June 20 Uwharrie Trailblazers' Adopt Hiking Trails

The Uwharrie Trailblazers rolled out their trail adoption program earlier this year. The kick off was delayed due to the pandemic's restrictions. Volunteer work in the National Forest was not allowed for a couple months. Finally, that restriction was lifted and we are back working on trails. 

The club signed a trail adoption agreement with the forest service, adopting all hiking trails in the forest. We divided them up into 18 sections and asked members to adopt them. As of today, we have 17 of the 18 adopted, thanks to a great group of volunteers. Some are long time members and others just joining. 

Today was our orientation event, held at the future Walker Creek Trailhead. Earlier in the week, we had the area mowed since it was waist high and not conducive for such a gathering. We limited the number to under 20 (we had 19) and we established a 10 foot physical distancing guideline. Everyone showed up with face masks. Mine was dangling from my ear during the presentation. 

David Craft kicked things off, asking everyone to say a bit about themselves, where they lived and how they get involved. We had adopters from Angiers to Greensboro to Charlotte, and places between. Some are military veterans, several are involved with scouting, one adopting team is a Christian fathers and sons group, a tax specialist, a cowgirl (maybe that should be an equestrian), a couple of textile guys. an insurance man - and everyone is volunteer minded.

After introductions, I gave an overview of the adoption program. Dave Gardener lectured on trail safety. Finally, Gifford Del Grande showed off some brand new tools and how to use them.  

A short question and answer period added some good discussion. The painted trail blaze vs plastic "reassurance marker" subject was covered. When is the "gap" going to be closed. No definitive answer to that one. Can we use battery operated tools in the Wilderness? No. Seemingly, we covered it all except for the raging Bigfoot controversy. Dave failed to add that to his safety commentary. Just be mindful out in the forest. Especially if you carry candy bars. Bigfoot has a big sweet tooth for Zagat bars.  

Then we headed to the forest. Dave Gardener led a session on lopping. You may wonder why a session on lopping. There is more to it than you think. First off, you need a good lopper. Friskers is the brand of choice for the UTB work crew. Snip branches near the main stem or trunk of the tree to prevent a repeat cut for this season. Cut as if you are carrying a 4x8 piece of plywood through the forest. However, the first couple feet from the ground can be a narrower swath. And those pine trees don't grow back if you cut them at ground level, but other trees do. 

Gifford Del Grande led the other break out group. He demonstrated how to construct a run out. Once you know how it is constructed, you are better able to clear and repair one. Above, the guys and gals are embedding rocks on the lower side of the run out. Then packing soil on it.

After the work was done, Giff and I enjoyed some lemonade in the forest, face masks still partially attached.

Thanks to all our adopters who were able to make the orientation. It really felt like a community of kindred spirits.