Orange County Workday, Feb 18, 2023
Hi Friends (of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail)

On our Jan workday we raised a large section of previously muddy trail. This coming workday, we will 'finish' this raised section by extending the gravel topping (seen at the bottom of this image).

Also during the Jan workday, we removed some large rocks from the trail, focusing attention on the need to fix the next 'smaller' section of irritating rocks.
These and more trail improvements (including the continuing war against invasives) await you, should you choose to join us.

Date: Feb 18, 2023, 9 AM - 3 PM. If you can't stay for the entire time, please know that we are deeply appreciative of any effort you contribute.

Meeting Location: The Historic Occoneechee Speedway parking lot (320 Elizabeth Brady Road, Hillsborough 27278).

If you can join the team: Please respond by email to Bill.Boyarsky@gmail.com by Feb 14 -- your response informs the number of biscuits, apples and tools that will await you, helps me plan the day, and puts you on the notification list for further updates (about this workday) or a workday cancellation message.

What to bring: You need to wear appropriate-for-the-weather work clothes (that can get dirty), solid shoes or boots, and bring lunch (if you plan to work into the afternoon), snacks, water, and work gloves. If you have a favorite tool, bring it.

What we bring: We will provide all tools, extra work gloves, and instructions. If you are new to this kind of activity, there will be experienced volunteers within asking distance: we are a supportive trail community that loves to grow.

Cancellation: If the workday is cancelled due to bad weather, an email will be sent out no later than 8:00 p.m. the preceding day, to the RSVP list.

Safety: Use tools carefully. If you do not know how to use a particular tool, or what to do in a particular circumstance please ask. Do not work too close together -- avoid hitting the person next to you. When walking past another volunteer, please say something so they know you are approaching. Do not lift anything heavier than you can comfortably lift -- know your own limits. Take plenty of breaks. Undertake different tasks with different tools throughout the day. Make sure to drink plenty of water, even when it's cold outside. .Be aware of ticks, chiggers, snakes, stinging insects, and poison ivy.

Next Orange County MST workdays (RSVP to Bill)
Mar 11
Apr 22
May 27

If you are not on our Eno/Orange County workday announcements email list (announcements like this one), but would like to be, let me know by email.

Next Eno MST workdays (RSVP to Fred <dietrich@duke.edu>)
Feb 25
March 18
April 8
May 13  Annual Picnic
June 3  National Trails Day

Next Alamance County MST workdays (RSVP to Andrew <asam30035@gmail.com>).
Currently building the MST along the Haw River with the long term goal of meeting our OC trail at Saxapahaw. Andrew, the Task Force Leader, would welcome email from you about a workday or to be added to his Alamance County Workday Announcement List).
February 18
March 18
April 15
May 20
June 17
September 16
October 21
November 18
December 16
The Annual Hillsborough to Durham Hike had more than 60 hikers enjoying the future MST trail. More Images: https://photos.app.goo.gl/6Ub71akgeJzrVJdt5

The Gathering, our annual statewide meeting of Friends will be held on April 28-30 here in the Triangle. Look for upcoming announcements.

Thanks to our major sponsors: To REI Co-op, whose 2022 gift of $15,000 supports our efforts with (among other things) signage improvement, updates to trail guides, the purchase of new tools, and tool repairs.
And thanks for all you do for the Mountains-To-Sea Trail

Bill
Bill.Boyarsky@gmail.com
Friends of the MST Task Force Leader, Orange County
(919) 451-2900
Pronouns: he, him
Friends of the Mountains-To-Sea Trail https://mountainstoseatrail.org/