Trail Work, Teamwork, and Lasting Impact at Shawnee National Forest

This Spring, Eight dedicated volunteers came together to help restore trails at Shawnee National Forest, Illinois.

Even with some rainy workdays, the crew made a huge difference while connecting with each other and with nature in a meaningful way. One volunteer shared their favorite part of the trip was, “Meeting the crew and working on trails for others to use. Meeting and spending time with the project host. I think of it as a backstage pass when we can spend time working with and talking with rangers and public lands staff. They are almost always great people who love what they do and are a wealth of information and inspiration.”

The week wasn’t all work — the crew also had time to explore the area. Volunteers took advantage of hiking through other parts of the park and surrounding natural areas, and enjoyed relaxing together after a day of hard work. One member shared a highlight of the week: “Hanging out with fellow crew members. A fireside talk on a cool evening.”

The impact of the week was felt not just on the trails, but among the volunteers themselves. One crew member reflected, “We were fortunate to have a variety of tasks in multiple locations. Our tasks made sense to all of us. We all felt a vested interest in achieving the goals communicated to us. Our hosts were pleased with our work and communicated that to us. We each felt like we made a difference.”

The crew left feeling fulfilled, and the Shawnee National Forest staff was even more grateful for all of their hard work!