Volunteer and Youth Groups Complete Trail Projects

Date: May 26, 2007
Contact: Linda Slater, [phone]

Improvements to three park trails are currently underway at Mojave National Preserve. Several youth crews and volunteer groups are providing the labor for the projects.

The first trail work was completed in April. A Volunteer Vacations crew organized through the American Hiking Society improved the Rings Loop Trail at Hole-in-the-Wall. “The Rings Trail is one of the most popular trails in the park,” said Volunteer Coordinator Chris Mills, “but it wasn’t very long. This project extended that trail into a mile loop by circling the nearby hillside.” The Volunteer Vacations crew members came from across America and Canada, and donated their time as a way of “giving back” for the hiking adventures they enjoy on public lands. 

California Conservation Corps (CCC) members are now working on the Piute Canyon Trail, which passes by the ruins of FortPiute and through beautiful Piute Gorge. The California Conservation Corps helps improve the lives and prospects of thousands of 18 to 25 year old Californians every year while they work conservation and safety projects.

Later this summer, a Student Conservation Association (SCA) High School Crew, funded by a generous grant from NatureValley, will spend four weeks this summer repairing the Mid Hills to Hole-in-the-Wall Trail. Damaged by the 2005 Hackberry Fire and flash floods, the trail connects the park’s two campgrounds. The SCA program provides opportunities for high school and college students to volunteer their time on public lands across the country. “Volunteering through programs such as the Student Conservation Association is a great way to enjoy the outdoors as well as explore job options” said Mills.

Mojave National Preserve has an active Volunteers-in-Parks program participating in both group projects and as individuals. Last year 153 people donated more than 9000 hours toward a variety of park projects. Volunteers assist with staffing visitor centers, presenting educational programs, performing maintenance, completing office work, working as campground hosts, and researching or surveying natural and cultural resources. For more information on volunteering in national parks, please visit www.nps.gov/volunteer, or call VIP Coordinator Chris Mills at 760-252-6123.