Events

The North Country Trail periodically needs improvement and on May 4, you too can participate in improving the trail. The NCTA Dakota Prairie Chapter will have a workday where we will be benching an existing part of the trail. This part of the trail goes next to the railroad south of Walcott, ND. The existing trail has become narrow and uneven and benching will create a wider and flatter trail. Benching uses tools like shovels, Pulaski, McCloud, and rakes to dig into the slope and smooth and widen the trail. No experience is needed, and this is a good way to learn how a hiking trail is made and maintained. I encourage anyone who is interested in volunteering and learning about the trail to sign up for the workday.

The workday will start by meeting at the Walcott trailhead at 1:00 p.m. (46.548024, -96.939069). We will then carpool to the worksite with a short hike to the site. There is 270 feet of the trail to bench. If you are going to volunteer you will need to wear sturdy shoes (no sandals or open-toe shoes), bring gloves, and water. Training will be done on how to safely use the tools and how to work safely in a group. We will have plenty of tools and work so all can get involved.

Please RSVP by Friday, May 3 by emailing Jack Norland at jacknorlanddpc@gmail.com. If you have questions or concerns use the same email. If you are going to work on the North Country Trail being a Volunteer-In-Parks (VIP) is the best way to ensure your protection while volunteering on the trail. You do not have to sign up to be a VIP for this workday, but you should consider it. Hope to see you there.