If you're interested in joining a trail work party, keep these things in mind.

Skills and Experience

You don't have to have any experience, but you do need to be in good health and physically fit. 

• Light trail maintenance is a moderately strenuous type of project that involves cutting back overgrown brush (called brushing), cleaning drainage ditches and doing minor trail tread repairs.  Volunteers might walk long distances but typically carry only one tool.  They may carry buckets of soil or gravel short distances for part of the project.  Good beginner project. 
  
• More intense trail maintenance or construction may including hiking up to 5 miles uphill and downhill carrying tools or project materials.  Volunteers may haul logs or gravel, or build boardwalks, rock steps or rock walls.  These projects are a great work out!
  
  

Who

Trail work volunteers must be 14 years old or older.  Youth volunteers whose parents will not be attending the project must bring a completed permission form signed by their parent/guardian.

Trail projects will be of the most interest to

• active adults
  
• families with older teens
  
• active retirees
  
• hikers, trail runners, equestrians, mountain bikers, other outdoors-people

What to Bring/Wear

1) Long pants:
This is for safety because we are working with tools and often in the brush.  Even in warm weather shorts are not a good idea.  Volunteers should wear jeans or heavy-duty work pants such as Carhartts.
 
2) Layers:
Non-cotton shirts are best since they keep you warmer when wet (due to sweat or rain).  Depending on the season you may want an extra layers for warmth, sun protection,  or to keep bugs away.
 
3) Sturdy shoes:
All volunteers must have above-the-ankle boots with some leather.  Typical hiking boots are fine.  Tennis shoes do not provide enough protection from tools and are not allowed.  Volunteers without the appropriate footwear will not be allowed to participate.  See below for some ideas on where to find inexpensive boots.
 
4) Gloves:
We have adult-size gloves to loan out, but many volunteers prefer to bring their own for comfort. Cloth, rubber-palm gloves provide a nice grip and breathe well.  Thick leather gloves are fine, too. 
 
5) Rain gear:
Even though it is sunny where you live the weather can be different and change quickly at the project site.  Bring something you can get dirty, and that is waterproof, not just water resistant.   Rain pants are highly recommended.
 
6) A big sack lunch:
You'll be working hard, so bring more than you usually eat.
 
7) Full water bottle:
Or two!  There is no running water on site.

8) Day pack:
You'll want to be able to carry your extra layers, food and water as we move around the project site.  We're often far from the parking lot at lunchtime!

9) Optional items:
You may also want to bring a plastic bag to sit on at lunchtime, a hat for shade or warmth, your camera, or a thermos of hot liquid during cold weather.

We'll provide all the tools and project materials, some extra gloves, and a small amount of extra water.

Places to get inexpensive boots

Second Ascent in Seattle (Ballard)
REI - Outlet
Factory Stores Outlet Mall in North Bend
You might also find cheaper shoes at a Goodwill, Value Village or Payless Shoes.