What Should I bring: Long sleeve work pants, long sleeve shirt, work boots, water bottles bring more than you think you will need a good gauge is at least two liters. Other things to bring are a coat depending on conditions sunblock, sun glasses, hat and mosquito repellent. You are bringing a car so bring more than less, if you are not sure if you need an item bring it. If you have any questions call or e-mail the HSVTC office.
A day in the life of a HSVTC volunteer at a DAY EVENT Day Events, sometimes Local or day trips use a local meeting area as a starting point.
Most volunteers arrive in the morning of the work day. When you arrive look for the common area identified by a banner, people gathered or a sign indicating that the trail crew is working in the area. Someone at the location should have a volunteer sign-up sheet. There will be a name for each person in your party, locate your name and sign your name. There will always be other volunteers around before the work party leaves ready to help you get started and answer any questions you might have. On day events there is the possibility that you will not find anyone at the meeting point if you are late. you will be on your own to choose weather you want to find the work group or decide not to participate. The High Sierra Volunteer Trail Crew cannot take responsibility for you until you sign in on our sign in sheet.
When the Event Director calls for all volunteers to gather, the morning meeting soon begins. Introduction of new arrivals are made as well as group announcements. Crew Leaders describe their individual projects and announce their crews. The meeting is complete at the end of a discussion on potential safety hazards during the trail maintenance project. At this point crew leaders gather their crews; distribute tools, double check to see if each person has a lunch, hydration and personal protective equipment as well as a quick discussion on who is carrying a first-aid kit, and or toilet paper.
They will also ask if anyone on the crew has any serious allergies or severe reactions to insect bites and carries an Epi pen Auto-Injector. After instructions on the proper way to carry the tools, crews then head out on foot or in vehicles to their project.
Throughout the work day volunteers are encouraged to pace themselves, drink lots of fluids and take time to eat something. Crews might perform routine trail maintenance like removing brush in the trail, removal to tripping hazards and the cleaning and repair of water diversion structures. Some crews will remove logs blocking the trail or preserve trails by building rock walls and steps. Lots of instruction on proper methods and safety is discussed as work progresses. A lunch break is welcome around mid-day as the crew leader starts to think about what time the crew needs to head back to the morning meeting area. The goal is to return to the starting meeting area by 4:00 PM. Tools and other equipment sent out on the project are collected pictures taken and everyone is thanked for their service. Volunteers head home after having a great day of Stewardship on their public lands.
Volunteer for a trip