March 26, 2020 Update: SHTA May 2020 Trail Clearing Weekends POSTPONED

Due to the evolving health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, SHTA has decided to indefinitely postpone all trail clearing weekends planned for May 2020.

We’ve made this decision out of an abundance of caution to protect our collective health and prevent the spread of the virus. As you may know, our trail clearing weekends feature communal meals and camping arrangements, and we do not believe those are safe practices at this point in the pandemic. Alternate lodging arrangements on the North Shore are uncertain for the foreseeable future. Instead, we will work on a new approach to clearing the Trail this spring, and we will share opportunities for you to get involved through our Volunteer Portal. 

We are grateful to have dedicated volunteers like you in our community, and we will continue to follow the guidance of public health officials to ensure that all of our activities are safe and enjoyable for all. Thank you for your understanding. 

You can find COVID-19 updates from SHTA and helpful resources from partners on our website at superiorhiking.org/covid-19. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Tamer Ibrahim at [email protected]. 

 

Join us for a Trail Clearing weekend near Schroeder on Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3, 2020. You can volunteer for one or both days. Volunteers will be put into teams with 1-2 certified chainsawyers and 3-5 “swampers,” or helpers. Swampers are responsible for removing sawed logs and other debris off the Trail and for carrying gear for their sawyers as requested. It’s hard work, but really rewarding to know that you are the reason hikers and runners can use the SHT without crawling, climbing, or tripping.

Lodging will be available on Friday and Saturday nights at the Schroeder Town Hall. There you can indoor camp (earplugs provided but BYO everything else) or camp in the ballfield behind the building. There is running water at the Town Hall and a refrigerator/freezer with extremely limited space. Showers are available to our volunteers for free at nearby Lamb’s Resort.

Saturday and Sunday breakfasts will be provided, along with Saturday supper. Bring lunch makings, snacks, and water bottles. Come prepared to be outside all day: plenty of layers, sturdy footwear, bug spray, sunblock, and did we mention snacks? A dry pair of shoes for evening use/driving home is also recommended. Bring your own gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection if you have them — all personal protective equipment, tools, and training will be provided as needed. Sawyers should bring their saw and supplies and sawyer-specific personal protective equipment.

Registration will open soon. 

If you have any questions about this event, please contact Jody Nonnemacher at j[email protected]. Thanks!

Photo by Roberta Laidlaw.