Los Padres Volunteer Events for National Trails Day

Source: Los Padres National Forest

Los Padres National Forest is observing National Trails Day with three volunteer community trail projects on Saturday, June 3. This marks the 25th year Los Padres has been involved with organizing local trail projects in conjunction with National Trails Day.

On the Santa Barbara Ranger District, volunteers are invited to assist with much-needed maintenance and repair work on the Lower Santa Cruz Trail. Members of the public interested in participating should meet at First Crossing at 8:00 am and bring their lunch, water, sunscreen and sturdy footwear. Work will conclude by 3:00 pm, and there will be a barbeque dinner for volunteers at Rancho Oso along with games, a REI Chill Zone, and refreshments. Participants are welcome to camp overnight for free and spend a few hours the following day working the trail. All tools, protective equipment, gloves and instruction for the project will be included. RSVP atinfo@LPForest.org if you plan to attend.

The Ojai Ranger District will be hosting a volunteer project June 3 on the Howard Creek Trail. This project will focus primarily on repairing storm damage to trail tread, and require hiking two-and-a-half miles. Interested participants should meet at the Ojai Ranger Station by 8:00 am to carpool to the trailhead, and plan on returning to the office by 4:00 pm. Volunteers should bring a day pack with lunch, water, sunscreen, gloves, eye protection, a hat, and sturdy footwear. Tools, helmets, instruction, and cold drinks will be provided. RSVP at jasonnb@LPForest.org if you plan to attend.

On the Mt. Pinos Ranger District, there will be a volunteer trail project on the Gene Marshall/Piedra Blanca National Recreation Trail in the Sespe Wilderness. This project is centered on repairing storm damage, fixing washouts, trail brushing and tread work, and is also being supported by volunteers from Wilderness Corps. Volunteers should meet at the Reyes Creek Trailhead parking lot at 8:00 am to sign in, and receive tools and safety instructions. The project work will conclude by 3 pm, and participants are encouraged to RSVP with msubbotin76@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

Volunteers under the age of 18 are welcome to participate, but must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. These events are great opportunities to meet other outdoor enthusiasts and make a positive impact on our local trails.