worth of sweat though.

The day was a success overall and we got quite a lot done! It was a great time and we have to thank Debra and all the volunteers for doing such great work.

Remember, “trails don’t maintain themselves” and our trail care program needs your help! Click HERE to learn more about KTA’s Trail Care program.