Date: Jan 22, 2022, 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 Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area parking lot, 625 Virginia Cates Rd, Hillsborough, NC 27278.
COVID-19: NC State Parks require all volunteers to be vaccinated. There will be a ranger at our orientation meeting to check your vaccination documents.
If you can join the team: Please respond by email to
[email protected] by Jan 17 -- 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.
Next Orange County MST workdays
Feb 26, 2022, Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
Mar 26, 2022, site TBD
Apr 23, 2022, site TBD
May 28, 2022, site TBD
Jun 25, 2022, site TBD
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 you 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. .
COVID-19 concerns: We will work within current CDC/NC/OC COVID-19 guidelines. The work area is fairly large, you will have the opportunity to define your own working distance with your neighbors. Please bring and be prepared to wear a mask in the unlikely event that the need arises.
Thanks to our major sponsors: To REI Co-op, whose 2021 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.
Annual Hillsborough to Durham hike: Hike with us on Jan 8 through the gap between Hillsborough and Durham across a large region of the Eno River State Park which will become future MST trail. details: https://conta.cc/3bS6uMG
Gathering of Friends 2022: The statewide Friends community will gather at Lake Junaluska (where the MST was first proposed 45 years ago by Howard Lee). The dates are April 7-10. We'll celebrate our accomplishments, and look towards the future. This weekend includes the annual meeting and many other events (workshops, hikes...). Details at. mountainstoseatrail.org/gathering-of-friends/.
And thanks for all you do for the Mountains To Sea Trail
Bill
Friends of the MST Task Force Leader, Orange County
