Catskills Lean-to Crew
Meeting Place: Varies with each worktrip. All of our projects take place in the Catskill Forest Preserve. Please see upcoming events for details.
Work Days: Saturday, Sunday
Frequency: Spring to Fall, Sporadically
About the Crew
Established in 2021, the Catskills Lean-to Crew is a dedicated group of volunteers focused on improving lean-tos and privies in the Catskills Forest Preserve. Working alongside the Department of Environmental Conservation, the crew prioritizes maintenance projects beyond the scope of individual Shelter Caretakers.
The crew includes both experienced members and first-time volunteers. They often revisit sites to complete larger projects, with options to join for a day or camp overnight at the project site. Whether seasoned campers or newcomers, everyone brings their food to enjoy around the campfire after a hard day’s work.
Volunteers should be prepared for a strenuous hike with gear and tools. Some lean-tos are easily accessible, while others require a 2-3 mile hike, often up a mountain. Day volunteers are especially helpful in transporting tools and supplies to and from the site.
Join us to help maintain and protect these valuable wilderness shelters!
Get Involved
To volunteer with the crew, visit our Events Page or email [email protected].
Where We Work
All of our projects take place in the Catskill Forest Preserve in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Training
No experience is necessary and beginners are strongly encouraged to join us! The crew provides assistance with preparation and day-of logistics. Our experienced Crew Leader, when not out fixing up lean-tos with the crew, is an experienced Carpenter who will provide newcomers with the knowledge and guidance they need to help out with a project. Volunteers will learn a variety of skills from replacing shingles on the roof of a lean-to and re-using old boards to build a new privy to improving a natural spring or rebuilding a fire pit.
Looking to learn a specific skill? Check out our workshop schedule for specialized courses being offered near you.
Learn More
To volunteer with the crew, visit our events page or email Catskills Lean-To Crew Chief Eric Friedman.
See what the other Trail Crews are working on and learn more about how you can get involved!