Note: Recent NC State Park COVID-19 safety protocols require all volunteers to show original vaccination records (not a copy, not a phone image) before the start of the workday (details below).
For those of you who skim: 1) new meeting site, 2) a revised COVID rule below.
Date: Nov 20, 2021, 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: 9 AM in Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area parking lot, 625 Virginia Cates Rd, Hillsborough, NC 27278.. (a shorter walk in).
Please be on time: COVID-19 vaccination documents will be checked during our orientation. The Park Ranger tasked with check-in will have other duties.. If you miss his check-in you will not be able to participate.
This protocol is only within State Parks (and while their policy is in place). We will have future workdays in Orange County at sites that don't require this check-in.
Work site: Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area, we will continue work on the 4th reroute. There will be a wide variety of tasks, something for everyone.
If you can help: Please respond by email to
[email protected] by Nov 16 -- 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 will 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. .
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..
Cancellation: If the workday is canceled due to bad weather (or COVID-19), 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
Dec 18.Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
Jan 22, 2022, site TBD
Feb 26, 2022, site TBD
Mar 26, 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. Make sure to drink plenty of water, even when it's cold outside. You should take care to avoid poison ivy vines, briars, stinging insects and snakes.
NC State Parks COVID-19 Protocol: (relevant quotes):
"Fully Vaccinated means it has been at least two weeks after the person has received the second dose in a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series (Pfizer or Moderna) or that it has been two weeks after the person has received a single-dose of COVID-19 vaccine (Johnson & Johnson). Participants in the Novavax trial who are two weeks after having received both doses in the series will also count as Fully Vaccinated."...
"If there is not proof of vaccination shown, the volunteer will be sent away. Physical proof must be shown at every event. It cannot be emailed or taken a picture of and shown to the Designee."
"If a volunteer is a minor between the age of 12 up to 18, then the parent of the child should show the Designated Person the proof of full vaccination for their child each day the minor volunteers onsite."
New guidelines state that children under 12 years of age can volunteer without vaccination or negative test results. <--- this is a change
"Face masks will continue to be required of all employees, volunteers, and visitors while in indoor settings."
Friends 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, when we gather for the workday briefing, instruction, biscuits, and if you need to work close to each other.
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.
And thanks for all you do for the Mountains To Sea Trail
Bill
Friends of the MST Task Force Leader, Orange County
