Every year on the first Saturday of June, hiking enthusiasts from across the country celebrate National Trails Day. The designated holiday gives organizations and individuals the opportunity to connect with local trails, raise awareness of trail issues, and enjoy time in nature. Friends of Nevada Wilderness' southern Nevada volunteers spent National Trails Day in Mt. Charleston Wilderness to complete much needed trail work on the popular Trail Canyon. 

            Volunteers working on Trail Canyon during National Trails Day.

With shovels, hard hats, and smiling faces, our hard working team of fourteen volunteers hiked their way up a mile and a half of trail ready to spend a day giving back to our public lands and the trails we all depend on for outdoor recreation. Unfortunately, many trails in Nevada and around the country are not maintained properly. According to a 2013 report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, only 25% of our nation’s trails are maintained to standard and nearly 2 out of 3 trails are not maintained at all. That’s where organizations like Friends of Nevada Wilderness and passionate folks like our volunteers help fill in the gap.

Cynthia and Quinton, from our business partner REI, also joined us on the project and provided lunch, refreshments, and 2017 stewardship shirts for all of our National Trails Day participants! We appreciate the continued support we receive from partners like REI and the dedication of our amazing volunteers who spend countless hours being stewards of our public lands. As we enter the busy season for trail work in the Mt. Charleston area, we are looking for support from the community. You can help support by becoming a member or signing up to volunteer. Together, we can help protect and maintain public lands in Nevada, not only for each other but for future generations to come.