Volunteer Vacation - Mark Twain National Forest Trail Maintenance
ORGANIZATION: American Hiking Society
Please visit the new page to apply.
Join American Hiking Society for a week of building & maintaining trails in exciting locations across the country. Volunteer Vacations foster public land stewardship and provide volunteers the opportunity to give back to the trails they love, meet new people, and have a great time doing it! Crews consist of 6-10 volunteers accompanied by a crew leader. Volunteer Vacations involve backpacking or day hiking and accommodations vary from primitive campsites to bunkhouses or cabins. Tools and supervision are provided by the host agency or organization. Experience nature up close. Travel to new destinations. Meet other outdoor enthusiasts. Take a vacation that nourishes your body & your spirit. Get Out. Give Back.
Project Specifics:
The crew will help construct a brand new hiking trail from Greer Spring Trailhead to the historic Greer Mill. Volunteers will be trained on proper trail tread construction techniques. The trail will be flagged out in advance. The trailhead also provides access to Greer Spring - the largest spring on national forest system land. The area is exceptionally beautiful with tall hardwood forests, crystal clear rivers and springs and tons of unique history. If the project is completed early, priority trail maintenance work will occur at the Eagle Bluff Trail which is situated in the scenic Markham Springs Recreation Area. This work will include tread reconstruction, water bar installation, staircase maintenance, logging out trees and signing the trail. All training will be provided.
More information on the recently restored Greer Mill: In the 19th-century, water milling was an essential industry that provided farmers access to grain processing and, likewise, provided rural populations access to flour. Samuel Greer, an early settler of Oregon County, built Greer Mill in 1883 and, with his partner, George Mainprize, kept it in steady business until 1899. After this point, ownership of Greer Mill changed hands many times, but operations continued until 1920, at which time the mill was sold. Closure that year was, most likely, due to increased competition from the railroads, which, when routes were completed, could finally stretch through the Ozarks - railroads could bring in volumes of grain, flour, and other goods that the local mills could not match.
Greer Spring information: A popular day hike for Forest visitors. Greer Spring is the second largest spring in Missouri. Its average daily flow of 222 million gallons more than doubles the size of the Eleven Point National Scenic River into which it flows. The spring flows from two outlets about 250 feet apart at the bottom of a steep, shaded ravine at the terminus of the trail. The spring run drops 62 feet in elevation for 1.25 miles where it runs into the Eleven Point National Scenic River. Access to Greer Spring is via a 0.9 mile trail that descends about 250 feet in elevation along a gentle gradient from the trailhead at Missouri Highway 19. The trail to the spring travels through a mixture of hardwoods and pines. The overstory of trees, includes a variety of oaks, shortleaf pine, hickory, maples, basswood, and black gum. Hikers will also see flowering dogwoods, sassafras, persimmon, hazelnut, cedar, and hackberry.
Accommodations: Volunteers will stay in Forest Service facilities in Winona, MO. 6 Shared rooms include either twin beds (limited) or bunk beds. Volunteers can also tent or trailer camp at nearby Greer Crossing Campground if they prefer. Although unlikely, if the host diverts to the backup project, the accommodations will change to car camping with water and vault toilets. Volunteers should bring a sleeping bag or linens and pillow, towels, cup/bowl/mug/eating utensils, and personal gear. If camping, volunteers should bring their own tent, sleeping bag/sleeping pad, cup/bowl/mug/eating utensils, and personal gear.
Trip Cost: $365 per person
Volunteer Experience: While trips do not require prior trail maintenance experience, all of our projects require participants to be in good physical condition and will involve 30-40 hours of physical labor during the week.
Find More Information & Register Here: https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/mark-twain-national-forest-volunteer-vacations-2021/
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About American Hiking Society
Location:
8403 Colesville Rd,Suite 1100, Silver Spring, MD 20910, US
Mission Statement
As the national voice for America's hikers, American Hiking Society promotes and protects foot trails and the hiking experience.
Description
Our nation’s trails need your help! Join American Hiking Society for a week of building & maintaining trails in exciting & diverse locations across the country.
Volunteer Vacations foster public land stewardship and provide volunteers the opportunity to give back to the trails they love, meet new people, and have a great time doing it!
Crews consist of 6-15 volunteers accompanied by a crew leader. Trips involve backpacking or day hiking and accommodations vary from primitive campsites to bunkhouses or cabins. Tools and supervision are provided by the host agency or organization.
Take a vacation that nourishes your body & your spirit.
Get Out. Give Back.
CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
Greer Spring MillAlton, MO 65606
DATE POSTED
July 22, 2021
SKILLS
- Outdoor Recreation
GOOD FOR
- People 55+
REQUIREMENTS
- Must be at least 18