Project: Portola Redwoods State Park (main park areas)
Photo Album: 1508 Portola State Park
August 22 had the Trail Center back out at Portola Redwoods State Park for the 2nd of 4 scheduled trips to this beautiful park. Twenty eager volunteers spent a lovely day in the redwoods doing a multitude of tasks including minor brushing and dead tree and stump removal, but tread improvement was the primary focus. The day was a big success as we were able to repair all of the rest of the flagged projects along the Slate Creek Trail up to the saddle before the backpacker's camp. Of course that didn't include work in the several spots that require serious retaining wall structures, but that's what's on tap for the final 2 work days. I was very pleased with the quality of work we accomplished as were the several groups of hikers and backpackers that passed by us during the day. Of particular note were two projects. One was the massive hole that Lewis and others created by removing a large dead log in the trail (think iceberg), and then they had to repair the trail by backfilling. The other was a big snag and narrow spot that Tom worked on by himself for the better part of the afternoon. Both spots are much better and safer thanks to their efforts.
Today was also a special day because we handed out 4 swag items. We celebrated Kent, Alison, and Alex for attaining their "Green Hats" and Theresa for earning her "Green Shirt". Congratulations all! If you want to earn your very own Green Hat, all you have to do is attend 4 trail build events in at least 2 different parks. For a Green Shirt, double your participation to 8 events. It's easy, it's fun, and it's rewarding. And as Hank likes to say, these are items that money can't buy.
A special note of thanks goes out to our wonderful crew leaders Lisa, Judd (still nursing a broken finger), Hank, and Dave T. Also need to thank Lianna for handling a wonderful refreshment hour and Kathy for organizing the volunteers.