Bird Mountain – July Trail Crew Update

July was a productive and eventful month on Bird Mountain, with the crew completing 1,084 feet of new trail and overcoming a variety of challenging terrain, weather conditions, and wildlife encounters.

The month began with some of the toughest construction conditions of the season. During the first week of July, the crew navigated an 80-foot boulder field filled with massive rocks and a drainage crossing, requiring significant effort and precision. Despite the challenging terrain and extreme summer heat, they completed 147 feet of trail and installed 14 stone steps and pavers.

As the month progressed, the team continued making steady progress through mixed terrain. The second week saw 242 feet of trail completed, including work through a drainage area, construction of several stone steps, and extensive root removal. The crew also took advantage of a stretch along a bluff that allowed for faster progress before building additional steps to climb out of the area.

Mid-month brought a few unexpected challenges. While clearing corridor and access routes, crew members encountered two yellow jacket nests hidden in dead wood, resulting in multiple stings before work was suspended for the day. Despite the setback, the team completed 194 feet of trail and continued improving access to the project area. Rainy weather later in the week also shortened one workday.

The highlight of the month came during the final week, when trail conditions eased considerably. Working in flatter and more forgiving terrain, the crew completed an impressive 501 feet of standard dirt trail, making it the most productive week of the month. The team also had a memorable wildlife encounter with the largest timber rattlesnake any crew member had seen on the mountain, providing an exciting reminder of the diverse ecosystem surrounding the project.

Overall, July showcased the crew’s resilience and adaptability. From navigating rugged boulder fields and steep side slopes to dealing with heat, storms, yellow jackets, and rattlesnakes, the team continued making significant progress toward completing the Bird Mountain section.