Trailwork Opportunity

Date: July 15, 2013
Contact: Caven Clark, 870/365-2790

HIKE! invites participants to learn about trail construction and maintenance with a monthly program located in the Newton County portion of Buffalo National River. The program began with a “how to” session on trails at the Lost Valley amphitheater. Eleven people attended this workshop.

There is an opportunity to put these skills to work on the Mill Creek trail thisFriday, July 19th.  The Mill Creek Trailhead is located at the downstream end of the Pruitt Launch area off Highway 7, north side of the bridge. The Mill Creek trail is badly overgrown and needs to be brushed clear before becoming inviting to hikers.  Participants do not need to have  been at the June 21st workshop.

Trail maintenance skills will be put into action with professional direction. Although tools will be provided, participants are requested to bring their own lunches and gloves. Footwear should be sturdy boots or shoes (no sandals or flip-flops). Long pants are strongly recommended.  Participants should also take care of their own insect repellant needs.

This opportunity is free and open to the public, high school-age and over, by registration. Please call Caven Clark at 870/365-2790 for further information or to register three days prior to each event. All participants will be registered in Buffalo National River’s Volunteer-In-Parks program; minors are required to have a signed Volunteer Agreement form in order to participate (forms supplied via email or in paper copy at the time of registration). There will be additional opportunities through the summer and into the fall, all scheduled on the thirdFridayof each month. Youth with an interest in possible careers with state or federal land management agencies should take this opportunity to add to their resume of experience and knowledge.

HIKE! (Healthy Incentives for Kids Enjoyment), is an outgrowth of the national Active Trails program from the National Parks Foundation, and kicked off this year with the removal of invasive plant species from the upper Pruitt area and a retreat held at Camp Orr for 76 high school students from the Jasper, Kingston, and Oark schools. Other HIKE! activities are planned throughout the summer and will be announced as scheduled.