BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//American Hiking Society - ECPv6.15.17//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:American Hiking Society X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://americanhiking.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for American Hiking Society REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20210314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20211107T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20220313T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20221106T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20230312T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20231105T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230723T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230729T100000 DTSTAMP:20260531T170703 CREATED:20221116T201350Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221219T193612Z UID:10000419-1690131600-1690624800@americanhiking.org SUMMARY:Grayson Highlands State Park\, VA - Volunteer Vacations 2023 DESCRIPTION:Join this project to work near Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain\, Virginia’s two highest mountains in Grayson Highlands which offers scenic views of alpine-like peaks more than 5\,000 feet high. Facilities include a visitor center\, campgrounds\, and hiking trails leading to waterfalls and overlooks. The park provides year-round access to the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail. \nAmerican Hiking Society volunteers will work to complete the AHS project from 2022\, a new trail that connects the Visitor Center to Massie Gap\, which is needed to allow park visitors to access the high country when the parking at Massie Gap is at capacity and visitors are diverted to the nearest parking area at the Visitor Center\, just over a mile up the road. There is a trail system currently in place for this\, but the Big Pinnacle trail from Twin Pinnacles to Massie Gap was poorly designed along the fall line\, and is therefore unsustainable and too steep for many park visitors to successfully navigate. The new 0.85 mile trail will skirt the side slope of Haw Orchard Mountain through birch groves\, boulder fields and spruce stands\, completely avoiding the heavily used Twin Pinnacles Trail. Some of the trail will be installed mechanically\, but portions will require dirt or rock work by hand. If the new trail is completed\, there is additional rock work needed on Listening Rock\, another high elevation trail in the same area of the park. Volunteers will drive to the trailhead from their accommodations\, and then hike approximately 1 – 1.5 miles per day. The project will be completed on Fri. July 28. To allow for additional time to explore the park and surrounding area\, lodging will be available through checkout on Sun.\, July 30 for anyone who would like to stay an additional night. \nThere is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction\, tool demonstrations\, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks\, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here. \nAHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee\, East)\, Moneton\, S’atsoyaha (Yuchi)\, Cheraw and Yesan (Tutelo) peoples past and present. We honor the land itself\, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations\, their deep and sacred connection to these lands\, and those who continue to steward these lands today. We offer this land acknowledgement as the first of many steps to stand as an ally and amplify Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to join us through continued efforts to support Indigenous communities and learn more about the history of the lands on which we live\, work and recreate. URL:https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/grayson-highlands-state-park-va-volunteer-vacations-2023/ LOCATION:Grayson Highlands State Park\, 829 Grayson Highland Lane\, Mouth of Wilson\, VA\, 24363\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ghsp-1-rotated.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230723T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230729T100000 DTSTAMP:20260531T170703 CREATED:20221116T200523Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230209T165124Z UID:10000417-1690117200-1690624800@americanhiking.org SUMMARY:Chugach National Forest\, AK - Volunteer Vacations 2023 DESCRIPTION:This remote backcountry project will take place on the beautiful Lost Lake Trail just north of Seward\, Alaska! The project consists of rebuilding a step and run structure and additional trail maintenance as time allows. Most of the trail work will take place within half mile of our designated campsite on the Lost Lake trail. There is an 80-foot section of existing native spruce step and run that has rotted and needs to be replaced. After demolishing the existing structure\, we will be using yellow cedar 4x10s that have been cached near the worksite to construct a new structure. Work will be strenuous at times and involve hiking with tools\, heavy lifting of large pieces of lumber\, dirt work with pulaskis\, shovels and picks\, and a lot of teamwork. There will be chainsaw use\, however volunteers will not be permitted to use chainsaws. We will construct the new structure and the approaches. If time permits\, we will work on some light brushing and drainage work. On Wednesday\, our off day\, the camp location well situates the crew to go on a world renown hike up to Lost Lake with ample time to enjoy the mind-expanding views. \nThe project lumber will be brought to the worksite by snowmachine the winter before the project. The tools\, group camp gear\, and most of the group’s food will be helicoptered to the campsite location a few days prior to the start of the project. The work tools will then need to be carried about half a mile from the campsite to the worksite at the start of the project. Volunteers will be responsible for packing in all their personal gear such as tent\, sleeping bag and pad\, clothes\, comforts\, etc. about 3.75 miles from the trailhead to the designated campsite on the Lost Lake trail. Everyone will get dirty and tired\, and it will be a fun and productive week in an amazing location! \nThere is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction\, tool demonstrations\, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks\, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here. \nAHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Dena’ina Ełnena and Dënéndeh peoples past and present. We honor the land itself\, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations\, their deep and sacred connection to these lands\, and those who continue to steward these lands today. We offer this land acknowledgement as the first of many steps to stand as an ally and amplify Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to join us through continued efforts to support Indigenous communities and learn more about the history of the lands on which we live\, work and recreate. URL:https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/chugach-national-forest-ak-volunteer-vacations-2023/ LOCATION:Chugach National Forest\, AK\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/hopepoint-6.jpg GEO:60.172222;-149.410833 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230716T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230722T100000 DTSTAMP:20260531T170703 CREATED:20221117T175152Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230130T183349Z UID:10000537-1689526800-1690020000@americanhiking.org SUMMARY:(Women only crew!) AdventurUs Women at San Juan Islands National Monument\, WA - Volunteer Vacations 2023 DESCRIPTION:Join one of the most popular Volunteer Vacations with an all women crew to help this friendly island community maintain local trails! This project is open to anyone who feels that an all- women’s trip is the right space for them. \nIn your free time\, enjoy stunning ocean vistas\, where you might have a chance to see a pod of orca whales\, humpbacks\, or a plethora of other marine life and sea birds. Situated in the northern reaches of Washington State’s Puget Sound\, the San Juan Islands are a uniquely beautiful archipelago of over 450 islands\, rocks\, and pinnacles. The new San Juan Islands National Monument encompasses approximately 1\,000 acres of land spread across many of these rocks and islands and managed by the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management. Drawing visitors from around the world\, this is a landscape of unmatched contrasts\, where forests seem to spring from gray rock and distant\, snow-capped peaks provide the backdrop for sandy beaches. The San Juan Islands National Monument is a trove of scientific and historic treasures\, a refuge for an array of wildlife\, and a classroom for generations of Americans. \nOn this trip\, American Hiking Society volunteers will perform trail maintenance\, noxious weeds eradication and recreation site maintenance. The crew will be transported to and from base camp to the work areas via carpools and or boat with minimal hiking involved. Dependent on the weather\, projects may be performed on outer islands. Volunteers will be engaged with a handful of other agency representatives in the SJI and also working outside of BLM lands. It takes an island and we all share when we can! \nThere is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction\, tool demonstrations\, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks\, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here. \nAHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Semiahmoo\, S’Klallam\, Á\,LEṈENEȻ ȽTE (W̱SÁNEĆ)\, Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group\, Lhaq’temish (Lummi). Samish and Tulalip peoples past and present. We honor the land itself\, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations\, their deep and sacred connection to these lands\, and those who continue to steward these lands today. We offer this land acknowledgement as the first of many steps to stand as an ally and amplify Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to join us through continued efforts to support Indigenous communities and learn more about the history of the lands on which we live\, work and recreate. URL:https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/tentative-adventurus-women-at-san-juan-islands-national-monument-wa-volunteer-vacations-2023/ LOCATION:San Juan Islands National Monument\, 650 Mullis St\, Friday Harbor\, WA\, 98250\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/castle-island.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230708T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230715T100000 DTSTAMP:20260531T170703 CREATED:20221205T182052Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221219T192905Z UID:10000539-1688832000-1689415200@americanhiking.org SUMMARY:Eagle Cap Wilderness\, OR - Volunteer Vacations 2023 DESCRIPTION:Join this popular trip and head into the upper Imnaha River drainage in the Eagle Cap Wilderness! Volunteers will depart from the Indian Crossing Trailhead and backpack into a feature of the Imnaha River known as Blue Hole. Pack stock will carry all food and group gear\, giving us time for a 2-mile hike into base camp with 500 ft of elevation gain. Volunteers will need to carry their personal gear ONLY. \nThe trail provides spectacular views of the Imnaha River drainage along with views of the high alpine peaks of Wallowa Mountains. Work will include brushing and constructing trail drainage features such as water bars\, French drains\, and possibly turnpikes. Some lighter trail maintenance\, such as log-out and campsite rehabilitation\, may also be on the docket if time allows. \nVolunteers will hike 1-3 miles with about 500 feet of elevation gain per workday\, traveling on backcountry trails and occasionally off trail. The Forest Service will provide transportation from the meeting location in Enterprise\, OR. Volunteers wishing to drive their own vehicles are welcome to\, or you can leave your vehicle at the Forest Service headquarters in Enterprise. Indian Crossing Trailhead is 45 miles from Enterprise on an entirely paved road. \nThere is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction\, tool demonstrations\, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks\, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here. \nAHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Cayuse\, Umatilla and Walla Walla\, Nimiipuu (Nez Perce)\, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation peoples past and present. We honor the land itself\, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations\, their deep and sacred connection to these lands\, and those who continue to steward these lands today. We offer this land acknowledgement as the first of many steps to stand as an ally and amplify Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to join us through continued efforts to support Indigenous communities and learn more about the history of the lands on which we live\, work and recreate. URL:https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/eagle-cap-wilderness-or-volunteer-vacations-2023/ LOCATION:Eagle Cap Wilderness\, 88401 Highway 82\, Enterprise\, OR\, 97828\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/photo2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230625T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230701T100000 DTSTAMP:20260531T170703 CREATED:20221116T194156Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230228T152528Z UID:10000413-1687708800-1688205600@americanhiking.org SUMMARY:Special Registration Rate! Eldorado National Forest\, CA - Volunteer Vacations 2023 DESCRIPTION:USE CODE: 2023USFSEldoradoVV for a special registration fee of $200 thanks to grant funding received for this project. To register at this price please select “First Trip of the Year” registration cost. Additional trip discount not available for this special rate. \nJoin this project to backpack into a stunning river valley of granite and pine trees and help restore access along this popular canyon trail. The Mokelumne River Canyon has been described as a smaller version of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River in Yosemite National Park. Sections of the canyon are up to a mile deep. Granite is predominate and the Munson Meadow trail is in some places a trail engineering marvel. The Munson Meadow trail is 9.5 miles long and is in need of trail maintenance. The trail was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The trail is relatively flat for 6 miles as it passes Long Lake at mile 4 where the first campsite is. After mile 6\, the trail drops steeply into the Mokelumne River Canyon. At mile 7.5 is the second camp\, which has incredible views overlooking the canyon. There are trail maintenance needs above and below both camps with the majority of the work needed at the second camp. Volunteers will support this work through brushing\, crosscut saw work\, and tread repair. \nVolunteers will backpack and camp near the project worksite\, moving camp halfway through the trip. The first camp is four miles in with an elevation loss of 700′. The second camp is 3 miles further with an additional elevation gain & loss of 1600′. Daily hiking to work sites from the camping location will vary from less than a mile with an elevation gain/loss of 550 vertical feet near the 2nd camp site on up to 3 miles with an elevation gain/loss of 150 vertical feet near the first campsite. Volunteers will need to carry their personal gear and a portion of the food/tools/cooking gear to base camp. \nThere is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction\, tool demonstrations\, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks\, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here. \nAHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Cayuse\, Umatilla and Walla Walla Wašišiw Ɂítdeʔ (Washoe) and Nisenan peoples past and present. We honor the land itself\, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations\, their deep and sacred connection to these lands\, and those who continue to steward these lands today. We offer this land acknowledgement as the first of many steps to stand as an ally and amplify Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to join us through continued efforts to support Indigenous communities and learn more about the history of the lands on which we live\, work and recreate. URL:https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/eldorado-national-forest-ca-volunteer-vacations-2023/ LOCATION:Eldorado National Forest\, 30001 Plasse Rd\, Pioneer\, CA\, 95666\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/p1010191.jpg GEO:38.6385192;-119.9557379 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Eldorado National Forest 30001 Plasse Rd Pioneer CA 95666 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=30001 Plasse Rd:geo:-119.9557379,38.6385192 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230611T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230617T100000 DTSTAMP:20260531T170703 CREATED:20221116T192354Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221219T192603Z UID:10000526-1686502800-1686996000@americanhiking.org SUMMARY:Kenai National Wildlife Refuge\, AK - Volunteer Vacations 2023 DESCRIPTION:Join this project to conduct trail work with some of the best views possible\, including glaciers\, mountain vistas\, and the turquoise Kenai River. Not to mention the chance to see some of the refuge’s wildlife\, including moose\, caribou\, brown and black bear\, mountain goats\, Dall sheep\, lynx\, wolves\, coyotes\, furbearers\, and thousands of shorebirds and waterfowl! The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is just one of more than 500 units of the national refuge system but it stands out as a very special place among special places! The hunting and fishing traditions that helped create the Refuge in 1941 still flourish\, but so do enhanced opportunities for hiking\, camping\, canoeing\, and wildlife watching. The scenic wonders of the Kenai Mountains\, the glaciers of the Harding Ice Field and the turquoise-colored waters of the Kenai River make for an ideal place for a Volunteer Vacation doing trail work. \nProject work will occur on a variety of day-use trails within the Skilak Lake Recreation Area. Work will include routine brushing of the trail corridor as well as 1-2 enhancement construction projects. Projects may include 1) constructing short trail re-routes\, switchbacks or climbing turns\, 2) construction of rock or timber stairs and/or 3) construction and/or rehabilitation of erosion control or drainage structures. Volunteers will drive to a trail head either by provided van or boat and then start working on the trail by hiking to the project site. \nThere is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction\, tool demonstrations\, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks\, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here. \nAHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Dena’ina Ełnena and Dënéndeh peoples past and present. We honor the land itself\, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations\, their deep and sacred connection to these lands\, and those who continue to steward these lands today. We offer this land acknowledgement as the first of many steps to stand as an ally and amplify Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to join us through continued efforts to support Indigenous communities and learn more about the history of the lands on which we live\, work and recreate. URL:https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/kenai-national-wildlife-refuge-volunteer-vacations-2023/ LOCATION:Kenai National Wildlife Refuge\, 33398 Ski Hill Road\, Soldotna\, AK\, 99669\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/skilak-lookout.jpg GEO:60.4392078;-150.3209241 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Kenai National Wildlife Refuge 33398 Ski Hill Road Soldotna AK 99669 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=33398 Ski Hill Road:geo:-150.3209241,60.4392078 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230611T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230617T100000 DTSTAMP:20260531T170703 CREATED:20221116T165004Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230518T153243Z UID:10000525-1686502800-1686996000@americanhiking.org SUMMARY:Letchworth State Park - 2023 Volunteer Vacations DESCRIPTION:Join this project and continue the work that American Hiking Society Volunteers have contributed over several years in the heart of this beautiful park! Letchworth State Park\, renowned as the “Grand Canyon of the East\,” is one of the most scenically magnificent areas in the eastern U.S. The Genesee River roars through the gorge over three major waterfalls between cliffs–as high as 600 feet in some places–surrounded by lush forests. Hikers can choose among 66 miles of hiking trails. Trails are also available for horseback riding\, biking\, snowmobiling\, and cross-country skiing. Letchworth offers nature\, history and performing arts programs\, guided walks\, tours\, a summer lecture series\, whitewater rafting\, kayaking\, a pool for swimming and hot air ballooning. \nThis project will take place on the Finger Lakes Branch Trail through Letchworth State Park. Volunteers will build on the work of previous volunteer vacations and continue to work on tread and drainage along the trail. This will include daily hikes up to 5 miles each day and digging drainage\, re-shaping tread\, and helping with minor re-routes. There are steep sections in and out of ravines in areas. Training will be provided on all aspects from using trail tools to doing trail work. \nThere is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction\, tool demonstrations\, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks\, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here. \nAHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Ho-de-no-sau-nee-ga (Haudenosaunee) and Onöndowa’ga:’ (Seneca) peoples past and present. We honor the land itself\, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations\, their deep and sacred connection to these lands\, and those who continue to steward these lands today. We offer this land acknowledgement as the first of many steps to stand as an ally and amplify Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to join us through continued efforts to support Indigenous communities and learn more about the history of the lands on which we live\, work and recreate. URL:https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/letchworth-state-park-2023-volunteer-vacations/ LOCATION:Letchworth State Park\, 6111 Visitor Center Rd\, Mt. Morris\, NY\, 14510\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/20210801-200521.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230611T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230617T100000 DTSTAMP:20260531T170703 CREATED:20221114T215355Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230217T161510Z UID:10000520-1686502800-1686996000@americanhiking.org SUMMARY:San Juan Islands National Monument\, WA - Volunteer Vacations 2023 DESCRIPTION:Join one of the most popular Volunteer Vacations to help this friendly island community maintain local trails! In your free time\, enjoy stunning ocean vistas\, where you might have a chance to see a pod of orca whales\, humpbacks\, or a plethora of other marine life and sea birds. \nAlso\, check out our second Volunteer Vacation at San Juan Islands National Monument with an all-women’s crew here. \nSituated in the northern reaches of Washington State’s Puget Sound\, the San Juan Islands are a uniquely beautiful archipelago of over 450 islands\, rocks\, and pinnacles. The new San Juan Islands National Monument encompasses approximately 1\,000 acres of land spread across many of these rocks and islands and managed by the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management. Drawing visitors from around the world\, this is a landscape of unmatched contrasts\, where forests seem to spring from gray rock and distant\, snow-capped peaks provide the backdrop for sandy beaches. The San Juan Islands National Monument is a trove of scientific and historic treasures\, a refuge for an array of wildlife\, and a classroom for generations of Americans. \nOn this trip\, American Hiking Society volunteers will perform trail maintenance\, noxious weeds eradication and recreation site maintenance. The crew will be transported to and from base camp to the work areas via carpools and or boat with minimal hiking involved. Dependent on the weather\, projects may be performed on outer islands. Volunteers will be engaged with a handful of other agency representatives in the SJI and also working outside of BLM lands. It takes an island and we all share when we can! \nThere is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction\, tool demonstrations\, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks\, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here. \nAHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Semiahmoo\, S’Klallam\, Á\,LEṈENEȻ ȽTE (W̱SÁNEĆ)\, Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group\, Lhaq’temish (Lummi). Samish and Tulalip peoples past and present. We honor the land itself\, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations\, their deep and sacred connection to these lands\, and those who continue to steward these lands today. We offer this land acknowledgement as the first of many steps to stand as an ally and amplify Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to join us through continued efforts to support Indigenous communities and learn more about the history of the lands on which we live\, work and recreate. URL:https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/san-juan-islands-national-monument-volunteer-vacations-2023/ LOCATION:San Juan Islands National Monument\, 650 Mullis St\, Friday Harbor\, WA\, 98250\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/castle-island.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230604T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230610T100000 DTSTAMP:20260531T170703 CREATED:20221115T214804Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221219T192201Z UID:10000523-1685887200-1686391200@americanhiking.org SUMMARY:Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area\, TN - Volunteer Vacations 2023 DESCRIPTION:Calling all bridge builders! Join us at the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area to restore historic bridges among a peaceful area with wildlife\, wildflowers\, and starry night skies. The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is 125\,000 acres\, and boasts miles of scenic gorges and sandstone bluffs\, and is rich with natural and historic features and has been developed to provide visitors with a wide range of outdoor recreational activities. The Twin Arches Trail is designated as a Natural-Scientific State Natural Area. There are four bridges in the Jakes Place (Historic) landscape which were built several years ago\, and they are in need of being removed and built. Jakes’s Place is off the Twin Arches Trail but also connects to the Charit Creek Lodge (Historic). Volunteers will be replacing one of these bridges during the week of service. There are no buildings left standing at Jakes Place other than the remnants of an old fireplace. Volunteers will be driven to the trailhead but will have to hike approximately 1-2 miles to the actual work site. The terrain is steep and moderate in difficulty for hiking. \nWith the beginning of summer\, the area is abundant with wildlife\, wildflowers\, birds and lush green trees. It is an area for foot traffic only and it is truly a peaceful area to visit\, even if only for one day. In the evenings\, star gazers can look up and see a beautiful display of stars. \nThere is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction\, tool demonstrations\, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks\, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here. \nAHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee\, East)\, S’atsoyaha (Yuchi)\, and Shawandasse Tula (Shawanwaki/Shawnee) peoples past and present. We honor the land itself\, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations\, their deep and sacred connection to these lands\, and those who continue to steward these lands today. We offer this land acknowledgement as the first of many steps to stand as an ally and amplify Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to join us through continued efforts to support Indigenous communities and learn more about the history of the lands on which we live\, work and recreate. URL:https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/big-south-fork-national-river-recreation-area-tn-volunteer-vacations-2023/ LOCATION:Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area\, 4564 Leatherwood Road\, Oneida\, TN\, 37841\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/jennie-chevalier-secret-falls-on-the-trail-large.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230521T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230527T100000 DTSTAMP:20260531T170703 CREATED:20221114T221009Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221219T191855Z UID:10000521-1684688400-1685181600@americanhiking.org SUMMARY:Shenandoah National Park\, VA - Volunteer Vacations 2023 DESCRIPTION:Join this project to help Shenandoah National Park ensure it’s most popular trails are safe and user-friendly for over 100\,000 visitors annually! Just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington\, D.C.\, Shenandoah National Park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls\, spectacular vistas\, fields of wildflowers\, and quiet wooded hollows. With over 200\,000 acres of protected lands that are haven to deer\, songbirds\, and black bear\, there’s so much to explore and enjoy. \nVolunteers will work on a variety of trails in Shenandoah National Park’s Central District. Trails will pass through woodlands as spring flowers begin to bloom and cross ridgelines with views of the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains. Difficulty will vary from strenuous\, exposed\, steep mountain terrain to moderate\, forested\, rolling hills. Projects will ensure trails are inviting and user-friendly by clearing vegetation\, installing and maintaining trail structures\, and mitigating water damage through the maintenance of water bars and other water drainage structures. Volunteers may use loppers\, weed whips\, mcleods\, pick mattocks\, and rakes. \nVolunteers will be transported from the campsite to the trailhead where work will begin each day. They will travel\, carrying work tools\, along the trail to work up to 6 miles in a day. Terrain is often steep and rocky with elevation changes up to 2\,000 feet in day. \nThere is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction\, tool demonstrations\, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks\, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here. \nAHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Mvskoke (Muscogee)\, Yamasee and Guale peoples past and present. We honor the land itself\, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations\, their deep and sacred connection to these lands\, and those who continue to steward these lands today. We offer this land acknowledgement as the first of many steps to stand as an ally and amplify Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to join us through continued efforts to support Indigenous communities and learn more about the history of the lands on which we live\, work and recreate. URL:https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/shenandoah-national-park-va-volunteer-vacations-2023/ LOCATION:Shenandoah National Park\, Big Meadow Campground\, Stanley\, VA\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/vvshen-4.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230521T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230527T100000 DTSTAMP:20260531T170703 CREATED:20221115T210426Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221219T191952Z UID:10000522-1684681200-1685181600@americanhiking.org SUMMARY:Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness\, MN - Volunteer Vacations 2023 DESCRIPTION:Get your hiking boots and canoe paddles ready for this backcountry adventure into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness! Join the North Country Trail Association and help conduct much needed maintenance on a remote 5-mile stretch of the Kekekabic / North Country Trail. The million-acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is a stunningly beautiful designated wilderness area located in the northeastern tip of Minnesota. It is a unique landscape that is made up of equal parts water (lakes\, rivers\, and wetlands) and land (boreal forest). While canoeing is the dominant use of the Wilderness\, there are 200 miles of hiking trails within the BWCAW including the Kekekabic and Border Route Trails – two components of the North Country National Scenic Trail. The Kekekabic Trail (Kek) was damaged by the historic 1999 windstorm but the forest has regenerated along with thick brush and young trees. The job of the crew will be to keep open a corridor through the forest and brush for hikers to follow. The crew will be working between Thomas and Strup Lakes and camping on/near Thomas Lake. This Kek section features large wetlands\, small lakes\, rocky knobs\, and young mixed coniferous-hardwood forests. Canoeing on a BWCAW lake\, fishing\, or hiking may be enjoyed right from the group campsite. \nVolunteers will canoe to set up a base camp on/near Thomas Pond within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness\, canoeing a distance of approximately 11.5 miles. There is a distance of approximately 1.1 miles of portage trails included in this total. Following that\, the crew will perform basic maintenance on a remote 5-mile stretch of the Kekekabic / North Country Trail. The work will entail using hand tools (Silky saws\, crosscut saw\, loppers\, and hedge trimmers) to maintain an open trail corridor. Volunteers should expect to hike up to 10 miles round trip per day with minimal elevation gain over rough\, primitive trail tread. \nThere is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction\, tool demonstrations\, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks\, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here. \nAHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Anishinabewaki and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ peoples past and present. We honor the land itself\, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations\, their deep and sacred connection to these lands\, and those who continue to steward these lands today. We offer this land acknowledgement as the first of many steps to stand as an ally and amplify Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to join us through continued efforts to support Indigenous communities and learn more about the history of the lands on which we live\, work and recreate. URL:https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/north-country-trail-association-mn-volunteer-vacations-2023/ LOCATION:Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness\, Kawishiwi Ranger Station 1393 Hwy 169\, Ely\, MN 55731\, MN\, 55731\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/dscn0182.jpg GEO:47.748594;-90.366113 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Kawishiwi Ranger Station 1393 Hwy 169 Ely MN 55731 MN 55731 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Kawishiwi Ranger Station 1393 Hwy 169\, Ely\, MN 55731:geo:-90.366113,47.748594 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230423T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230429T100000 DTSTAMP:20260531T170703 CREATED:20221117T174700Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221219T191701Z UID:10000536-1682269200-1682762400@americanhiking.org SUMMARY:Adirondack Park\, NY Week 1- Volunteer Vacations 2023 DESCRIPTION:Created in 1892 as one of the first Forever Wild Forest Preserves in the nation\, the Adirondack Park is a unique wilderness area\, and volunteers are needed to help maintain it! At 6 million acres\, it is the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States. The state of New York owns approximately 2.6 million acres\, while the remaining 3.4 million acres are devoted to forestry\, agriculture and open space recreation. The Adirondack Park is not a National Park – there’s no fee to enter and the park doesn’t close at night\, nor is it a state park\, a common misconception. It’s also the largest National Historic Landmark\, covering an area larger than Yellowstone\, Yosemite\, Grand Canyon\, Glacier\, and the Great Smokies National Parks combined. Champlain Area Trails has a number of new trails that will be developed in Adirondack Park this year. Volunteers will work to establish and maintain these new trails by clearing the trail of branches\, brush\, and fallen logs plus doing some side-cuts to level the trail on hillsides. Volunteers may also assist with the installation of new bridges and boardwalks as needed throughout the week. Project access will include driving 20-30 minutes on paved roads. \nThere is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction\, tool demonstrations\, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks\, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here. \nAHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Kanienʼkehá꞉ka (Mohawk)\, Mohican\, N’dakina (Abenaki / Abénaquis)\, and Ho-de-no-sau-nee-ga (Haudenosaunee) peoples past and present. We honor the land itself\, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations\, their deep and sacred connection to these lands\, and those who continue to steward these lands today. We offer this land acknowledgement as the first of many steps to stand as an ally and amplify Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to join us through continued efforts to support Indigenous communities and learn more about the history of the lands on which we live\, work and recreate. URL:https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/adirondack-park-ny-week-1-volunteer-vacations-2023/ LOCATION:Adirondack Park\, 6482 Main Street\, Westport\, NY\, 12993\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/coot-hill-hawk-watch-3.jpg GEO:44.14595;-73.415898 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Adirondack Park 6482 Main Street Westport NY 12993 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=6482 Main Street:geo:-73.415898,44.14595 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230423T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230429T100000 DTSTAMP:20260531T170703 CREATED:20221205T175247Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230223T152925Z UID:10000538-1682262000-1682762400@americanhiking.org SUMMARY:Arizona National Scenic Trail Northern Terminus\, AZ - Volunteer Vacations 2023 DESCRIPTION:Join this rare opportunity to work in one of the most remote and unique portions of the Arizona National Scenic Trail! The Arizona National Scenic Trail is a continuous\, 800+ mile diverse and scenic trail across Arizona from Mexico to Utah. Along the way it takes hikers\, bikers and equestrians through a diverse landscape of deserts\, mountains canyons and communities and showcases the best of what the Grand Canyon State has to offer. We will be working to restore the northernmost portion of the trail as it winds to it’s terminus at the Utah border. Not only is the landscape exceptional – the community of long-distance hiking will be in full swing as north-bound hikers come in to complete their long trek. \nVolunteer work will involve brushing\, drain construction and maybe some rockwork projects. This area was affected by fire in 2020\, and this project will be an important part of the recovery process. Access to the project work site will involve a hike of approximately 2-4 miles per day with moderate elevation gain (no more than 1000′). The trail is well established. \nThere is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction\, tool demonstrations\, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks\, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here. \nAHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the “Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute)\, Pueblos\, Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) peoples past and present. We honor the land itself\, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations\, their deep and sacred connection to these lands\, and those who continue to steward these lands today. We offer this land acknowledgement as the first of many steps to stand as an ally and amplify Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to join us through continued efforts to support Indigenous communities and learn more about the history of the lands on which we live\, work and recreate. URL:https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/arizona-national-scenic-trail-northern-terminus-az-volunteer-vacations-2023/ LOCATION:Stateline Campground\, House Rock Valley Rd\,\, Kanab\, UT\, 84741\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/pic-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230416T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230422T100000 DTSTAMP:20260531T170703 CREATED:20221114T204932Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221219T191450Z UID:10000519-1681660800-1682157600@americanhiking.org SUMMARY:Camp Nelson National Monument\, KY - Volunteer Vacations 2023 DESCRIPTION:Join this project to support trail access at Camp Nelson National Monument\, a location steeped in African American and Civil War history. Initially established as a Federal army supply depot and hospital\, Camp Nelson was one of the largest recruitment and training centers for African American soldiers during the Civil War\, and served as a refugee camp for their wives and children. Thousands of enslaved African Americans risked their lives escaping to the camp\, located within the slaveholding state of Kentucky\, with the hope of securing their freedom and\, ultimately\, controlling their futures by contributing to the abolition of slavery. Camp Nelson represents the courage and determination of formerly enslaved African Americans to secure their own emancipation. It also illustrates the nation’s struggle to define the meaning of freedom during and after the Civil War. \nOver five miles of hiking trails allow visitors to experience first-hand the rolling pastoral landscape of Camp Nelson National Monument. This trail system and numerous interpretive markers provide an opportunity to explore earthworks and fortifications that protected Camp Nelson and allow visitors to walk in the footsteps of soldiers in order to gain an understanding of the sites’ significant role during the Civil War. \nDuring the week\, the American Hiking Society volunteer crew will work on upgrading the wooded Fort Jones Trail that takes hikers through the woods to Fort Jones and the two Stone Forts. Fort Jones\, with its extensive stone revetment walls\, is one of the best-preserved Civil War forts in the state. The Stone Fort Overlook affords a breathtaking view of the Hickman Creek Valley and the Hickman Creek Nature and Conference Center. These trails provide opportunities for viewing a beautiful central Kentucky landscape and stretching your legs\, while learning about various sites that made up the busy and complex Camp Nelson supply depot. \nVolunteers will work to remove invasive vegetation along the Fort Jones Overlook Trail. This trail has been taken over by multiflora rose and bush honeysuckle. Volunteers will use provided loppers and herbicide to remove these invasive plants 15 feet off of the trail corridor enabling native vegetation to re-populate the area. Volunteers should be prepared to hike up to 3/4 of a mile through relatively flat terrain. All tools and day hiking gear including volunteer’s backpacks can be hauled to the project location by a truck. \nThere is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction\, tool demonstrations\, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks\, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here. \nAHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee\, East)\, S’atsoyaha (Yuchi)\, Shawandasse Tula (Shawanwaki/Shawnee)\, Hopewell Culture\, and Adena Culture peoples past and present. We honor the land itself\, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations\, their deep and sacred connection to these lands\, and those who continue to steward these lands today. We offer this land acknowledgement as the first of many steps to stand as an ally and amplify Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to join us through continued efforts to support Indigenous communities and learn more about the history of the lands on which we live\, work and recreate. URL:https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/camp-nelson-national-monument-ky-volunteer-vacations-2023/ LOCATION:Camp Nelson National Monument\, 6614 Danville Loop 2 Road\, Nicholasville\, KY\, 40356\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/camp-nelson-fort-putnam.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230402T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230408T100000 DTSTAMP:20260531T170703 CREATED:20221114T201218Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230217T161247Z UID:10000517-1680426000-1680948000@americanhiking.org SUMMARY:Tuolumne River Trust at Stanislaus National Forest\, CA – 2023 Volunteer Vacations DESCRIPTION:Join Tuolumne River Trust to help maintain the Tuolumne River Canyon Trail\, known for stunning spring wildflowers\, granite walls\, the roar of the Tuolumne River\, waterfall after waterfall and pristine swimming holes to cool off in. The world class 18-mile whitewater run down the Wild and Scenic Tuolumne River in the Stanislaus National Forest attracts thousands of visitors each year\, who come to enjoy the natural scenery and outdoor adventures found there. \nDue to lingering effects of the 2013 Rim Fire\, this stretch of river is a challenge for the Forest Service in terms of managing and responding to environmental impacts. The Tuolumne River Canyon Trail follows the course of the river for 5 miles\, ending at the confluence of the wild Clavey River. Many parts of the trail are becoming overgrown with brush\, the tread is in need of widening\, and there are trees that need to be cut out of the trail in places. Volunteers will focus their time on brushing back vegetation with hand saws and loppers\, and repairing trail tread with hand tools like Rogue hoes and Mcleods. Tuolumne River Trust’s staff will provide background on the project\, training to do the work\, and work alongside the volunteer crew during their time on the trail. The crew will be driving 25-35 minutes from camp to reach the trailhead. Getting to the trail is a bumpy\, narrow road on a steep mountainside\, but clearance is appropriate for most 2wd vehicles (AWD/4WD preferred). The host will transport the majority of the crew to the trailhead\, up to 8 participants. The daily hiking distance will range between 2-6 miles total a day\, along a river canyon trail that has low to moderate change in elevation. The crew will do 3 days of work on the trail\, do 1 day of service at the non-profit camp the volunteers are staying at\, and have one day off to enjoy visiting beautiful Yosemite Valley (a 1 hour\, 10 minute drive from camp). \nThere is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction\, tool demonstrations\, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks\, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here. \nAHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Miwok and Me-Wuk (Central Sierra Miwok) peoples past and present. We honor the land itself\, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations\, their deep and sacred connection to these lands\, and those who continue to steward these lands today. We offer this land acknowledgement as the first of many steps to stand as an ally and amplify Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to join us through continued efforts to support Indigenous communities and learn more about the history of the lands on which we live\, work and recreate. URL:https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/tuolumne-river-trust-at-stanislaus-national-forest-2023-volunteer-vacations/ LOCATION:Stanislaus National Forest\, Forest Rte 1N1\, Groveland\, CA\, 95321\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/img-2952-rotated.jpg GEO:37.8268344;-120.1906813 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Stanislaus National Forest Forest Rte 1N1 Groveland CA 95321 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Forest Rte 1N1:geo:-120.1906813,37.8268344 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230305T083000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230311T170000 DTSTAMP:20260531T170703 CREATED:20221114T190400Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230123T173115Z UID:10000516-1678005000-1678554000@americanhiking.org SUMMARY:Savannah National Wildlife Refuge\, SC - 2023 Volunteer Vacations DESCRIPTION:Join Savannah National Wildlife Refuge for a chance to be immersed in nature while working to restore access and reopen the refuge’s Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive after an extensive renovation project! The Savannah National Wildlife Refuge\, established April 6\, 1927\, consists of 31\,551 acres of freshwater marshes\, tidal rivers and creeks\, and bottomland hardwoods. About half the refuge is bottomland\, composed primarily of cypress\, gum\, and maple species. The chain of national wildlife refuges that forms the Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex extends from Pinckney Island NWR near Hilton Head Island\, South Carolina\, to Wolf Island NWR near Darien\, Georgia. \nFor this project\, volunteers will work on the restoration of the Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive and hiking trails on the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. The Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive and associated trails\, as well as the Little Back River Trail and Tupelo Trail\, are closed due to an ongoing impoundment renovation project. This important habitat project is currently on-schedule to be completed by Spring 2023\, and they need the help from volunteers like yourself! After being closed to the public for almost 2 years\, the refuge is planning for a grand reopening. The volunteers will spend the week outside trimming trails\, replacing trail signs\, and bringing the refuge back to life. The project will be supervised by an experienced refuge staff and USFWS Volunteers\, and all required tools and equipment will be provided. Work will include hauling\, trimming\, lifting\, and other outdoor trail maintenance activities. \nVolunteers will drive from accommodations to the daily project work sites via the Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive\, a one-way 4.5 mile driving loop through the managed portion of the Refuge named for one of the rice plantations that once existed on the site. The drive is well-maintained gravel easily navigated. There are trails that finger off the main drive that vary in length that will be apart of this projection completion. Volunteers will need to be able to hike at least 1 mile on their own in a hot and humid environment. \nThere is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction\, tool demonstrations\, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks\, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here. \nAHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Mvskoke (Muscogee)\, Yamasee and Guale peoples past and present. We honor the land itself\, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations\, their deep and sacred connection to these lands\, and those who continue to steward these lands today. We offer this land acknowledgement as the first of many steps to stand as an ally and amplify Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to join us through continued efforts to support Indigenous communities and learn more about the history of the lands on which we live\, work and recreate. URL:https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/savannah-national-wildlife-refuge-2023/ LOCATION:Savannah National Wildlife Refuge\, is 694 Beech Hill Lane\, Hardeeville\, South Carolina 29927 United States\, SC\, 29927\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/sav-2015-0164-nsho-flight.jpg GEO:32.1727759;-81.0761138 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is 694 Beech Hill Lane Hardeeville South Carolina 29927 United States SC 29927 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=is 694 Beech Hill Lane\, Hardeeville\, South Carolina 29927 United States:geo:-81.0761138,32.1727759 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20221127 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20221205 DTSTAMP:20260531T170703 CREATED:20211202T004856Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220926T160508Z UID:10000512-1669507200-1670198399@americanhiking.org SUMMARY:Virgin Islands National Park\, St. John\, U.S. Virgin Islands - Volunteer Vacations 2022 DESCRIPTION:Go beyond Virgin Islands National Park’s stunning white-sand beaches. Hike to historic plantation sites to learn about a challenging past when sugar and enslaved labor dominated life on the island. Visit the Indigenous Taino’s ancient petroglyphs. Snorkel coral reefs to discover hidden marine life. Two-thirds of the island of St. John is national park\, making it a unique destination for visitors! \nThe volunteer trail crew’s scope of work includes trails maintenance\, clearing of historical sites\, native tree planting projects\, invasive species removal\, and trash/debris removal. Volunteers need to be in good physical health and prepared to work from 8am to 2pm in hot and humid conditions. Every participant should have close toed shoes\, a day pack\, sun protection\, long pants\, a mask\, and capacity to carry a minimum of 3 liters of water. The Friends of Virgin Island National Park will supply all necessary tools\, training\, gloves\, and transportation. \nAHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Taino and Kalinago (Island Carib) peoples past and present. We honor the land itself\, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations\, and those who continue to steward these lands today. AHS invites all volunteers to join us in our commitment to support and amplify the work of Indigenous communities as they work to dismantle the systems of oppression that these communities continue to face today. URL:https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/virgin-islands-national-park-volunteer-vacations-2022/ LOCATION:Virgin Islands National Park\, Cinnamon Bay Campground\, St. John\, USVI\, 00830\, United States Minor Outlying Islands ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/wtstelzer-img-8717.jpg GEO:18.353217;-64.755227 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Virgin Islands National Park Cinnamon Bay Campground St. John USVI 00830 United States Minor Outlying Islands;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Cinnamon Bay Campground:geo:-64.755227,18.353217 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20221113 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20221120 DTSTAMP:20260531T170703 CREATED:20211202T004042Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221107T222537Z UID:10000511-1668297600-1668902399@americanhiking.org SUMMARY:Natchez Trace State Park\, Tennessee - Volunteer Vacations DESCRIPTION:Under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal Program approximately 48\,000 acres of land were purchased in the area of the park. This purchase provided jobs for many people. Programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration established many of the buildings still being used today and laid the foundation for what is now Natchez Trace State Park at the core of the large tract of public lands. \nThe park’s hiking trails\, range from a one-half mile up to 4.5 miles\, and a 40 mile overnight trail. The trails wind through the forest and fields and along the lakeshores and streams of Natchez Park. Visitors also enjoy the museum that features local and park history\, picnic facilities\, camping\, cabins and lodges\, boating and the park’s restaurant. \nAmerican Hiking Society volunteers will focus on re-routing a section of the 40 mile Red Leaves Backpacking Trail\, within the 48\,000 acre Natchez Trace State Park and Forest. Volunteers will learn about sustainable trail design\, trail maintenance\, and hone their trail building skills utilizing various tools including Pulaskis and Mcleouds. The new trail segment will be built near the scenic 58 acre Cub Creek Lake. Trail building each day will be moderate with hikes of less than one mile to the work site. Volunteers will have access to the parks fishing boats\, kayaks\, and pedal boats for afternoon relaxation. Also\, the 48\,000 acre recreation area boasts 4 lakes and nearly 50 miles of hiking trails\, and over 100 miles of multi-use trails. \nAHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Cherokee East\, Chickasaw\, Yuchi\, and Shawnee peoples past and present. We honor the land itself\, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations\, and those who continue to steward these lands today. AHS invites all volunteers to join us in our commitment to support and amplify the work of Indigenous communities as they work to dismantle the systems of oppression that these communities continue to face today. URL:https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/natchez-trace-state-park-volunteer-vacations/ LOCATION:Natchez Trace State Park\, 24845 Natchez Trace Rd\, Wildersville\, TN\, 38388\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/natcheztrace.jpg GEO:35.7966754;-88.2646202 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Natchez Trace State Park 24845 Natchez Trace Rd Wildersville TN 38388 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=24845 Natchez Trace Rd:geo:-88.2646202,35.7966754 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20221106 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20221113 DTSTAMP:20260531T170703 CREATED:20211202T003329Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220419T210202Z UID:10000510-1667692800-1668297599@americanhiking.org SUMMARY:Mark Twain National Forest\, Missouri - Volunteer Vacations 2022 DESCRIPTION:Volunteers will be working to complete the Ozark Trail\, the Missouri Ozarks’ long distance hiking trail on the Mark Twain National Forest\, Eleven Point Ranger District. 1.7 miles of trail will be constructed using a combination of trail dozer and hand crew. The trail dozer will be operated by an experience US Forest Service equipment operator and the hand crew will be led by a US Forest Service trail leader. Volunteers will use hand tools such as hand saws\, Pulaskis\, field hoes\, McLeods\, shovels and rock bars to construct new trail design primarily for pedestrian use. The Banner Road Trailhead will be constructed to provide easy access to this new trail segment. The current trailhead is located on a rough\, minimally maintained Forest Service Road and will be decommissioned after the new trailhead is built. \nThe Ozark Trail is one of Missouri’s hidden treasures – extending from near Onondaga Cave State Park in Crawford County\, MO toward Arkansas\, the OT is nearly 400 miles long with 230 miles of connected thru-trail. 262 miles are designated National Recreation Trail. You can stand on Taum Sauk Mountain\, Missouri’s highest point\, visit Mina Sauk falls\, the state’s tallest wet-weather waterfall\, and take in the dramatic landscape of Missouri’s Ozarks. You can watch beavers build lodges\, see Missouri’s only wild horse herd\, hear an elk bugle\, travel through hardwood forests and near-vertical bluffs\, ford crystal-clear streams\, and pause on rocky balds with impressive views. These places are home to deer\, turkey\, bobcats\, bears\, and bald eagles. It’s all here in Missouri’s rugged backyard- the Ozark Trail. \nFor most of its length\, the trail is multi-use for hiking\, backpacking\, horseback riding and mountain biking. Motorized vehicles are prohibited on the entire trail and some land stewards restrict sections to foot-only traffic\, as noted on the section descriptions. \nAHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the (Osage)\, Očhéthi Šakówiŋ\, O-ga-xpa Ma-zhoⁿ (O-ga-xpa)\, Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo) and Kaskaskia peoples past and present. We honor the land itself\, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations\, and those who continue to steward these lands today. AHS invites all volunteers to join us in our commitment to support and amplify the work of Indigenous communities as they work to dismantle the systems of oppression that these communities continue to face today. URL:https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/mark-twain-national-forest-volunteer-vacations-2022/ LOCATION:US Forest Service Winona\, MO Bunkhouse\, Highway 19\, Winona\, MO\, 65588\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/boze-mill-spring.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20221009 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20221016 DTSTAMP:20260531T170703 CREATED:20211202T002036Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220104T185742Z UID:10000509-1665273600-1665878399@americanhiking.org SUMMARY:Tonto National Forest\, Arizona - Volunteer Vacations 2022 DESCRIPTION:Come help us build new trail to improve some of the most memorable hikes in Arizona! The Arizona National Scenic Trail is a continuous\, 800+ mile diverse and scenic trail across Arizona from Mexico to Utah. Along the way it takes hikers\, bikers and equestrians through a diverse landscape of deserts\, mountains canyons and communities and showcases the best of what the Grand Canyon State has to offer. The 17 miles that the AZT shares with the Highline National Recreation Trail is one of the most historic trail corridors in the Southwest. Here\, the pines reach to the sky and the vistas stretch out forever as the trail follows the base of the Mogollon Rim and climbs to the Colorado Plateau. For those who are familiar with this territory\, it can be as challenging as it is beautiful. Much of the trail is on old roads or historic ranch routes that were not designed with sustainability in mind. As a result\, much of the tread is badly eroded\, steep and choked with loose rock and debris. Creating a more sustainable alignment and user-friendly corridor is an ongoing battle for trail crews on planners alike. \nThe Tonto National Forest has launched a concerted effort to replace some of these badly eroded sections of the Highline with new\, sustainable tread – including approximately 1.2 miles on the AZT near Washington Park. Volunteers will be involved in all stages of construction\, to include brushing\, building tread\, small stone work projects and moving debris. The hike to and from the worksite will be between 1 and 3 miles each day. The Arizona Trail Association’s program prides itself on providing superior hospitality to its volunteers\, including excellent meals\, detailed training and beautiful camping locations. \nAHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Pueblos\, Ndee/Nnēē: (Western Apache)\, Hopitutskwa\, and Hohokam peoples past and present. We honor the land itself\, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations\, and those who continue to steward these lands today. AHS invites all volunteers to join us in our commitment to support and amplify the work of Indigenous communities as they work to dismantle the systems of oppression that these communities continue to face today. URL:https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/tonto-national-forest-volunteer-vacations-2022/ LOCATION:AZT Pine Trailhead\, Highline Trail\, Pine\, AZ\, 85544\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20221002 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20221009 DTSTAMP:20260531T170703 CREATED:20211202T001443Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220105T164638Z UID:10000508-1664668800-1665273599@americanhiking.org SUMMARY:Hungry Mother State Park\, Virginia - Volunteer Vacations 2022 DESCRIPTION:Hungry Mother\, one of the original six Virginia State Parks\, has long been a favorite. It’s known for beautiful woodlands and a placid 108-acre lake in the heart of the mountains. The park has a sandy beach with a bathhouse\, boat rentals (canoe\, kayak\, paddle boats and paddleboards)\, a boat launch and a universally accessible fishing pier. Guests also enjoy campgrounds\, cabins\, yurts\, gift shops\, a visitor center\, a six-bedroom family lodge\, and hiking and biking trails. Raider’s Run Trail was historically used as a horseback riding trail and has been turned into a hiking/biking trail. Various sections of the trail need to be re-routed to make it more user friendly and sustainable. New trail will be built with a bench cut on moderately to steep slopes but will be laid out sustainably with water diversion features including sheet flow on the tread and out-slope and grade reversals. Most of the work will be spent bending\, shoveling\, picking\, chopping\, and/or sawing. \nAHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee\, East) and S’atsoyaha (Yuchi) peoples past and present. We honor the land itself\, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations\, and those who continue to steward these lands today. AHS invites all volunteers to join us in our commitment to support and amplify the work of Indigenous communities as they work to dismantle the systems of oppression that these communities continue to face today. URL:https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/hungry-mother-state-park-volunteer-vacations-2022/ LOCATION:Hungry Mother State Park\, 2854 Park Boulevard\, Marion\, VA\, 24354\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/lake.jpg GEO:36.8845282;-81.5255892 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Hungry Mother State Park 2854 Park Boulevard Marion VA 24354 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=2854 Park Boulevard:geo:-81.5255892,36.8845282 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20221002 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20221009 DTSTAMP:20260531T170703 CREATED:20211202T000740Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220104T185526Z UID:10000507-1664668800-1665273599@americanhiking.org SUMMARY:Adirondack Park\, New York - Volunteer Vacations 2022 DESCRIPTION:Created in 1892 as one of the first Forever Wild Forest Preserves in the nation\, the Adirondack Park is a unique wilderness area. At 6 million acres\, it is the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States. The state of New York owns approximately 2.6 million acres\, while the remaining 3.4 million acres are devoted to forestry\, agriculture and open space recreation. The Adirondack Park is not a National Park – there’s no fee to enter and the park doesn’t close at night\, nor is it a state park\, a common misconception. It’s also the largest National Historic Landmark\, covering an area larger than Yellowstone\, Yosemite\, Grand Canyon\, Glacier\, and the Great Smokies National Parks combined. Champlain Area Trails has a number of new trails  that will be developed in Adirondack Park this year. Volunteers will work to establish and maintain these new trails by clearing the trail of branches\, brush\, and fallen logs plus doing some side-cuts to level the trail on hillsides. Volunteers may also assist with the installation of new bridges and boardwalks as needed throughout the week. \nAHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Kanienʼkehá꞉ka (Mohawk) and Ho-de-no-sau-nee-ga (Haudenosaunee) peoples past and present. We honor the land itself\, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations\, and those who continue to steward these lands today. AHS invites all volunteers to join us in our commitment to support and amplify the work of Indigenous communities as they work to dismantle the systems of oppression that these communities continue to face today. URL:https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/adirondack-park-volunteer-vacations-2022/ LOCATION:Adirondack Park\, 6482 Main Street\, Westport\, NY\, 12993\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/coot-hill-hawk-watch-3.jpg GEO:44.14595;-73.415898 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Adirondack Park 6482 Main Street Westport NY 12993 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=6482 Main Street:geo:-73.415898,44.14595 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20220925 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20221002 DTSTAMP:20260531T170703 CREATED:20211201T235935Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220808T160506Z UID:10000506-1664064000-1664668799@americanhiking.org SUMMARY:Moab\, Utah - Volunteer Vacations 2022 DESCRIPTION:Located in the heart of the Colorado Plateau\, the Moab Field Office encompasses 1.8 million acres of stunningly scenic canyon country. Carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers\, Moab’s public lands include a vast variety of arches\, natural bridges\, mesas\, and spires.  The Moab Field Office is a mecca for recreation\, including off-highway vehicles\, mountain biking\, climbing\, base jumping\, hiking\, horse-back riding\, and river rafting.  In addition to supporting millions of visitors and hundreds of recreation related jobs in the local communities\, Moab also supports a wide array of land uses such as oil and gas production\, mining\, and livestock grazing.  The Field Office is known for evidence of dinosaurs and features the Mill Canyon Interpretive Track Site and Bone Trail.  These canyonlands are home to many types of desert wildlife and the area supports a healthy population of big horn sheep\, and can provide great opportunities for wildlife viewing during the fall. On this trip\, American Hiking Society volunteers will spend a week working on popular hiking trails in the Moab area. Work may include brushing\, crib wall construction and step construction. \nAHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) peoples past and present. We honor the land itself\, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations\, and those who continue to steward these lands today. AHS invites all volunteers to join us in our commitment to support and amplify the work of Indigenous communities as they work to dismantle the systems of oppression that these communities continue to face today. URL:https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/moab-volunteer-vacations-2022/ LOCATION:Moonflower Canyon Group Site\, Moonflower Canyon\, Moab\, UT\, 84532\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/wtrimble-181001-1728.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20220925 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20221002 DTSTAMP:20260531T170703 CREATED:20211201T224153Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220203T210501Z UID:10000398-1664064000-1664668799@americanhiking.org SUMMARY:Appalachian National Scenic Trail\, Maine - Volunteer Vacations 2022 DESCRIPTION:Help protect the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) and enjoy the rugged beauty of Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness! On this project\, we will monitor and maintain the boundaries of the land protected for the Trail. This public land is the backbone of the largest natural corridor that remains east of the Mississippi River\, creating a haven and migration path for humans and animals alike. Maintaining the boundaries of this land helps to protect it from encroachments such as motorized vehicles and timber theft. Using a GPS\, map\, and compass\, the crew will follow the surveyed boundaries of the trail corridor. We will clear brush with loppers\, paint trees\, replace US Boundary signs\, and record the condition of metal survey markers\, called “monuments.” Each day\, we will duck into the woods just off the A.T.\, find the boundary\, and leap-frog each other as we move along. At the end of the day\, we’ll hike back on the A.T. and be amazed at how much ground we covered! Teams will maintain up to 1 mile of boundary line and hike 2 or more miles per day. Maine is especially wonderful this time of year. After experiencing the rugged beauty of the trail\, volunteers will enjoy the full-service Lily Bay State Park campground on the shores of Moosehead Lake. We hope you join us on this challenging and rewarding project. Volunteers like you are the heart and soul of the Appalachian Trail! \nAHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Wabanaki (Dawnland Confederacy)\, Nanrantsouak and Abenaki / Abénaquis peoples past and present. We honor the land itself\, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations\, and those who continue to steward these lands today. AHS invites all volunteers to join us in our commitment to support and amplify the work of Indigenous communities as they work to dismantle the systems of oppression that these communities continue to face today. URL:https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/appalachian-national-scenic-trail-volunteer-vacations-2022/ LOCATION:Lily Bay State Park\, 425 Lily Bay Rd\, Beaver Cove\, ME\, 04441\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/20210701-004010984-ios.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20220918 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20220925 DTSTAMP:20260531T170703 CREATED:20211201T234928Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220104T185349Z UID:10000505-1663459200-1664063999@americanhiking.org SUMMARY:Monongahela National Forest\, West Virginia - Volunteer Vacations 2022 DESCRIPTION:Monongahela National Forest provides visitors with scenic vistas\, country roads\, flowing streams and abundant plant and animal life. It was established in 1920 and encompasses one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the United States. Elevations range from just under 1\,000 feet to 4\,863 feet above sea level. Monongahela National Forest is a working forest providing timber\, water\, grazing\, minerals and recreational opportunities. \nOn this trip\, volunteers will work on tread restoration\, building rolling dips\, and removing berm to out slope tread on segments of the Blue Bend Loop Trail located in the Big Draft Wilderness on the Monongahela National Forest. There are various segments of this trail that require work varying from less than 50 feet to several hundred yards. The project is within a Congressionally designated wilderness so use of hand tools required. Tools including Pulaskis\, fire rakes\, shovels\, rock bars\, adze hoe\, Mcloud\, soil tamper\, and gravel bags will be used and provided by the Forest Service. Forest Service staff will provide a safety briefing and training prior to crew engaging in work. \nAHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the S’atsoyaha (Yuchi) and Moneton peoples past and present. We honor the land itself\, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations\, and those who continue to steward these lands today. AHS invites all volunteers to join us in our commitment to support and amplify the work of Indigenous communities as they work to dismantle the systems of oppression that these communities continue to face today. URL:https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/monongahela-national-forest-volunteer-vacations-2022/ LOCATION:White Sulphur Ranger Station\, 1079 East Main St\, White Sulphur Springs\, WV\, 24986\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bigdraft.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20220814 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20220821 DTSTAMP:20260531T170703 CREATED:20211201T223458Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220104T185105Z UID:10000397-1660435200-1661039999@americanhiking.org SUMMARY:Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge\, Wisconsin - Volunteer Vacations 2022 DESCRIPTION:Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge is located in northern Wisconsin on the shore of Lake Superior. The refuge was established in 1999 in an effort to restore coaster brook trout\, a native trout that spawns in Whittlesey Creek and spends its adult life in Lake Superior. The Coaster Classroom Trail will be a new trail that winds its way up the small hillside near the coaster classroom interpretive center\, down through a small cattail wetland\, across a bridge over a stream\, and run adjacent to the clear waters of Whittlesey Creek. Volunteers will help prep the surface of the trail and unload rock over the trail bed. They will also construct a boardwalk over the wetland and a bridge that spans Little Whittlesey Creek. Total trail length will be 1/2 mile. A subsequent project will consist of maintenance of the boardwalk and gravel trail near the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center. Volunteers will replace damaged boards and posts and groom the trail surface with rock. The trail is 1/2 mile long. \nAHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ and Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ peoples past and present. We honor the land itself\, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations\, and those who continue to steward these lands today. AHS invites all volunteers to join us in our commitment to support and amplify the work of Indigenous communities as they work to dismantle the systems of oppression that these communities continue to face today. URL:https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/whittlesey-creek-national-wildlife-refuge-volunteer-vacations-2022/ LOCATION:Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center\, 29270 County HWY G\, Ashland\, WI\, 54806\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/lake-superior-shoreline-near-whittlesey-creek-national-wildlife-refuge-by-olga-miocevic.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20220807 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20220814 DTSTAMP:20260531T170703 CREATED:20211201T222700Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220104T184934Z UID:10000396-1659830400-1660435199@americanhiking.org SUMMARY:Hogan and Luce Recreation Area\, Wyoming - Volunteer Vacations 2022 DESCRIPTION:Join the Bureau of Land Management to maintain and establish a new trail up Bald Ridge Trail! This horseback riding and hiking trail winds for five miles through BLM-managed public lands and state land to Bald Ridge in the Shoshone National Forest. The elevation ranges from 4\,880′-8\,400′. Spectacular views of the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River to the west and of Heart Mountain to the east await you. Pronghorn\, mule deer\, moose\, elk\, and grizzly and black bears may be encountered along this trail. Waterfowl are often found at the lakes near the trailhead and soaring raptors are often sighted. \nThe trail is steep and arduous requiring good physical condition of both humans and horses. The trail is marked by trail signs\, and then rock cairns as it winds up Bald Ridge. The middle and upper portions are not marked or constructed; users must pick their own route up the mountain. Volunteers are needed to help maintain the current trail and establish a new defined trail up Bald Ridge. Work will include vegetation removal\, surface water control using water bars\, grade dips and ponding\, removal of roots\, stumps\, and rocks\, improving drainage\, fixing tread creep\, slough and berm work\, and signage and marker installations. \nAHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ\, Eastern Shoshone\, Cheyenne and Apsaalooké (Crow) peoples past and present. We honor the land itself\, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations\, and those who continue to steward these lands today. AHS invites all volunteers to join us in our commitment to support and amplify the work of Indigenous communities as they work to dismantle the systems of oppression that these communities continue to face today. URL:https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/hogan-and-luce-recreation-area-volunteer-vacations-2022/ LOCATION:Hogan and Luce Recreation Area\, 1002 Blackburn St\, Cody\, WY\, 82414\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/hogan-res.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20220731 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20220807 DTSTAMP:20260531T170703 CREATED:20211201T221737Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220104T184633Z UID:10000395-1659225600-1659830399@americanhiking.org SUMMARY:Groton State Forest\, Vermont - Volunteer Vacations 2022 DESCRIPTION:Help build the Cross Vermont Trail – a new four season multi-use path spanning the width of Vermont! We are “connecting communities\, their schools\, and the natural areas in between.” The crew will build small bridges\, drainage ditches\, stone structures\, and surface parts of the trail with gravel to make it universally accessible. Join the Cross Vermont Trail Association and work to create the foundation of a sustainable trail that is connecting communities across the entire state. \nAHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Wabanaki (Dawnland Confederacy) and Abenaki / Abénaquis peoples past and present. We honor the land itself\, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations\, and those who continue to steward these lands today. AHS invites all volunteers to join us in our commitment to support and amplify the work of Indigenous communities as they work to dismantle the systems of oppression that these communities continue to face today. URL:https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/groton-state-forest-volunteer-vacations-2022/ LOCATION:Big Deer State Park\, Big Deer State Park\, 1467 Boulder Beach Rd\, Groton\, VT\, 05046\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/20210814-volcrew-e.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20220731 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20220807 DTSTAMP:20260531T170703 CREATED:20211201T220958Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220104T184430Z UID:10000394-1659225600-1659830399@americanhiking.org SUMMARY:Eagle Cap Wilderness\, Oregon - Volunteer Vacations 2022 DESCRIPTION:Join the 2022 trip into the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest as we head for Standley Ridge nested high in the Eagle Cap Wilderness! We’ll depart from the Bear Wallow Trailhead and backpack into the Historic Standley Guard Station. Pack stock will carry all food and group gear\, giving us time for a 4.2-mile hike into base camp with 1\,000 ft of elevation gain. The trail provides spectacular views of the Bear Creek and Minam River drainages along with some of the high points of the Wallowa Mountains. Our camp for the week is near the Standley Guard Station Cabin. Work will include the restoration of braded trail sections and addressing incised trail tread with the installation of check dams\, drain dips and water bars. Some lighter trail maintenance (logout and bushing)\, campsite rehabilitation\, and a bit of sprucing up around the Standley Guard station may also be on the docket if time allows. \nAHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) and Cayuse\, Umatilla and Walla Walla peoples past and present. We honor the land itself\, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations\, and those who continue to steward these lands today. AHS invites all volunteers to join us in our commitment to support and amplify the work of Indigenous communities as they work to dismantle the systems of oppression that these communities continue to face today. URL:https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/eagle-cap-wilderness-volunteer-vacations-2022/ LOCATION:Eagle Cap Wilderness\, Wallowa–Whitman National Forest\, 88401 OR 82\, Enterprise\, OR\, 97828\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/lookingintothebearcreekdrainage.jpg GEO:45.424055;-117.302145 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Eagle Cap Wilderness Wallowa–Whitman National Forest 88401 OR 82 Enterprise OR 97828 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=88401 OR 82:geo:-117.302145,45.424055 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20220731 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20220807 DTSTAMP:20260531T170703 CREATED:20211201T220248Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220325T181001Z UID:10000393-1659225600-1659830399@americanhiking.org SUMMARY:Bitterroot National Forest\, Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness\, Montana - Volunteer Vacations 2022 DESCRIPTION:This project will take place in the heavily glaciated\, rugged peaks of the Bitterroot Mountains. Volunteers will be clearing with crosscut saws\, axes\, and handsaws as well as cleaning drains and improving trail tread. The Big Creek Trail #11 threads through a scenic Montana canyon and offers a pristine Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness experience. During the first half of the trip we will clear the Big Creek trail of fallen trees from milepost 9 to Packbox Pass at milepost 13.8. There will be an optional day off in the middle of the week during which volunteers may choose to swim\, hike\, or relax at camp. If there is time\, the latter half of the project will be spent scouting and clearing the Big Creek Divide Trail #306. With wayfinding assistance from the Forest Service\, work will entail bushwhacking\, flagging\, and clearing the switchback trail. The Big Creek Divide Trail is full of history and has not been cleared in several years; be prepared for strenuous work and bring your sense of adventure! \nAHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Salish and Ktunaxa ɁamakɁis peoples past and present. We honor the land itself\, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations\, and those who continue to steward these lands today. AHS invites all volunteers to join us in our commitment to support and amplify the work of Indigenous communities as they work to dismantle the systems of oppression that these communities continue to face today. URL:https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/bitterroot-national-forest-volunteer-vacations-2022/ LOCATION:Bitterroot National Forest\, Big Creek Trailhead\, Victor\, MT\, 59875\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://americanhiking.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/big-creek-hike-in.jpg GEO:46.4608957;-114.201432 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Bitterroot National Forest Big Creek Trailhead Victor MT 59875 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Big Creek Trailhead:geo:-114.201432,46.4608957 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR