Volunteer Work Day in Sipsey Wilderness, June 20

 

You are invited to join Wild South staff and volunteers for a work day in the Sipsey Wilderness (Alabama)!

Saturday, June 20

8:00 a.m. at the Wild South office in Wren, Alabama

Sign up or ask questions at janice@wildsouth.org

Maintenance on Sipsey Wilderness Trail #204

Distance:  11 miles roundtrip

Rating:  Strenuous and challenging

Ages 12 and over.  Experienced hikers only.

After meeting at the Wild South office, we will carpool to the Braziel Trailhead (#223), where we will hike 3 miles in to Trail 204 carrying all our tools.  Upon arriving at #204, we will begin working with loppers, hand pruners and saws to clear the trail of obstructions and encroaching vegetation for the 2.5 mile length of the trail.  We will return via the same route to the Braziel Trailhead, where ice-cold beverages will be waiting for us.

Those who wish may make a side-trip into East Bee Canyon to visit the Big Tree, which will add an additional mile to the total distance.

This hike is strenuous and physically demanding because of the distance and the summer heat.  Sensible and honest assessment of your ability to participate is strongly encouraged.

All tools and hardhats will be provided, but all are welcome to bring your own hardhat and any hand tools such as loppers, hand pruners, etc.  For tick protection, we recommend permethrin products such as Sawyers or Permanone. These require 4-hour advance treatment of clothing.  It’s the only thing we’ve found that works to keep ticks off.  And it doesn’t have that horrible overpowering stink that blows our sense of smell for all the good forest air for the rest of the day!

Bring a backpack with:

• LOTS OF DRINKING WATER!
• lunch
• snacks
• work gloves
• Epi-Pen if severe allergic reaction to insect stings is an issue

Wear protective clothing that is comfortable for hiking:  Long pants and closed-toe boots or shoes. We will be mostly on ridge trails, so sun protection may be needed (sunblock, hat).

Dogs are not allowed on work projects.

The map that will get you to the Wild South office at 11312 Alabama Highway 33, Moulton, Alabama, is in the link above. If you prefer to meet the group at the Braziel Trailhead, please let us know when you sign up.

We are grateful to these funders who make Wild South’s Helping Hands Volunteer Program possible:

Individual donors

A grant from The National Forest Foundation

A grant from the General Fund of the Walker Area Community Foundation