Introduction to Trail Maintenance

This workshop is the first of a two-day series of workshops (Second workshop - Introduction to Trail Building on 6/1) to work on rehabilitating trails around Spillian in Fleischmanns.  This portion of the workshop will include an introduction to the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, our partner Spillian, and will provide participants with the skills necessary to properly clear, maintain and improve a hiking trail so it is easily passable for fellow hikers and the trail itself is harmonious with the environment. This workshop is the first in a series of workshops and work trips that will be held at Spillian in Fleischmanns, a new partner with the Trail Conference and center for Trail U workshops for the central and southern Catskills.  Ongoing workshops and work trips will help rehabilitate a network of former carriage roads and trails on the property that will be open to the public for hiking. Through both classroom and field study, students will learn assessment of trail conditions, clearing, trail marking, proper use of tools and how to report any trail problems they may come across on their segment of trail. Students will spend the morning in a classroom environment and then break into smaller groups and head out to the trails for hands-on instruction and trailwork.  Be prepared to spend a few hours on the trails around the area as part of the field training. Following the work trips, participants will be able to hike all the trails worked on to review the work done by the different groups and discuss different ways to approach trail issues.  We will also go over the work that will be done as part of the trail maintenance and building workshop to be held the next day.  Participants are urged to join us for both days to help get these trails in tip top shape and ready for the public.    Make sure to wear your hiking boots dress appropriately for the outdoor conditions and trail work pack plenty of water bring work gloves and bring a bag lunch.   No previous experience is necessary and all are welcome to attend to learn about the Trail Conference and our stewardship of the trails and lean-tos in the Catskill Park.