July 27th 2020 Update: RRCT has re-started Trail Crew on Wednesdays at 10:00 am. We meet at a given preserve listed below in the Trail Crew schedule below. Due to COVID – 19 we require that all Trail Crew participants bring a mask to wear and maintain a 6-foot distance from other participants. We’ll occasionally have Trail Crew at two (or more) locations, to disperse larger groups of volunteers. We ask for best-possible judgment regarding dogs and leashes, to avoid incidents. After the introduction to work, we will split up, allowing people to work in a safe space where they can choose to remove the mask. Those conducting work on the trails should be vigilant for the safety of themselves and others, and help create and enforce a culture of discipline and safety during work days. For more details on work-day expectations, scroll to the bottom of this page.
New! We have a new online store with RRCT T-shirts, hats, jackets and more. A portion of sales benefit RRCT. You can shop here for yourself, your grandchildren, everyone!
Wednesday August 12th, 10:00 am: Lufkin Road parcel, North Yarmouth.
Crew Leader: Alan Stearns 207-215-8315. Meet at the existing gravel parking lot (gravel pit entrance blocked by boulders) on Lufkin Road in North Yarmouth, about half way between Route 231 and the powerline, on the right. If you get to the powerline, you’ve gone too far. We’ll begin working on trails on a parcel of land donated to RRCT last week, to-be-known as RRCT’s Mèmak Preserve. We’ll bring lots of survey tape to scope some new trail sections, and we might get started with clearing (pole saws, brush cutters, rakes). Existing trail sections need simple work (pole saws, brush cutters). We’ll also remove some barbed fence wire, remove “posted” signs, and start to install some temporary trail signs or boundary markers. Bring: heavy gloves, masks, water, bug spray, pole saws, brush cutters/loppers.
Thursday, August 13, 10:00 am: Trail Crew work day with Summit Utilities. Lufkin Rd. Parcel North Yarmouth.
Crew Leader: Alan Stearns. 207-215- 8315
Summit Utilities will be sending a handful of volunteers (no more than 10), joining Trail Crew volunteers. We will meet at the existing gravel parking lot (gravel pit entrance blocked by boulders) on Lufkin Rd. in North Yarmouth about half way between Rt. 231 and the powerlines. If you get to the powerlines you have gone too far. Summit Utilities participants have been asked to bring loppers, clippers, brush cutters and heavy gloves. Other participants should do the same. We will work on trails for the land that will soon be RRCT’s Mèmak Preserve.
August through September/October Wednesdays 10:00 am: Location: Riverfront Woods Preserve, Littlejohn Island Preserve, Big Falls Preserve, Pineland Public Reserve Land.
Crew Leader: Erik Donohue 207-449-0715 and/or Alan Stearns and/or State of Maine BPL staff.
In Yarmouth, we’ll be building bridges, boardwalks and trails at Riverfront Woods Preserve for a period of several weeks. In other areas, we’ll have specific work days (at the same time as the Yarmouth work days) to split up groups and address specific needs. Details to follow.
Royal River Conservation Trust’s weekly volunteer trail upkeep and construction program is prepped by volunteers or staff, and compliments our annual stewardship field work. Work sessions are planned for two hours, always Wednesdays, always at 10:00 am. Our work focuses on RRCT’s many public access properties, often spending several weeks in a row at the same site. RRCT is also happy to help out our trail neighbors when the Trail Crew has availability. Trail Crew attendance ranges from two and eight volunteers each week.
There is a job for everyone, no matter your shape, skills, strength. Join us the one week you have time or interest, or put Trail Crew on your calendar as your regular Wednesday morning ritual. Trail Crew’s focus on creatively, sustainably, safely, and efficiently completing RRCT’s physical work goals. Trail Crew tackles a variety of on-site trail building issues including boundary identification and marking, route finding and trail alignment, brush and wood clearing, water management, wetland and stream crossings, treadway stabilization, invasives species management and signage. Beyond the trails the Crew does projects relating to wildlife habitat and healthy ecosystems.
RRCT brings specific tools that will be helpful. We encourage volunteer crew members to bring their own tools. Hand saws, pole saws, and loppers are favorites. Crew members should bring a water bottle and should wear sturdy shoes, safety glasses, gloves, and the right clothes for the day.
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