National Trails Day — Stewardship at Chilton Woods State Forest
Saturday, June 4, 2022
9 am at Field Trial Road, transmission line parking lot
Greetings Fellow Master Naturalists,
Saturday, June 4 is National Trails Day, and a great way to celebrate it is to volunteer for trail maintenance! Anne Parker and Andy Bailey invite you to join at Chilton Woods State Forest in Lancaster County. We plan to do trail maintenance - an opportunity for stewardship hours - and to observe and discuss the many plants that make this forest such a special place. Although some spring ephemerals, such as Spring Beauty, Claytonia virginiana, have already passed their prime, the forest is full of abundant flowering plants, insects, and birds. You will be able to observe how portions of the forest recover from a prescriptive fire. We also intend to share some of the interesting sites that we have discovered during our work this winter and spring.
We will begin the day at 9am in the large parking area at the transmission lines on Field Trial Road. After the work is finished, we will gather to discuss our experience and perhaps to continue discovery with those who want to see more of the forest than trail work will allow. We love this forest, and we think you will too after spending some time there.
If you can participate there are certain tools that you will find helpful: gloves, hand snippers, limb loppers and small hand saws. We are usually well provisioned with tools, so if you don’t have any, we are sure you can find some to borrow from another master naturalist. Also, it is important to note that ticks are prevalent throughout the forest, so please make sure you have treated clothes or bring insect repellent. Additionally, please bring plenty of water for your personal use during the work, and sunscreen if needed. Finally, if you plan to continue exploring the woods, snacks and a bag lunch are recommended.
Following the work, refreshments (sodas and water) and cookies will be provided.
If you are interested and can participate, please email andy at lowermachodod@gmail.com by Friday, June 3.
We hope to see you there.
Anne and Andy