Our Trail Blazers program was designed for teens looking for a summer employment experience that would provide more than just a paycheck. At its core, this program sought to establish a deeper connection to natural spaces and to instill a sense of ownership towards local trails, land, and natural resources. We were motivated by the understanding that when an individual experiences a connection to nature and works on a project first-hand, they are more likely to value it and care for it. This is all the more apparent for youth who are at a critical point in their development, learning about the world, and establishing values that they will carry with them throughout their lifetimes.
Beyond the ideology and life skills we were teaching, the Trail Blazer crew had the opportunity to develop valuable technical skills and establish professional mentorship connections that laid a foundation for a possible future career in trail building and maintenance—a unique and intriguing pursuit for young folks who love to be outside! Led by our Trails Manager, Harry Giordano, the Trail Blazers were taught I.M.B.A’s 5 Principles of Sustainable Trail Building and Maintenance while getting their hands dirty and learning how to use the necessary tools in a safe, effective manner. Over the course of 7 days, they performed vital maintenance throughout the Slate Valley Trails Network and even helped build a stretch of new trail!
Curious if you’ve been on a trail that was worked on by the Trail Blazers? Here’s a snapshot of their work:
Raked, managed vegetation and maintained grade reversals on Merry-Go-Round, Cliffhanger, Loop the Loop, and Morse Hollow
Built a berm on Merry-Go-Round
Rebuilt a log roll on Clown Shoes
Helped build a new stretch of trail on Bumper Cars
Our local youth are incredibly fortunate to grow up in a community that has seemingly unlimited access to trails and private land. We want to make sure that we encourage them how, when, and where to take advantage of the opportunities we all share and enjoy in our backyard. Educating our local youth about trail maintenance projects and sustainable trail management practices will introduce them to trail stewardship and encourage future generations to care for the trails.
Thank you to Harry for sharing his knowledge and helping usher in this new generation of trail stewards, and thanks to the Teen Trail Blazers for improving our trails!
Learn more about our youth programming here.
