National Trails Day - Peaked Mountain

Opportunity Overview:
The ascent from the main entrance to the summit of Peaked Mountain (pronounced “pea-kid”) is a workout, a climb along a trail that is strenuous in places and gains 467 feet in elevation. But once you reach the top, the 1,227-foot summit provides spectacular views of undisturbed rural and forested landscapes in every direction: a sweep of rolling New England countryside with valley farms and small villages, mountains, hills, and even the distant city of Springfield.
 
National Trails Day recognizes all the incredible benefits federal, state and local trails provide for recreation and exposure to nature. This national event helps promote awareness of the wide variety of services our trail systems offer. The day encourages people to discover their local trails, become active concerning trail issues, and share their excitement for the outdoors.
 
On Friday, June 3^rd from 9AM-1PM, the Trustees will be hosting a volunteer stewardship day at Peaked Mountain as an early celebration of National Trails Day. We will be working to refine and open a new section of trail, close old social trails, and widen the existing trail corridor. Please meet us at the Miller Forest parking lot at 37 Butler Road, Monson, MA at 9AM, where we will gather tools and take a group hike to the work location.  Dress for the weather, wear work clothing (including closed toed shoes), bring water and snacks/lunch.

Reports to: Stewardship Manager and Trails Team Leader

Please note: please bring your own work gloves, water and snacks. Please also bring loppers, hand pruners, folding saws, rakes, and other hand tools you may prefer to use during the workday. The Trustees will provide additional tools to borrow. 

Also, we suggest dressing in layers, wearing long sleeves, long pants and a hat. Be aware that mosquitoes, ticks and other biting insects will likely be encountered on the trails.

Benefits:

• Helping to create a welcoming, supportive and inclusive community
• Resume-building opportunity, knowledge-based work, training.
• Connecting and networking with like-minded staff, visitors and volunteers 

Responsibilities (may include but are not limited to the following):

• Walk along uneven terrain utilizing hand tools (i.e. loppers, rakes, pruning saws) to cut back vegetation and improve the trail corridor.
• Participate in trail maintenance, closure and rehabilitation
• Relocate felled trees and other debris
• Communicate effectively with staff and other volunteers
• Participate in a variety of tasks including litter removal, downed limb removal and trail maintenance
• Adhere to The Trustees safety and COVID-19 protocols
• Sign up for the event

Qualifications:

• Able to perform vigorous trail labor projects, working outside in a variety of weather conditions, using hand tools
• Able to enjoy walking on the property, be conservation-minded, and willing to help maintain the property
• Able to walk over rough terrain and lift/carry 25 lbs
• Minimum age: 16 years old; volunteers younger than 16 will require parental/guardian supervision

Time Commitment:
Friday June 3^rd, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

For more information Contact the Volunteer Services Team at volunteer@thetrustees.org

To explore other volunteer opportunities, visit our volunteer page at http://volunteer.thetrustees.org/
 
More about The Trustees
Founded by landscape architect Charles Eliot in 1891, The Trustees has, for more than 125 years, been a catalyst for important ideas, endeavors, and progress in Massachusetts. As a steward of distinctive and dynamic places of both historic and cultural value, The Trustees is the nation’s first preservation and conservation organization, and its landscapes and landmarks continue to inspire discussion, innovation, and action today as they did in the past. We are a nonprofit, supported by members, friends and donors and our 116 sites are destinations for residents, members, and visitors alike, welcoming millions of guests annually. www.thetrustees.org.
 
Inclusive Spaces for All
We are committed to providing a welcoming environment for all. Together, alongside our partners and volunteers we are creating inclusive spaces of community for people of all backgrounds to enjoy and preserving these open spaces for everyone, forever. We are committed to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity, ability, and experience.
 
The Trustees is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, military service, application for military service, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. The Trustees makes reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Covid-19 Volunteer Safety:
The health and safety of Trustees’ volunteers, staff and visitors is our top priority.

• If you are not feeling well, please stay home
• If you have been in contact with someone with Covid-19 or someone displaying symptoms of Covid-19, please stay home
• For our most current Covid-19 updates, please visit our main Trustees site