Date: March 17, 2009
Contact: Jeremy Sweat, (865) 436-1711
While college spring break often evokes images of young people in sun-drenched locales such as Cancun or Acapulco, each year students from colleges and universities across the nation spend their spring breaks doing volunteer service projects. One alternate spring break group from the University of Virginia spent a cold week doing trail work in Great Smoky Mountains National Park as part of the Trails Forever program.
Trails Forever is a partnership between Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Friends of the Smokies that provides additional funding for trail projects throughout the Park. One of the goals of Trails Forever is to involve volunteers and interns in trail work. This not only provides a source of labor to the Park, but also helps to educate young people about the importance of trail maintenance to natural and cultural resource preservation. "I was especially impressed with the staff we worked with and I have a new appreciation for the amount of labor that goes into keeping trails usable," volunteer Wesley Andrews said.
The Trails Forever Alternative Spring Break Group from the University of Virginia worked on a section of the Mingus Creek trail on the North Carolina side of the Park. Using tools and materials paid for by the Trails Forever program, the students constructed an elevated section of trail and improved the drainage in an area where multiple small streams come together creating a marshy, wet environment. This marshy area prompted hikers to walk along the margins of the trail, gradually widening the damage from hiking and causing erosion that could potentially harm the natural resources of the area. The new elevated trail creates a hard, dry surface that will keep hikers on the trail and prevent erosion and damage to the area. "These students braved freezing temperatures and wet conditions to make a lasting difference in America’s most visited National Park. Despite these challenges, the student volunteers had a fulfilling and meaningful experience," said Jeremy Sweat, 75th Anniversary Volunteer Coordinator.
"This Spring Break was one of the best weeks of my life…and I would love to take a similar trip next year," volunteer Kyle Haskins said. While the University of Virginia students accomplished a large and important trail project, this alternate spring break also helped to educate the group in conservation and land management. This project and others like it will help to build the next generation of environmental stewards and educate the public about the importance of the National Park Service.
