Keystone Trails Association (KTA) launched its Trail Care program in 1985. This year, KTA will sponsor its 38th annual Trail Care season, dedicated to improving Pennsylvania’s hiking trails. Pennsylvania has thousands of miles of hiking trails. Helping to build and maintain these trails depends upon the commitment of volunteers from the hiking community. It’s up to us to keep our hiking trails in good condition. Join with KTA in giving some time back to Pennsylvania’s trails!
Volunteering to maintain Pennsylvania's extensive system of hiking trails can be the most important and rewarding way for individuals to connect with one of KTA’s core missions. Each year, on designated weekends between April and November, dedicated Trail Care volunteers gather, armed with blaze paint, limb loppers, pulaskis and brush cutters, they clear and upgrade hiking trail corridors and treadways.
The trail care program is for all ages and abilities, with no prior experience or special skills necessary. If you can handle a pair of loppers or wield a paintbrush, then your volunteer efforts will be much appreciated by everyone in the hiking community.
Thanks to past efforts of the KTA Summer Trail Crew and Trail Care weekend volunteers, Pennsylvania’s hiking community can justly be proud of the hiking experiences available on our state’s extensive system of footpaths.
We invite you to join in on this important and ongoing project. You’ll meet volunteers from many places, sharing time and camaraderie with them. You’ll learn to appreciate Pennsylvania’s hiking trails in a new way. You’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you contributed to this project. Invest your time in the future of Pennsylvania hiking trails, become a KTA Trail Care volunteer.
Volunteering to maintain Pennsylvania's extensive system of hiking trails can be the most important and rewarding way for individuals to connect with one of KTA’s core missions. Each year, on designated weekends between April and November, dedicated Trail Care volunteers gather, armed with blaze paint, limb loppers, pulaskis and brush cutters, they clear and upgrade hiking trail corridors and treadways.
The trail care program is for all ages and abilities, with no prior experience or special skills necessary. If you can handle a pair of loppers or wield a paintbrush, then your volunteer efforts will be much appreciated by everyone in the hiking community.
Thanks to past efforts of the KTA Summer Trail Crew and Trail Care weekend volunteers, Pennsylvania’s hiking community can justly be proud of the hiking experiences available on our state’s extensive system of footpaths.
We invite you to join in on this important and ongoing project. You’ll meet volunteers from many places, sharing time and camaraderie with them. You’ll learn to appreciate Pennsylvania’s hiking trails in a new way. You’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you contributed to this project. Invest your time in the future of Pennsylvania hiking trails, become a KTA Trail Care volunteer.
| 2023_tentative_trail_care_schedule.pdf |
Covid Update: KTA Trail Care has resumed in full force. KTA and site-specific Covid-19 guidelines remain in effect.
| KTA Trail Care - Covid 19 Guidance |
Although this guidance document has been compiled from reputable sources, it is not meant to be a substitute for common sense, nor is it exhaustive in anticipating situations that a volunteer may encounter. It does provide volunteers with basic sound advise about how to safely take part in a trail care event and how to interact with other volunteers while in camp and on the trail. Volunteers should always be mindful that the pandemic conditions may change, requiring additional or alternate responses.
Volunteers agree to the KTA Activity Waiver.
VOLUNTEER OPTIONS: Trail Care / Code Orange / Trail CreW
Trail Care BTD (Bonus Trail Day) events will include Friday as a scheduled workday. Camping sites for Trail Care BTD Weekends will be available on Thursday evenings for participants who want to roll-in and get set up. Two full days of trail work on Friday and Saturday are followed by evenings of campfire sociability and possibly dinner out at a local restaurant (Dutch treat). After a morning of additional trail work, the weekend concludes around noon on Sunday. Volunteers who cannot work the trail on Friday are still very welcome to come in Friday night for work on Saturday and/or Sunday. Participants provide their own camping gear and food.
Code Orange events are a one day event usually scheduled to work in a State Park. Camping may be available and food is sometimes provided.
Trail Crew events are 5 days. Hooked on trail work and a weekend's not enough? Plan on joining a week-long Trail Crew for an extended service trip. Choose one, or both of the Trail Crew opportunities in June and spend a full and fulfilling week doing trail work, with all meals provided! Can't get away for an entire week? Participants are welcome to sign up for the days and times their schedules allow.
If you can't attend an entire event, you can join the group for whatever portion is convenient. No experience or special skills are required. Tools and work gloves will be provided.
WORK & lIVING CONDITIONs
Covid-19 Notice:
To reduce the spread of disease working and living conditions will be modified during the pandemic. Please review the Covid Guidelines document linked at the top of this page. Social distancing is required. Please consult the Trail Care Leader concerning sleeping arrangements and provided meals.
WORK CONDITIONS
Trail building, clearing, and maintenance often involves vigorous work. This can include use of a chainsaw or brush cutter, moving tree limbs, doing rock work, digging treadway, or installing signage posts. The degree of difficulty of the work, however, varies with the task. Many volunteers perform less strenuous tasks, such as trimming back brush with hand loppers or blaze painting. Generally, there is plenty of work for every age, ability, and level of experience. Please let the leader know in advance about your work experience and the type of work that you can handle, so they can accommodate you. KTA will supply tools and equipment. You can bring your own tools if you wish.
Due to ever-changing weather conditions, it is necessary for all participants to prepare properly for the day ahead. All participants should carry no less than 2 quarts of water, a rain jacket, and light fleece or other insulating layer. It is also a good idea to have an energy bar or snack available. During the month of June, heavy rain and cool conditions can lead to hypothermia. Conversely, heat and humidity while working can cause heat exhaustion. The rule is: BE PREPARED FOR ALL CONDITIONS EACH AND EVERY WORK DAY.
To reduce the spread of disease working and living conditions will be modified during the pandemic. Please review the Covid Guidelines document linked at the top of this page. Social distancing is required. Please consult the Trail Care Leader concerning sleeping arrangements and provided meals.
WORK CONDITIONS
Trail building, clearing, and maintenance often involves vigorous work. This can include use of a chainsaw or brush cutter, moving tree limbs, doing rock work, digging treadway, or installing signage posts. The degree of difficulty of the work, however, varies with the task. Many volunteers perform less strenuous tasks, such as trimming back brush with hand loppers or blaze painting. Generally, there is plenty of work for every age, ability, and level of experience. Please let the leader know in advance about your work experience and the type of work that you can handle, so they can accommodate you. KTA will supply tools and equipment. You can bring your own tools if you wish.
Due to ever-changing weather conditions, it is necessary for all participants to prepare properly for the day ahead. All participants should carry no less than 2 quarts of water, a rain jacket, and light fleece or other insulating layer. It is also a good idea to have an energy bar or snack available. During the month of June, heavy rain and cool conditions can lead to hypothermia. Conversely, heat and humidity while working can cause heat exhaustion. The rule is: BE PREPARED FOR ALL CONDITIONS EACH AND EVERY WORK DAY.
LIVING CONDITIONS
Volunteers will sleep in campsites and/or cabins, or you can make your own arrangements to stay in a local motel. Accommodations will vary in each location, depending on the size and availability. There will be time in the evenings for relaxation and recreation.
KTA will supply all meals for Trail Crews only, but some Trail Care events may include meals. Contact the leader for more information. In order to ensure that all participants have a safe and enjoyable experience, any food intolerances, allergies, and medical conditions should be reported to the leader. If you wish, this information may be kept confidential between the leader and any other individual who has the need for this information.
Volunteers will sleep in campsites and/or cabins, or you can make your own arrangements to stay in a local motel. Accommodations will vary in each location, depending on the size and availability. There will be time in the evenings for relaxation and recreation.
KTA will supply all meals for Trail Crews only, but some Trail Care events may include meals. Contact the leader for more information. In order to ensure that all participants have a safe and enjoyable experience, any food intolerances, allergies, and medical conditions should be reported to the leader. If you wish, this information may be kept confidential between the leader and any other individual who has the need for this information.
WORK SCHEDULEs
Below are the daily schedules followed for Trail Care and Trail Crew events. It is important to keep to the schedule, especially in regards to the morning wake up and meal times. Lateness can delay the morning departure and make the difficult job of cooking even more challenging.
|
TRAIL CARE SCHEDULE
Thursday: Arrive in the late afternoon to evening. Dinner is on your own. Friday - Saturday: 6:00 a.m. Wake Up 7:00 a.m. Breakfast 8:00 a.m. Morning Meeting and Departure 12:00 p.m. Lunch in the Field 4:00 p.m. Return to Camp 6:00 p.m. Dinner 10:00 p.m. Bedtime (recommended) Sunday: 6:00 a.m. Wake Up 7:00 a.m. Breakfast 8:00 a.m. Morning Meeting and Departure 12:00 p.m. Pack up and head home |
TRAIL CREW SCHEDULE
Tuesday: 5:00 p.m. Arrival 6:00 p.m. Dinner 7:00 p.m. Orientation Meeting Wednesday - Sunday: 6:00 a.m. Wake Up 7:00 a.m. Breakfast 8:00 a.m. Morning Meeting and Departure 12:00 p.m. Lunch in the Field 4:00 p.m. Return to Camp (2:00 p.m. on Sunday) 6:00 p.m. Dinner 10:00 p.m. Bedtime (recommended) |
Upcoming (subject to change)
May 4-7: Trail Care
MID STATE TRAIL - STATE COLLEGE REGION
Bald Eagle State Forest
Leaders: Kevin Busko / Jason Davis
Camp: R.B. Winter State Park
May 11-14: Trail Care
WEST RIM TRAIL
Tioga State Forest
Leader: Wanda Shirk
Camp: Twin Streams Campground, Morris
May 18-21: Trail Care
MID STATE TRAIL - EVERETT REGION
Buchanan State Forest
Leader: Chad North
Camp: Tenley Park, Everett
June 1-4: Trail Care
ELK TRAIL
Elk State Forest
Leader: Joanne Heimer et al
Camp: Hicks Run Campground
June 8-11: Trail Care
MID STATE TRAIL - TIOGA REGION
Tioga State Forest
Leader: Pete Fleszar
Camp: Hills Creek State Park, Organized Group Tenting Area
June 22-25: Trail Care
BLACK FOREST TRAIL
Tiadaghton State Forest
Leader: Jenn Ulmer
Camp: Pump Station Fire Tower
July 6-9 / 20-23?: Trail Care
CHUCK KEIPER TRAIL
Sproul State Forest
Leaders: Ted Ligenza / Jenn Ulmer
Camp: TBA
August 10-13: Trail Care
TRACY RIDGE TRAIL SYSTEM
Allegheny National Forest
Leader: Joe Hardisky
Camp: Tracy Ridge Campground
August 24-27: Trail Care
THUNDER SWAMP TRAIL SYSTEM
Delaware State Forest
Leader: Shira Blady & Brian MacNamara
Camp: Resica Falls BSA Camp
September 14-17 / 21-24?: Trail Care
GOLDEN EAGLE TRAIL
Tiadaghton State Forest
Leader: Jenn Ulmer
Camp: TBA
October 7: Code Orange 1-day
GIFFORD PINCHOT STATE PARK
W/ Friends of Pinchot S.P.
Leader: Steve Stroman
Camp: TBA
October 26-29: Trail Care
PINCHOT TRAIL SYSTEM
Pinchot State Forest
Leader: Jeff Mitchell
Camp: Manny Gordon Picnic Area sites
May 4-7: Trail Care
MID STATE TRAIL - STATE COLLEGE REGION
Bald Eagle State Forest
Leaders: Kevin Busko / Jason Davis
Camp: R.B. Winter State Park
May 11-14: Trail Care
WEST RIM TRAIL
Tioga State Forest
Leader: Wanda Shirk
Camp: Twin Streams Campground, Morris
May 18-21: Trail Care
MID STATE TRAIL - EVERETT REGION
Buchanan State Forest
Leader: Chad North
Camp: Tenley Park, Everett
June 1-4: Trail Care
ELK TRAIL
Elk State Forest
Leader: Joanne Heimer et al
Camp: Hicks Run Campground
June 8-11: Trail Care
MID STATE TRAIL - TIOGA REGION
Tioga State Forest
Leader: Pete Fleszar
Camp: Hills Creek State Park, Organized Group Tenting Area
June 22-25: Trail Care
BLACK FOREST TRAIL
Tiadaghton State Forest
Leader: Jenn Ulmer
Camp: Pump Station Fire Tower
July 6-9 / 20-23?: Trail Care
CHUCK KEIPER TRAIL
Sproul State Forest
Leaders: Ted Ligenza / Jenn Ulmer
Camp: TBA
August 10-13: Trail Care
TRACY RIDGE TRAIL SYSTEM
Allegheny National Forest
Leader: Joe Hardisky
Camp: Tracy Ridge Campground
August 24-27: Trail Care
THUNDER SWAMP TRAIL SYSTEM
Delaware State Forest
Leader: Shira Blady & Brian MacNamara
Camp: Resica Falls BSA Camp
September 14-17 / 21-24?: Trail Care
GOLDEN EAGLE TRAIL
Tiadaghton State Forest
Leader: Jenn Ulmer
Camp: TBA
October 7: Code Orange 1-day
GIFFORD PINCHOT STATE PARK
W/ Friends of Pinchot S.P.
Leader: Steve Stroman
Camp: TBA
October 26-29: Trail Care
PINCHOT TRAIL SYSTEM
Pinchot State Forest
Leader: Jeff Mitchell
Camp: Manny Gordon Picnic Area sites
WHAT TO BRINg
Covid-19 Notice:
To reduce the spread of disease there are additional recommended items to bring during the pandemic. Please review the Covid Guidelines document linked at the top of this page. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential, and we ask that you bring your own safety equipment, such as gloves and safety goggles, and your own tools if possible to reduce sharing of materials.
The list below is meant as a guide. Tweak it to fit your personal needs.
To reduce the spread of disease there are additional recommended items to bring during the pandemic. Please review the Covid Guidelines document linked at the top of this page. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential, and we ask that you bring your own safety equipment, such as gloves and safety goggles, and your own tools if possible to reduce sharing of materials.
The list below is meant as a guide. Tweak it to fit your personal needs.
- Tent or camper vehicle
- Sleeping bag or bed roll for temperature to 40 degrees
- Air or foam mattress (provides ground insulation)
- 2-3 quart water bottles or hydration bladder
- Small day pack
- Rain jacket and rain pants
- Fleece or other warm pullover/jacket
- Sturdy boots (not just sneakers ). Bring two pairs if you have them.
- A change of work clothes for each day
- Underwear, socks, t-shirt, shirt with long sleeves and long pants
- Lightweight cap
- Warm hat
- Camp clothes for the evenings
- Camp shoes
- Laundry bag (laundry facilities vary, but may be available)
- Wash cloth and towels
- Soap, shampoo, toilet articles, insect repellent, sun screen, prescription medications
- First Aid Kit
- Robe for shower
- Flip flops or shower shoes
- Sunglasses
- Safety Glasses
- Headlamp or flashlight and spare batteries
- Folding chair
- Shorts should not be worn on trail care. The work is difficult, and you should have your legs protected. Long sleeve shirts are also highly recommended to protect exposed skin from scratches, insects, and sun.
- Deer ticks, which can carry Lyme Disease, are present in all areas of Pennsylvania. Use tick repellent on clothing to help keep ticks away.
HOW TO SIGN UP
To sign up for an event, contact the leader. If you sign up, we expect that you will keep your commitment to volunteer. We will arrange meals and housing based on the number of people who register. If you have to cancel for any reason, we expect that you will give as much notice as possible. Detailed maps and directions will be provided to all who sign up.
For additional information about the 2018 KTA Trail Care & Trail Crew, please contact:
Ed Lawrence, KTA Trail Care Coordinator
216 Asbury Rd
Orangeville, PA 17859
570.925.5285
cemclaw216@gmail.com
The Keystone Trail Association provides a place to camp, meals, tools, work gloves, safety equipment, and instruction by the crew leader. Volunteers are accepted for one day, a weekend, all week, or the entire crew season. There are tasks for everyone.
For additional information about the 2018 KTA Trail Care & Trail Crew, please contact:
Ed Lawrence, KTA Trail Care Coordinator
216 Asbury Rd
Orangeville, PA 17859
570.925.5285
cemclaw216@gmail.com
The Keystone Trail Association provides a place to camp, meals, tools, work gloves, safety equipment, and instruction by the crew leader. Volunteers are accepted for one day, a weekend, all week, or the entire crew season. There are tasks for everyone.
In addition to the events scheduled above, KTA also maintains a section of the Appalachian Trail in the Lehigh Gap area, north of Allentown. KTA's section includes 10 miles of the A.T. and 6 miles of side trails. For more information and to help us maintain the A.T., email us at ktalehighgapat@gmail.com or join the Facebook group: "Keystone Trails Association (KTA) Lehigh Gap A.T. Section Group".