New to trail work? This is a great place to start. Already have experience? This is a chance to sharpen your skills, flex your talent, and connect with the crew that helps care for one of New Hampshire’s most heavily used mountains. Spend a morning at Monadnock State Park learning and practicing the kind of trail maintenance that keeps heavily used trails open, durable, and enjoyable. For first-time volunteers, this is a supportive introduction to trail work. For returning or experienced volunteers, it is a chance to build confidence, ask better questions, and get aligned with how maintenance is done at Monadnock. You’ll leave with practical skills, a clearer understanding of trail stewardship, and a direct connection to the volunteer program that helps care for Monadnock throughout the season.

This is not a classroom session. You’ll be outside, on trail, using basic hand tools and learning by doing. The work may include clearing drainage, brushing back vegetation, removing loose debris, improving tread, and identifying common maintenance issues before they become larger problems.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• A hands-on field day at Monadnock State Park.
• Instruction from experienced trail crew leaders.
• Light to moderate physical work on an active trail.
• A steady, manageable pace with the group.
• Time for questions, practice, and skill-building.
• A lunch break on or near the trail.
• A good next step if you are interested in volunteering more often.

This training is a good fit for:

• First-time volunteers who want to learn the basics
• Hikers who want to give back to Monadnock
• Experienced volunteers who want a refresher
• People interested in joining the Monadnock Volunteer Trail Crew
• Anyone who wants to better understand how rugged legacy trails are maintained using modern techniques.

No experience is required. Skilled volunteers are welcome and encouraged.

WHY THIS MATTERS:

Monadnock’s trails receive heavy use throughout the year. Regular maintenance helps reduce erosion, protect natural resources, improve visitor safety, and preserve the hiking experience for thousands of people. By participating in this training, you are learning useful trail skills while contributing directly to the long-term care of Monadnock State Park. Plus its a lot of fun!

This is an outdoor, field-based training. Participants should be prepared to spend the day outside and hike a mile of rugged trail to and from the work area. Registered participants will receive additional details before the event, including where to meet and any weather-related updates. A port-a-pottie is avalable at the trailhead parking area.