Crew leader training in the Berkshires was action packed
this summer. After returning to the Kellogg Conservation Center (KCC) from Camp
Dodge the crew leaders headed to Noble View Outdoor Center for a two day Leave
No Trace intensive course led by Alice Webber and Benjamin Barry. In the
evenings the crew leaders explored the soon-to-be revamped trails around the
property. Crew Leaders Molly and Dave, who will be leading teen trail crews
around Noble View all summer, were happy to discover that streams and swimming
holes abound.
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Once back at the KCC trails staff booted up and partnered up
with local volunteers for three projects including the replacement of bog
bridges on the Appalachian Trail. A lot of laughing and learning happened as
the crew leaders worked alongside a large group of seasoned veteran volunteers.
The good times carried on into the afternoon as the trails staff was treated to
a well-stocked barbecue lunch complete with ice-cold beverages served out of
wheelbarrows; quite apropos at the rustic and pastoral KCC.
The following week, staff traveled to Clam River for another
day of bog bridge building and this time the ante was upped. The bridges were
made from downed trees and all finish work was done entirely with hand tools.
Just as rain wont' stop the teen trail crews from doing
trail work this summer it certainly didn't deter rock work from being done on
the Appalachian Trail during training. Crew leaders honed their rock scouting
and setting skills in the dense woods of Western Massachusetts and took lunch
in a beautiful stone shelter at an overlook on Mt. Everett.
This past few weeks of training culminated in the much
anticipated start of trail crew expeditions in the Berkshires with one excited
crew of teens headed to Becket and another cheerful bunch to Noble View. From
all of us loving life in the Berkshires to all of you out there, we wish you a
wonderful and adventure filled summer!
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