Volunteer Activities

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Chapter Vice Chair

Are you someone who likes to see the big picture? Spend time getting to know your Chapter operations and how the larger AMC organization works while preparing to take over the role of Chapter Chair. You need to be good in motivating people to work as a team, have great organizing skills, be able to delegate tasks, and most importantly, have a passion for AMC. If this sounds like you please contact the Western MA Chapter Chair at chair@amc-wma.org.

Repair the A.T. at West Rd

We will restore the sidehill treadway on approx. 200 yards of the Appalachian Trail near West Rd in Sheffield. We will be working with youth from the Overland Adventures service crew. Work includes digging with hand tools to level the treadway and restore it to its original profile to provide a stable walking surface and reduce erosion.

Overnight Site Maintenance: Race Brook and Hemlocks

We will clear water bars on the access trail to Race Brook Campsite, then clean accumulated debris off the roof of Hemlocks Shelter. Work at Race Brook will be clearing accumulated dirt and stones from the access trail, and minor tidying at the campsite. We'll then drive to Guilder Pond, and hike a half mile down to Hemlocks Shelter, where we'll sweep 5 years of accumulated leaves and branches off the roof.

Replace and Repair Bog Bridges Near Pittsfield Rd

We will be replacing, resetting and relocating bog bridging near Pittsfield Rd in Washington, MA and other sites further south. Work will involve carrying lumber up to 1/4 mile on uneven, wet and/or muddy ground, some light carpentry, and digging with hand tools.

Clear Waterbars on A.T. North of Mass Ave

We will clear approximately 10 waterbars crossing the Trail above Sherman Brook Campsite. These critical trail structures drain water across the trail to minimize erosion. If they are not regularly cleared out, water just flows directly down the footpath. We will dig and move accumulated debris with hand tools (we may also clip back some encroaching laurel bushes).

Clear Waterbars Near Guilder Pond

This project will be classic trail maintenance - no prior experience is required. We'll be joining Overland folks in clearing multiple waterbars (drainage ditches) along a half-mile of the A.T. near Mt Everett. Work involves bending and digging to remove accumulated dirt and debris from drainage channels that cross the trail. When these are clogged, water can run down the trail, significantly increasing erosion.

Paint Upper Goose Pond Cabin

More "Trail Adjacent" than regular trail work. We'll scrape and paint the east side of this iconic A.T. hikers stopover. The front of the Cabin is looking a bit shabby and needs a fresh coat of paint. Work will include both ladder work and work at ground level. We'll be working with paint scrapers and water-based (latex) paint. While this will easily wash off skin, it will not come out of clothes when it dries - so don't wear your favorite trail duds. Do wear comfortable, close-toed shoes (no need for heavy footwear on this one). There is a half-mile moderate hike from to the work site on smooth trail.