Event
National Public Lands Day Volunteer Event
Fee:
Free.Location:
Contact Adam Monroe at 828-497-1949 or Adam_Monroe@nps.gov for details.Dates & Times
Date:
Time:
Duration:
Type of Event
Description
Join a volunteer trail maintenance workday at Balsam Mountain Nature Trail from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 28 in honor of National Public Lands Day.
Volunteers will make improvements to the trail surface to alleviate damage from erosion on this trail found within this prime example of western NC spruce-fir forest. The short, 1.2-mile trail is popular amongst campers and day hikers alike starting in the beautiful, high elevation Balsam Mountain Campground and ending at an overlook found adjacent to a CCC era picnic area.
Requirements:
- Volunteers must be able to hike at least 2 miles and safely use hand tools to perform strenuous manual labor.
- Minimum age of participants is 16. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible parent or guardian.
Safety gear, and tools for the day will be provided. All participants should bring a daypack with a lunch and water. Interested participants should contact Trail and Facilities Volunteer Coordinator Adam Monroe at 828-497-1949 or Adam_Monroe@nps.gov for more information and registration.
The workday will offer a great opportunity to learn about sustainable trail design and gain a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to maintain the vast trail network of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands across America. This year’s celebration is expected to draw more than 200,000 volunteers at more than 2,600 sites.
Reservation or Registration: Yes
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