On Saturday, June 2, 2012, the U.S. Forest Service, partnering organizations and volunteers will host a number of volunteer service events across Georgia’s national forests in celebration of the 20th annual National Trails Day. Hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers and everyone who enjoys the outdoors and wants to give something back are invited to participate. Events include activities such as trail and trailhead maintenance, tree planting and sign installation.

“National Trails Day is an opportunity for us to accomplish some great work through our partners and volunteers,” said Forest Supervisor George Bain. “It’s also a day we celebrate our countless supporters who make the extensive trail system on Georgia’s national forests possible.”

Scheduled events include:

Aska Trail System Work Day (Blue Ridge Ranger District), 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Volunteers should meet at the Deep Gap parking lot and access the Upper Green and Lower Green Mountain Trails from there. Work will include trail maintenance and sign installation. Call (706) 745-6928 or email kthamilton@fs.fed.us to RSVP or for more information.
Dry Creek Trail System Work Day (Conasauga Ranger District), 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Volunteers should meet at the Dry Creek Trailhead parking lot for trail maintenance activities. Equestrians and mountain bikers are especially encouraged to attend. A “food and fellowship” gathering will follow. Call (706) 695-6736 or email elang@fs.fed.us to RSVP or for more information.

Frady Branch Trail System Work Day (Chattooga River Ranger District), 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. This event is sponsored by Chattahoochee Trail Horse Association and SORBA, and will include trail maintenance activities. Call (706) 754-6221 or email janicepmiller@fs.fed.us to RSVP or for more information.

Jacks River Fields Campground and Trailhead Work Day (Conasauga Ranger District), 9:00 a.m. Back Country Horsemen of North Georgia is hosting this event, and volunteers are invited to camp out with the group the night prior. Various campground maintenance activities including mowing, brush removal, and cleaning out fire rings will be accomplished. A cookout will follow. Call (706) 695-6736 or email jeromebennett@fs.fed.us to RSVP or for more information.

Jake and Bull Trail System Work Day (Blue Ridge Ranger District), 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. This event is sponsored by Chattahoochee Trail Horse Association and SORBA, and volunteers are invited to arrive Friday evening for a potluck and camp out. Saturday’s tasks will include trail maintenance, parking lot work, and installing new signage, with a cook-out lunch ($2.00/person). Call (706) 745-6928 or email kthamilton@fs.fed.us to RSVP or for more information.

Ocmulgee Bluff Trail Work Day (Oconee Ranger District), 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Volunteers should meet at the trailhead. Activities will include tree planting, erecting a hitching post, and delineating parking areas. Rockdale Trailblazers, Heart of Dixie Horse Lovers Club, Georgia Horse Council and the Backcountry Horsemen of South and Middle Georgia are event partners. Call (706) 485-7110 or email jmcdonald@fs.fed.us for more information.

Penitentiary Trail Work Day (Conasauga Ranger District), 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Volunteers should meet at the Dally Gap Trailhead. Activities will include work on drain dips and water bars and removal of blow downs with crosscut saws. Equestrians are encouraged to bring their horses. A “food and fellowship” gathering will follow. Call (706) 695-6736 or email jrfarr@fs.fed.us to RSVP or for more information.

Work day volunteers should bring a lunch, snacks, or food to share, plenty of water, and a daypack to carry it all. They are asked to wear work gloves, sturdy shoes and bring a hard hat or bicycle helmet if one is owned. Most tools are provided by the Forest Service and partner organizations.

These National Trails Day events are supported by CoTrails, which is a collaborative effort among trail users and the Forest Service working together to develop a diverse, quality trail system that is maintainable and ecologically sustainable on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. Visit www.cotrails.org for more information and other upcoming volunteer trail events. For general information about the national forests, please visit the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests website at www.fs.usda.gov/conf.

Since 1993, National Trails Day has inspired thousands of people across the country to enjoy trails on the same day nationwide, taking part in hikes, bike and horse rides, trail maintenance, paddle trips and other outdoor activities. For more information about National Trails Day, visit www.AmericanHiking.org/ntd.