I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and use the hiking/biking trails 2-3 times a week.
Thanks, then, goes to members of my mountain bike group who encouraged me to join them for a trail maintenance day. The event was one of many set up by the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council based in Berkeley. The nonprofit has spent years connecting/building/maintaining over 400 miles of trails in San Francisco Bay Area.
After a short orientation on a recent Saturday morning, I and our volunteer group of about 25 people chose one of the tools provided, hiked along the trail and started clearing away brush; rounding trail edges so water will easily flow downhill; and remove dead roots. We worked for 2.5 hours and then the organizers fed us lunch.
I can’t stress enough the beauty of these trails! They’ve taken me through redwood forests and open oak hill country. So I was so happy to get a chance to give back to the people who, over time (many from a variety of local, regional and state organizations), have created and connected these routes.
If you live in the area, use the trails, but can’t make a maintenance day, consider giving a donation.
Do you use the trails where you live?
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For updates about Martha’s forthcoming books, news and giveaways, subscribe to her website: MarthaEngber.com.
THE FALCON, THE WOLF AND THE HUMMINGBIRD a historical novel
BLISS ROAD, a memoir
WINTER LIGHT, a novel
THE WIND THIEF, a novel
GROWING GREAT CHARACTERS, a resource for writers