
PTA Site Map / www.pinhotitrailalliance.org
The Pinhoti Trail
A Southeast Region Appalachian Trail Connector
PTA Adopt a Trail
What is the Adopt a Trail Program?
The PTA Adopt a Trail Program is a volunteer program providing
opportunities for interested Trail Club members and non members
to assist in the monitoring, maintaining and enhancing of the trail
and trailhead facilities on the Pinhoti Trail.
It's possible that the common image of a trail maintainer is one of a dirty, sweaty crew
hacking its way through the wilderness. Then there are the building projects, volunteer
recruitment, state, regional and national coalitions, politics, socials, fund raisers,
meetings and group outings.
At the PTA, the image of the trail maintainer and their obligations have been scaled down
to its purist form and we are interested in gathering a large group of individuals together
whose main interest is to find peace and contentment in a quiet place where maintaining
the natural beauty of the world is a spiritual exercise. The purpose of the PTA Adopt a
Trail program is to provide a creative outlet for this caretaker community.
Who can Adopt a Trail?
School and youth groups, scout troops, church, community and service organizations,
businesses, families, individuals or groups of individuals can adopt a minimum of 1 mile.
Anyone with an interest in trails and the outdoors is welcome to help preserve our trail
and provide safe, enjoyable access to the outdoors.
Why should you participate?
Adopt a Trail provides an opportunity for you to be actively involved in conservation.
Helping to maintain and enhance existing trails improves the resource for all to enjoy. The
effort brings trail and nature enthusiasts closer to the environment and their community.
You'll enjoy the time outdoors and the personal satisfaction gained through volunteer
community service activities.
How to get started
There are many sections available for adoption. If you have a specific area in mind, let me
know. If the section you choose is available for adoption, I'll get you set up right away. All
of the detailed basic maintenance guidelines and training you'll need to get started will
be provided by the PTA.
Reference Books
My main reference source is the "Appalachian Trail Design, Construction and Maintenance"
manual published by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. You can order your own copy from
the ATC for about $15.
General Guidelines For Volunteers
Adoption Period
Your chosen section must be adopted for a period of one year, renewable annually
thereafter upon approval by the PTA. This agreement may be terminated at any time by
the volunteer or the PTA.
Trail Inspections
Trail inspections by the PTA may include the following observations:
1. Facilities condition: trailhead parking lots, signs, shelters, campsites and notification to
the PTA of any facilities problems or additional maintenance needs.
2. Trail condition: routine trail maintenance, litter control and notification to the PTA of
any trail problems or additional maintenance needs.
Visitations
Volunteers are asked to visit their adopted section at least 2 times per year, preferably
during the months of June and September.
At your convenience, choose the days and times you would like to visit your section.
You may wish to check with the PTA prior to your trip to inquire about prescribed burns,
hunting seasons or other activities that may be scheduled in your area.
Please send an email report to the PTA after each visit so that we can keep track of your
efforts.
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