Josh briefs a group of University of Vermont student volunteers on the day of work ahead.
Volunteer Management
The greatest ally a trail can have is a committed group of volunteers.
Projects completed with groups of volunteers are a highlight of the trail construction season for Timber & Stone, LLC. With safety as our upmost priority, our team of trailbuilders enthusiastically works with volunteers, students, and stewards of all ages and technical ability. A typical volunteer work project entails:
- Assessment of volunteer’s skill level
- Training on use of equipment and specific trail construction techniques
- Completion of work project
A background in conservation team leadership and education compels us to focus on camaraderie, individual empowerment, and building group cohesion. The result—high quality trail construction at a fraction of the cost and a skilled group of volunteers eager to tackle the next project.
Volunteer Management in Action: Replacing a bridge on The Catamount Trail, Shrewsbury, Vermont
The Catamount Trail is a a 300 mile public-access, winter-use only ski trail that runs the length of Vermont from Massachusetts to Canada. The Catamount Trail Association (CTA) is a non-profit organization that manages the trail. The CTA relies heavily on a network of 300 active volunteers to improve and maintain the trail at a very low cost.
This bridge on the Shrewsbury, Vermont section of the Catamount Trail was destroyed as a result of flooding from Tropical Storm Irene in 2011.
CTA Volunteers and students from the University of Vermont work together to transport lumber to the site.
Timber & Stone, LLC staff and CTA volunteers setting the stringers for the bridge.
CTA Volunteers securing posts to the bridge stringers.
The completed 25′ bridge on the Shrewsbury, Vermont section of the Catamount Trail.