The volunteers trail program grows every year, and one of those new
branches on the volunteer trails tree was the pilot program for Bay
Circuit Trail (BCT) teen crews. During my AmeriCorps service as the
Community Engagement Coordinator for the BCT, I tackled the
planning, execution, and reflection for these two weeks of crews (with
much help and support, of course!) There were months of meetings,
talking about the big and small details, scouting projects, ordering
materials, logistical planning, coordination with our partners, and
more.
The crew enjoying their lunch
After much anticipation, the non-residential program ran from July 13th –
July 17th. We partnered with Old Colony YMCA of Brockton and worked with
a group from a local middle school. For four hot, gypsy-moth-filled
days we worked on the BCT-connector trail at Mass Audubon’s Moose Hill
Wildlife Sanctuary in Sharon, MA. The crew installed timber check steps
to combat the heavily eroded trail, and installed two timber water bars
to direct water off the trail. We were lucky to have organic
strawberries and carrots hiked in to us by farm staff from Moose Hill,
as well as have one of their staff do an afternoon nature walk with our
group. On Friday, the crew did a half day of basic maintenance of the
BCT in Easton, MA, and then took the afternoon off to explore DCR’s
Borderland State Park.
Preparing to set the timber waterbar
One of four new check steps
The crew learning how to build our boardwalk
With one short day of rest, I prepared to lead the overnight basecamp
teen crew. We had a full crew of nine participants camped at Lorraine
Campground at DCR's Harold Parker State Forest. Our project was to re-route
the BCT off its current path of an unstable, poison-ivy covered stone
wall. We installed ~100 feet of boardwalk to traverse the stream and
surrounding wet area the stone wall crossed, providing a safer, much
more enjoyable and sustainable crossing. The group
did an outstanding job despite the hot, humid weather and ever-present
poison ivy. On our last day we switched gears and did general
maintenance on three miles of trail at The Trustees or Reservation's
Ward Reservation in Andover, MA, then enjoyed the afternoon at the
solstice stones on Holt Hill.
Digging holes for our base logs - many rocks to be moved!
Two new sections of boardwalk
Working through the ups and downs of a pilot program can be a challenge,
but our experiences and reflections will be immensely helpful for the
continuation of the program in years to come. Not to mention,
much-needed improvements were made to the trail and will help improve
users experience and protect the trail and surrounding environment.
Trail work isn’t always the most important part, though, and, as always,
my favorite part of each week was watching teens spend time outdoors,
work as a team, learn something new, and gain an appreciation for the
natural world.
On another note, this will be my last post about BCT, but there will be
more posts from others to come! My AmeriCorps term with the Bay Circuit
Trail came to an end in early August, but I am happy to be joining the Professional
Trail Crew in Maine for the fall. Happy trails!
Molly
**P.S. AMC/BCT worked with Friends of North Andover Trails to get a team of local volunteers together on Monday, 8/24. Thanks to their hard work, the remaining 30 feet of boardwalk across the stream is complete. The new & improved section is open for your enjoyment!
