Trails Department Volunteers

Trail Tracker volunteers help keep track of more than 2,500 wayfinding signs throughout Cleveland Metroparks, with more being added every year. These include trailhead signs, restoration signs, interpretive signs, and confidence markers; all are important aspects of sustainable trail building by keeping people on the official trails and off natural areas and important habitats. Trail Tracker volunteers inform staff when these signs require maintenance or need to be replaced.

REQUIREMENTS

• Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per month
• Access to a smartphone to fill out an online form as you hike

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Hike your assigned section of trail and fill out an online report form on your smartphone each month
• Report damaged or missing signs and any additional trail hazards that you encountered 

Bedford, Mill Stream Run, West Creek, and Ohio & Erie Canal reservations are each home to a system of singletrack mountain bike trails used by bikers and hikers alike. These trails are checked daily by a group of dedicated volunteers who monitor trail conditions. The trails are closed to all users if the trail is too wet and therefore susceptible to damage. Ruts from bike tires on a muddy trail often result in further issues that require time and resources to repair. With the help of trail monitors, staff can get ahead of trail damage and keep up with maintenance, so the trail experience is more enjoyable for all users.

REQUIREMENTS

• Time Commitment: minimum of 30 minutes per week
• Trail monitoring must be completed before 10 AM

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Check the trail conditions of your assigned trail before 10 AM on an assigned day
• Determine if the trail can be open or closed, and set up signage accordingly 
• Email a report on the trail conditions and status, including any trail hazards that were encountered

The process of building a trail is quite complex and is broken down into several stages depending on the type of work and equipment required.  The Trails Department enlists the help of volunteers for projects that require the use of simple hand tools and many hands to complete the work. Trail Work Days provide support to trails crew, allowing them to accomplish more each year and continue to expand the trail network. Trail Work Days are a great opportunity if you enjoy working outdoors or are interested in learning more about trail building!

REQUIREMENTS

• Comfortable using tools and working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Tools, gloves, and snacks are provided

RESPONSIBILITIES

Trail Work Days involve working together on trail building or restoration and may involve:

• Corridor Clearing – clearing a path in the woods where a new trail will be built before the machines come through and cut the trail. This involves leaf blowing and moving all fallen trees and woody debris out of the corridor.
• Downslope Restoration – re-naturalizing the area on the downslope side of the trail after it has been newly built. This involves spreading dirt, leaves, logs, and branches over the area to help it appear natural and encourage new growth on the downslope. 
• Backslope/Tread Maintenance – cutting roots, clearing drains, rock armoring, cleaning up the backslope, leaf blowing.
• Trail Restoration – shutting down bootleg trails and trails that have been rerouted. This involves roughing up the tread and spreading leaves and woody debris to re-naturalize the area.