Volunteer Activities

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  Title   Activity   Difficulty   Date    

Hale Fields Edge Clearing

The Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts traverses the edges of 4 fields formerly part of the Hale farm in Tyringham. For this project we'll clear deadfalls, large brush, vines and low hanging branches along the edges of these fields to keep the fields open. This will allow the full fields to be mowed by brush hog late in the season.

A.T. Corridor Boundary Maintenance - Day Mtn (Part 1)

Come explore the backstage of the Appalachian Trail. We'll be maintaining the critical boundary lines of the protected land corridor that surrounds the A.T. This off-trail work moves at a slow pace over varied terrain. We'll be clipping brush and painting blazes along the boundary line.

20s & 30s A.T. Corridor Boundary Maintenance - Day Mtn (Part 2)

Join the 20S & 30s crew to explore the backstage of the Appalachian Trail on the trail lands around Day Mtn in Dalton. This is the second day of work on this boundary line, so sign up for Saturday May 4 or Sunday May 5 or both. We'll be maintaining the critical boundary of the protected land corridor that surrounds the A.T. This off-trail work moves at a slow pace over varied terrain. We'll be clipping brush and painting blazes along the boundary line.

Upper Goose Pond Cabin - Opening Maintenance

We'll be getting Upper Goose Pond Cabin ready for the season. Work will include ferrying materials to the Cabin in a small boat, installing a new door, improving drainage, installing the dock, cutting/splitting firewood. The new door and gravel for the drainage will come in by small boat, and be carried up from the landing to the Cabin. We'll remove the old fire door an install the new one - some modest carpentry work required. The dock needs about 4 people to carry into the water, so some boots/water shoes would be handy. The drain needs to be dug out and gravel laid under the pipe to aid in the flow.

Tyringham Cobble A.T. Spring Cleaning

We will work alongside Trustees staff and local volunteers on a muddy area near Tyringham Cobble. We'll be clearing drainages and installing bog bridges. Some carrying of heavy materials and light carpentry. Approx 1/2 mile easy hike to work area. Other work will include clipping brush to maintain open viewpoint areas.

Blowdown Blitz

We thought it was going to be a mild winter - but that last storm really did a number on the A.T. We need at least two work parties to clear blowdowns blocking the trail in the central and northern Berkshires. We will work in 2-3 person teams with A.T. Sawyers to clear downed trees from the Trail. No chainsaw experience is required, we need "swampers" to clear cut trees and limbs and to manage trail visitors near the work areas.

Erosion and Bog Bridges Near Jerusalem Rd

We have 8 to 10 bog bridges to replace just in a muddy area south of Jerusalem Rd. We'll also address erosion caused by nearby overflowing brook. Work involves carrying materials approx 1/2 mile to work site, some minor digging, and light carpentry.

A.T. Boundary Maintenance - Tyringham

Come explore the backstage of the Appalachian Trail. We'll be maintaining the critical boundary lines of the protected land corridor that surrounds the A.T. This off-trail work moves at a slow pace over varied terrain. We'll be clipping brush and painting blazes along the boundary line. Work is off-trail, occasionally in heavy brush. Expect some wet areas, too. Some stooping to clip back brush to maintain a clear line of sight along the boundary.

A.T. Boundary Maintenance - Becket

Come explore the backstage of the Appalachian Trail. We'll be maintaining the critical boundary lines of the protected land corridor that surrounds the A.T. This off-trail work moves at a slow pace over varied terrain. We'll be clipping brush along the boundary of National Park Service lands between the Mass Pike and Upper Goose Pond, including a likely stop for lunch at the Upper Goose Pond cabin.

Open Upper Goose Pond Cabin

We will open this near-famous hiker stop for the season. Remove shutters, sweep and clean, touch up paint, set up kitchen. We may need to install the dock, so check with leader if water wear may be needed.

A.T. Boundary Maintenance - Dalton

Come explore the backstage of the Appalachian Trail. We'll be maintaining the critical boundary lines of the protected land corridor that surrounds the A.T. The day will involve 1 mile of on-trail hiking to the work site, about 1 mile of actual boundary work off-trail, and a 2 mile trail walk to return.

Remove Potentially Hazardous Trees at South Wilcox Shelter

There are several dead/dying trees in the area around this campsite. We will assess and remove trees as necessary. Work is primarily for certified A.T. Sawyers, but others are welcome to join us, as there will be plenty of cut material to move. Work will involve lifting, dragging, rolling logs and carrying away small limbs into the surrounding woods. Worksite is a 1/2 mile hike off trail.

Maintenance & Repair at South Wilcox Campsite

The porkies have been busy at this this historic shelter. We will carry in lumber to replace the porcupine-chewed planks on the shelter floor. We'll also carry in a new bear box to replace the rusted out old one.

Clear Waterbars North of Rt 23

Support the A.T. - keep it in good shape for the future. Today we'll be maintaining waterbars (drainage channels) on a short section of the the A.T. that climbs moderately above the trailhead at Rt 23. Waterbars provide essential drainage that keeps this section of trail from washing out and turning into a trench. They need regular cleaning.

Privy & Campsite Maintenance: Hemlocks & Glen Brook

We will work on emptying the composted material from the Hemlocks privy, and also move the Glen Brook privy over its empty bin. Not as gruesome as it sounds. The composted stuff doesn't smell (much) and is ready to be carried off and scattered into the woods. Then the outhouses need a few folks to slide them into their new position - ready for a busy hiking season. We'll also perform some light maintenance at both sites.

Trail Rehab - A.T. Blue Blaze at Rt 20

Classic Trail Work: The blue blaze trail that connects the Rt 20 parking area to the northbound A.T. is sliding down the hill. We'll dig back into the hillside in several locations to build a more stable tread.

Cheshire Variety Pack - A.T. Maintenance

We'll be working in several locations near Outlook Ave in Cheshire, MA. We'll set a new sign for Reynolds Rock, clip back some brush to make access to the rock more friendly. We'll stand up a new trailhead kiosk "downtown" in Cheshire. Remove a nearby illegal tree stand, if there's time remaining in the day.

Trail Rehab North of Fernside Rd

We'll rebuild some water bars and repair some steps on this steep, often muddy section of trail between Shaker Campsite and Fernside Rd. Short hike to the work area carrying heavy tools. Digging, bending, stooping. Some rock carrying off-trail. Expect to get a bit muddy on this one.

Hiking Chair

The volunteer role of the Hiking Chair is to support leaders in offering a variety of hikes to AMC members and other participants, with a safe, fun, inclusive, and welcoming approach. A love of the outdoors and excellent organizational skills are a key fit for this position.