Restoring Shafer Creek

History came alive this summer in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, where a Volunteer Vacation crew joined Forest Service staff to restore the Shafer Creek Trail, a segment of the historic Oregon Trail system.

Years of deferred maintenance had left the trail overgrown, eroded, and tangled with deadfall. Over the course of the week, volunteers dug in with Pulaskis, hand saws, axes, and brush saws—recutting corridor, clearing hazardous limbs, bucking out trees, and reestablishing tread. Together they restored three miles of trail, including half a mile of fully rebuilt tread—a huge accomplishment that will open access and improve the visitor experience for years to come.

For many, the work was only part of what made the week meaningful. Volunteers spoke about the joy of sharing meals, laughter, and long days of trail work with new friends. “Meeting and working with new friends from across the USA was my favorite part,” one participant shared. Another reflected, “AHS VV’s give me a chance to get to places I may never otherwise have a chance to see.” Teamwork came naturally—“no issues at all,” someone said—thanks to the group’s spirit and the guidance of the rangers.

As one volunteer put it, “One of the best vacations I’ve had—challenging but with a real sense of accomplishment throughout.” That feeling captures the heart of Volunteer Vacations: stepping into meaningful work that pushes you while offering the deep reward of giving back to public lands. The challenges become part of the story, transforming a week of hard labor into something lasting. By the end, volunteers carried not only the satisfaction of trails restored, but also the pride of knowing their efforts will be enjoyed by countless others in the years ahead.

Even their free time connected back to the landscape. On a day trip to nearby Fossil Butte National Monument, the crew uncovered pieces of prehistoric history. “Digging for fossils and keeping what I found was such a neat experience,” one volunteer said.

This project captured the essence of a Volunteer Vacation—people from across the country uniting to take on challenging work in a beautiful place, forging friendships along the way, and finishing the week with both the trail and each other stronger than before.