What to Expect
Volunteers are essential to our efforts to maintain our area trails and we welcome all who are interested in helping protect our trails! We want our trail work events to be fun and not intimidating, so if you’re a first-time volunteer who isn’t sure what to expect, take a look at some of our frequently asked questions below to learn more.
Do I need to have previous experience?
Not at all! Our Crew Leaders will start each trail work event with a tool and safety talk and explain the work to be completed for the day. We just ask that you be safe, be respectful, help us get some work done, and have fun!
Do I need to be athletic or in good shape?
Trail work often requires walking to work sites with some sites harder to access than others. Some sites will require more strenuous hiking, however we will specify if that is the case on the trail work event listing so you will be well aware before you sign up.
What do I need to wear? Do I need to bring anything?
Please make sure you wear closed-toe shoes or boots, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. You will need to wear a helmet (a bike one is fine, or we will provide a work helmet, as well as eye protection (sunglasses or protective glasses). Bring plenty of water and a pair of work gloves. YTA will provide all tools, instruction, a hard hat, gloves if you need them, and a snack for our break.
What sort of things will I be doing at trail work?
Trail work projects range from trail construction with hand tools to trail maintenance projects with hand tools and general maintenance events. The projects are spelled out when you sign up, so you know if you’re doing heavier lifting or
not. Most of our events involve “brushing” the trails, cleaning/building water bars, trimming tree branches, and widening the trail when needed.
If you’d enjoy a long hike to a work site but prefer not to lift any heavy tools, just inform the crew leaders and you will be provided with a lighter-weight tool or loppers (for cutting back brush).
Can I bring my kids to trail work?
Children over 12 are invited to trail work with a parent or guardian. Children are not allowed to run around the worksite, but we do hope to encourage a stewardship ethic in our youth and help them to understand the special connection to the outdoors offered in our community. All minors must be accompanied by an adult and a waiver form must be signed ahead of time.
Can I bring my pet?
Please do not bring your pets to trail work.
Where do I go to meet for trailwork?
Generally, you will meet crew leaders and other volunteers at a trailhead. All directions and details on where to meet will be provided in the trail work event listing, so you’ll know exactly where to go when you sign up.
Can I bring a group of people with me?
The more the merrier, but please make sure each individual has signed up through our sign-up portal. If you would like to bring a group of six or more, please let us know. YTA can organize a special trail event with your company or group. YTA frequently partners with others to work on our trails!
How do I sign up for trail work?
Check out our listing and choose one that looks good to you. Once you click on the event link, you simply give us your name and phone number, and the date you want to join us.
What is the latest date I can sign up for trail work? Can I just show up without signing up first?
Our crew leaders prefer you sign up ahead of time, but if your schedule opens and you can help out last minute, we welcome your support. When you arrive at the work site, check in with a crew leader to learn about the work plan and goals.
How long is a typical trail work event?
Most trail work events are 4 hours long, but you are welcome to leave early. We welcome all levels of support! Sometimes our travel time is a little longer to get to some of our more remote trails, so we work a 5-hour day. We adjust our
start times based on the temperatures expected for that time of year.
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