News 2015

31 Dec News 2015

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2015 End Of Year Score . . .

BreakAway Program: 50 students = 1,395 hours; local volunteers and Rangers = 672 hours. 3/4 mile of trail finished near Graysville.

Fall Big Dig add over 3 miles of trail in the Daddys Creek area with the help of 4 crew staff and 820 volunteer hours. Work continued in Daddy’s Creek with two more miles added.

Work began with Southern Crew on McGill Creek area.

3,612 total volunteer hours for the year.
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CTC News for December 2015

Big News For Big Soddy Creek Bridge . . .  It’s Finished and Open !

After almost four years of  planning, moving material and construction, the 100′ long suspension bridge over the Big Soddy Creek is open for business!

Located at 35* 17’56.64″ N 85*11’50.15″ W in the Soddy Creek Gorge Section (north) of the CT, it represents a significant advance for hikers in one of the most remote areas of the 300 mile Cumberland Trail. Big Soddy Creek is subject to large variations in water height. The new bridge keeps the segment open no matter what the water level. Existing bridges had been washed away making the scramble across the boulder filled creek bottom, even at low water, both challenging and hazardous.

The Jewel of the Cumberland trail is a testament to the joint efforts of several state agencies, the CTC and volunteers who worked hundreds of hours next to the paid crew to bring the bridge to life. The full story can be found here – Big Soddy Bridge Story. Many thanks to all who worked on her.
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First Aid Training for Wagon Masters:

Next all day First Aid/CRP training will be January 16, 2016.  Class is held at the First United Methodist Church Annex Building. 69 Neecham Street, Crossville.  The class runs from 8am to 4pm (Central Time).  This is a Certification Course for CTC Volunteer Wagon Masters.

Registration is required and the cost is covered by the CTC.

Register with Marianne at the CTC Office 931-456-6259 or ctcoffice2014@gmail.com
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Daddys Creek Work Continues

Even  if Big Dig is over the paid crew would love company as they push on with the work next to Daddys Creek in Cumberland County.  Normally they work Tuesday through Friday starting at 8 AM Central.  Call the office to get directions and details.  If you arrive at 8 Am you can ride the 4×4 in on a logging road to get closer to the work site.  Otherwise it is about a three mile hike in from the trail head.  Call 931-456-6259 or ctcoffice2014@gmail.com
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CTC News for 5 November 2015

Southern Trail Crew:  The expanded relationship with the Tennessee Department of Conservation, has allowed CTC to establish a Southern Trail Crew using a mixture of paid staff and volunteers. Work will be in Rhea, Hamilton, Marion, and Sequatchie counties. Please contact the CTC office if you are interested in serving in a leadership role or working on this crew.

CTC is taking applications for part time trail crew in both Central and Southern regions.

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Big News on 2016 BreakAway !

2016 BreakAway is March 6 to April 2 near Dayton, TN.
BreakAway Program in March 2016– Schools are confirmed, camp and educational programs reserved, now all we need is YOU.   We are in process of confirming our volunteer base needed during our ASB 2016 Program, the goal is a Wagon Master for every 7 students. Currently we have 155 confirmed students throughout the month of March with the opportunity for more if we have the trail leaders.  Learn more about BreakAway here.

There is quite a diversity of students coming from Florida, Delaware, Michigan, Boston, Kansas, NY, Illinois, Penn. and Colorado. In addition, Pittsburgh University has procured 2- 15 passenger vans that will need drivers for March 6-12. Don’t miss out on getting your volunteer t-shirt!
Contact Marianne at the CTC Office 931-456-6259 or ctcoffice2014@gmail.com

Wanting to learn new things, expand your knowledge??? CTC is offering training certification opportunities in chainsaw, Wagon Masters, CPR and First Aide. Interested applicants contact CTC office.

At A Glance   – 

Hello everyone,  CTC would like to extend a big thanks to everyone who made this Fall’s Big Dig possible. We have a total of 10,259+ feet of beautiful trail for everyone to enjoy for generations to come. We will be continuing work Monday- Fridays for the coming weeks so please feel free to join us! Volunteers make our project possible and we can’t thank you enough.. I hope to hear from you!       ——–

Mitch Wolfe, CTC Trail Building Coordinator

Contact us for more information about CTC activities:
Office: (931)456-6259

Also join us on Facebook and Instagram
FB: Cumberland Trail Conference
Instagram: @CumberlandTrailTN

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Peter Koczera, Director and Lead Photographer of the Cumberland Trail Photography Project will be presenting to the Camera Club of Oak Ridge on Tuesday, November 10th at 7:30pm. The presentation will take place at the Oak Ridge campus of the Roane State Community College, City Room, 701 Briarcliff Ave, Oak Ridge, TN. You can preview Peter’s beautiful work at his website, http://kozy.tv/

Hemlock Conservation:    Private landowners near Stinging Forks Falls State Natural Area in Rhea County are joining forces with the Tennessee Hemlock Conservation Partnership to show area landowners how to save their majestic, but threatened hemlock trees. A free workshop to be held Nov. 14 will help private landowners learn about the threat of hemlock woolly algid (HWA) and gain skills needed to safely treat and preserve their hemlocks.
The free workshop is open to the public and will be held 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST on private land near Stinging Fork Falls State Natural Area. To register, contact the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry at 615-837-5421 or Kelly.Lang@tn.gov by Nov. 10. Lunch will be provided.

Birds of Prey Program Sunday, November 8 Free Program
2:00pm (CT) Cumberland Mountain State Park in recreation lodge Call 931-484-6138 for more info.  Have you ever seen the majestic Bald Eagle, Hawk, or Owl in person? Join the folks from Wings to Soar and park staff for a lively and informative presentation. The program features a variety of birds; some are free-flying which gives you an unforgettable “close encounter!
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CTC News for 1 November 2015

Final Week of Big Dig Hits 2 Mile Mark

Read the full Big Dig 2015 Story.

As of Saturday, October 25, the last official day of Big Dig 2015, there were 2.2 miles of finished trail on the Daddy’s Creek Extension.  Click on photos for full size image.

Work continues into November.  Volunteers are welcome Tuesday thru Friday.  Let us know when you are coming.  Contact CTC office, ctcoffice2014@gmail.com.
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CTC Crew Member Red Young works doing initial brush and blow down clearing just yards from Hatfield Ford
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CTC Life Member Mark Richie takes a break to enjoy the beauty of Daddys Creek and the fall colors
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CTC Crew Member Pete Bernsten leads a finishing crew at the 10,000 foot mark along the Daddys Creek extension
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CTC Construction Manager Mitch Wolfe, seated, works at his portable office along Daddys Creek. Paperwork, always paperwork
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CTC News for 10 October 2015

“Big Dig 2015” is in the middle of its 4th week !– On Thursday, October 8, eleven volunteers from nearby Fairfield Glade worked with other volunteers and staff to build over 300 feet of trail!

Fairfield Glade in Cumberland County has its own community trail program.  In three years they have built almost eight miles of trails, mostly working on Saturdays.

CTC appreciates the contribution made by these experienced trail builders and hopes to see them again soon!

On Friday October 9 the crew moved ahead about 1,000 feet to Creek #3.  Three paid staff and six volunteers tackled a 100 foot section infested with rocks, roots, logs and duff.

Among the Volunteers were three CTC Board Members:  Caroline Woerner, Ray Garrett and John Redmon.

Big Dig Continues till October 25 –  Work location is three miles north on Hebbertsburg Road from Main Street, Crab Orchard, Cumberland County, TN.  Work week is Thursday thru Sundays.  Housing and meals provided with advance notice.

Contact CTC office, ctcoffice2014@gmail.com or  Mitch, mitchwolfe.ctc@gmail.com when you can volunteer for the day, all 4 days or all 6 weeks, whatever will fit your schedule.

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CTC News 11 September 2015

Fall “Big Dig” starts Sept. 17th– CTC will be hosting a 6 week trail building program in the Crab Orchard/Daddy’s Creek area. Work location is three miles north on Hebbertsburg Road from Main Street, Crab Orchard.  Starting Sept. 17 thru Oct. 25 on Thursday thru Sundays.  Housing and meals provided.
Contact CTC office, ctcoffice2014@gmail.com or Mitch, mitchwolfe.ctc@gmail.com when you can volunteer for the day, all 4 days or all 6 weeks, whatever day(s) will fit your schedule.

See link here for latest from the dig site: Big Dig 2015

Sat. Oct. 24- Next CTC Board meeting at EdenRidge and Daddy’s Creek work site. 9am to 1pm (CT) This will be a field meeting and may include trail work lead by Mitch since it will be the last week of the Big Dig Program. In the _event of inclement weather meeting will be held at Methodist Church in Crossville.

Southern Trail Crew: : With the expanded MOU with the Tennessee Department of Conservation, CTC is planning to establish a Southern Trail Crew using a mixture of paid staff and volunteers. Work will be in Rhea, Hamilton, Marion, and Sequatchie counties. Please contact the CTC office if you are interested in serving in a leadership role or working on this crew.

Last Quarter of 2015 = IRS Tax Donations
Needed- ¾ ton 4 wheel drive pick up truck.
If you have one in good condition, lets talk.

Week at a Glance Ending Friday September 11 . . .
A lot has been going on. For the past few weeks myself, the crew and volunteers have been busy preparing the work site at Daddy’s Creek for “Big Dig.” CTC is hosting CPR/ First Aide training Sept. 12 in a continuing effort to expand our advance training programs for our staff and volunteers. Contact me at any time with questions or concerns. Also please join us on Facebook and Instagram.

–See you on the trail – Mitch Wolfe, CTC Trail Manager

Email: mitchwolfe.ctc@gmail Cell: (615) 481-4946 Office: (931)456-6259 FB: Cumberland Trail Conference Instagram: @CumberlandTrailTN

Wanting to learn new things, expand your knowledge??? CTC is offering training certification opportunities in chainsaw, Wagon Masters, CPR and First Aide. Interested applicants contact CTC office or Mitch.

Cumberland Trail Conference was represented at the Ocoee River Festival last weekend with a booth, displays and handouts.

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August 27, 2015  CTC News

I would like to thank Gena and Bruce for spending their Monday helping CTC to send out over 200 donation letters. They made the statement, “many hands make light work” come true. – MM

Like working in the woods, getting fresh air, exercising outside, meeting new people, helping a “good cause” organization, making a difference for you and others??
Join us in our Fall “Big Dig”- CTC will be hosting a 6 week trail building program in the Crab Orchard/Daddy’s Creek area. Starting Sept. 17 thru Oct. 25 on Thursday thru Sundays. Housing and meals provided. Contact CTC office, ctcoffice2014@gmail.com or Mitch, mitchwolfe.ctc@gmail.com when you, your organization or business can volunteer for the day, all 4 days or all 6 weeks. Time is running out, get put on the schedule.

2016 BreakAway Program News – CTC is reaching out to over 50 colleges with confirmations coming in weekly. We are looking into a possibility of 2 work sites if the participants and volunteer numbers match. Volunteers make this program a success.  Contact CTC office with your volunteer intentions.

Guess who showed up at the office?   Ranger Mark Stanfill with seven AmeriCorps Volunteers on their way to Head of Sequatchie.

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The following is an email from Bob Fulcher, Cumberland Trail State Park Manager:

Thanks to everyone. In the past couple weeks, we’ve had two groups of a dozen trail builders up there hiking in post-construction short pants. We saw relatively little poison ivy on the CT up to the intersection with the new loop trail south of the stairway. Grass and other forbs have grown up into the trail on that new loop, and it definitely needs mowing attention and completion of construction. There may be considerable poison ivy farther down the CT toward the campsite. But thank goodness there aren’t four-wheelers mowing it down for us like in the “good ole days!” We certainly appreciate the continued help from TTA and Fairfield – they’ve made a big difference over the years.

We have the miles of Brady Mountain clearing scheduled again next week and the following week. It gets chest high on that trail between June and August, as hiking slows down so much up there. It should be open for hiking as the weather gets right.

–Bob Fulcher, Park Manager.

Fri. Aug. 21- Black Mountain Trail Clearing Meet at 9am (CT) at parking lot on top of the mountain. Bring your hand tools, gloves, water and sunshine to this morning work party.

Week at a Glance – Week of August 24, 2015
We have officially broken ground and started building trail at our Hebbertsberg Road trail head.  In addition we will be working a standard three day week Tuesdays through Thursday with the crew. There is an open invitation to all who may want to come out and help. Please let us know if you would like to volunteer. The more the merrier and we would love to have you even for a few hours. Contact me at any time with questions or concerns. Also please join us on Facebook and Instagram.

Much Thanks – Mitch Wolfe

Email: mitchwolfe.ctc@gmail  Cell: (615) 481-4946 Office: (931)456-6259 Facebook: Cumberland Trail Conference.  Instagram: @CumberlandTrailTN
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Sat. Oct. 24- Next CTC Board meeting at EdenRidge and Daddy’s Creek work site. 9am to 1pm (CT) This will be a field meeting and may include trail work lead by Mitch since it will be the last week of the Big Dig Program. In the event of inclement weather meeting will be held at Methodist Church in Crossville.

TTA NEWS
Plateau Chapter- Wednesday Morning Hikes- TTA holds a leaderless hike approx. 5-7 miles in length every Wed. Contact Bill Harris 931- 484-9152 or visit Plateau Chapter blog at ttaplateauchapter.blogspot for info.

Chapter Meeting Evening program by Dennis Gregg on: Encourage Native Plants and Stop Invasive Plants was very informative with facts from Obed Watershed Community Association. Visit www.obedwatershed.org to learn the diversity of different species in our area.

Tues. Aug. 25 Work Day– Pioneer Loop Cumberland Mountain State Park– Meet at 1pm (CT) at boat dock parking lot. Spend the afternoon help clearing trail. Bring hand tools, gloves and water.

Wanting to learn new things, expand your knowledge??? CTC is offering training certification opportunities in chainsaw, wagonmasters, CPR and First Aide. Interested applicants contact CTC office.
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August 26, 2015  CTC News

Survey work and trail design continues on the Daddy’s Creek section in Cumberland County.  When complete, seven miles will be added to the 14.1 mile Obed River Segment.  The new section continues the tradition of the existing section along Daddy’s Creek.  The first several miles heading north from “Devils Breakfast Table”, the current southern trail head, is known as the “Trail of a Thousand Steps.”  As the trail construction heads south it will rise and fall in and out of the Daddy’s Creek Gorge, a variation of over 200 feet in places.

Trail designers include CTC Volunteers Gary Grametbauer, Gary Darnell and Mark Richie. Ranger Anthony Jones is the State Park Project Manager and coordinates and approves all trail alignments.  The new section may reflect advances in trail design since the original section was built.  Although some rock work and steps are unavoidable, the new design will make every effort to keep the trail on a series of slopes and graded turns to change elevation.  This is in line with the concept that fewer structures on a trail means easier, safer hiking and lower long term maintenance.

With the weather cooperating this week over 6,000 feet of trail has been flagged and 2,000 feet of initial machine clearing accomplished.

On Tuesday this week, an intensive, seven hour training session was held for new paid crew members and potential Volunteer Wagon Masters.  Topics covered included safety, crew organization and training, trail component nomenclature and principals of sustainable trail construction.  Students received hands on instruction in clearing a trail corridor, proper duff removal techniques and trail tread grading.  The training segment had opportunities for building a rock hop crossing, armoring the trail edge, a low crib wall, placing gargoyles and moving 200 pound rocks.  Training continued Wednesday as the crew grew more proficient and finished nearly 200 feet of trail.

Breaking News as of 25 August – two colleges are set to join Big Dig ! Stay tuned . . . . .

Contact CTC office if you, an organization, college or business is interested in volunteering.

Email us at:  ctcoffice2014@gmail.com or  call the office at (931) 456-6259.

Volunteers receive a CTC Trail Volunteer work shirt and credit toward 25, 100, 250, 500 hour recognition  patches.
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August 8, 2015  News

Fall “Big Dig”– CTC will be hosting a 6 week fall “Big Dig” trail building program in the Crab Orchard/Daddy’s Creek area. Starting Sept. 16 thru Oct. 25 on Thursday thru Sundays.

Contact CTC office if you, an organization or business is interested in volunteering.

Email us at:  ctcoffice2014@gmail.com or  call the office at (931) 456-6259.

Volunteers receive a CTC Trail Volunteer work shirt and credit toward 25, 100, 500 hour patches.

*********************

2016 BreakAway Program– CTC is reaching out to over 50 colleges with confirmations coming in weekly. We are looking into a possibility for 2 work sites if the participants and volunteer numbers match. Contact CTC office with your volunteer intentions.

2016 BreakAway is March 6 to April 2 near Dayton, TN.

Week at a Glance:
It has been a great few weeks for the CTC, we have been able to get a lot done in a short amount of time. First off, we retrieved some equipment for the Soddy Daisy area as the Big Soddy Bridge nears completion. A special thanks to all that came out to volunteer with us on our work day at the Hebbertsburg Road site near Crab Orchard.  A lot was accomplished and we are making great progress getting ready for our fall “Big Dig” Program coming up mid- September.  Around the office we have been spending much of our time promoting the program and if anyone has any ideas of groups or individuals interested please let us know.  Also join us on Facebook and Instagram.

Feel free to contact me at any time if you have any questions.
Mitch Wolfe
Email: mitchwolfe.ctc@gmail
Cell: (615) 481-4946 Office: (931)456-6259

Sat. Oct. 24- Next CTC Board meeting at EdenRidge and Daddy’s Creek work site. 9am to 1pm (CT) This will be a field meeting and may include trail work lead by Mitch since it will be the last week of the Big Dig Program. In the event of inclement weather meeting will be held at Methodist Church in Crossville.

TTA NEWS

Plateau Chapter- Wednesday Morning Hikes- TTA holds a leaderless hike approx. 5-7 miles in length every Wed. Contact Bill Harris 931- 484-9152 or visit Plateau Chapter blog at ttaplateauchapter.blogspot for info.
Thurs. Aug. 13- Chapter Meeting 6pm. (CT)- First United Methodist Church, Crossville. Evening program by Dennis Gregg on: Encourage Native Plants and Stop Invasive Plants.

Knoxville Chapter– Sat. Aug. 8- 4pm to 8pm (ET) Volunteers needed to staff Cumberland Trail information table during Mast General Store Outdoor Adventure event in Knoxville. This would be a good way to let the public learn about the CT. Contact CTC office for more details.
BIG SOUTH FORK EVENTS
Sat. Aug. 9- 11am (ET) Yahoo Falls ranger lead moderate 1 hour hike learning about the natural and geological features of Big South Fork. For more info contact visitor center, 606-376-3787.

CROSSVILLE EVENTS
Sat. Aug. 13- Rain barrel making class 9:30am to 11am (CT) at the Plateau Discovery Gardens. There is no fee but registration is required. Contact Jennifer Burns 931-484-0034 or email jburns35@utk.edu

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A Hiker Goes West

July 26, Tom Cox passed Away at His Home in Fairfield Glade

An avid hiker and member of CTC, TTA and an active worker in the Glade Trails project.  Tom was full of enthusiasm and energy.  He will be missed by all who hiked with him and knew him.  Although somehow, we will always turn around expecting to see Tom on the trail.

      In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in is honor to: Cumberland Trail Conference 409 Thurman Ave Suite 102, Crossville, Tn 38555 – or – simply hit the donate button on the right of this page.

See you on the trail Tom . . . . .and thank you Tom for the continued support through donations in your honor being sent to CTC.
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Prep for Big Dig Begins

Daddys Creek Trail Corridor Clearing Days July 29, and August 5.

A dozen CTC  volunteers braved a 90 degree heat index and joined Mitch Wolfe, CTC Trail Manager, on July 29  and August 5 to clear a half mile long access road for the up coming Big Dig 2015.  State staff arrived and installed a gate on the road to control unwanted access to the area.

Volunteers repeated the effort on August 5 with an equally strong turn out plus three State Park Rangers.  This time they worked down a side road, clearing it for access during Big Dig.

“This isn’t as satisfying as digging trail,” explained Mitch Wolfe. “But is equally important to prepare access for Big Dig.  When our Big Dig volunteers arrive we will be able to get them closer to the trail alignment and make better use of their time digging instead of walking for miles.”

The over grown dirt roads were cleared of brush and trees blown down during the February ice storm.  Several low spots in the road were ditched out and drained. Two first timers earned their CTC Volunteer shirts!

Meanwhile, a scouting crew began the painstaking process of bushwhacking the proposed route.  They initially plotted way points and key features the trail will visit.  Later the actual trail route will be designed, evaluated by the State and documented.  By the time Big Dig starts the entire seven mile route will be flagged and ready for construction.

The trail head will be at N35* 57.97′, W84* 50.05′ .

Not getting the CTC weekly news or want to be on the list for upcoming volunteer events?  Email us at:  ctcoffice2014@gmail.com or call the office at (931)456-6259
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July 8, 2015  News:

Welcome Our New Trail Building Coordinator!

We welcome James Wolfe, “Mitch” to our Cumberland Trail Conference staff as our new Trail Building Coordinator. Mitch will be starting on Monday, July 13th. Stop by the CTC office to say hi.

My name is Mitch Wolfe. I am the new trail building coordinator for the
Cumberland Trails Conference. I’m a graduate of Middle Tennessee
State University, with a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Administration
and a minor in Geology. My interest in trail building came about early
in my college career when a friend from work suggested it to me after
he had been volunteering. I began working with the Cumberland
Trails Conference on the New River Segment and immediately fell in
love with the work.
I am honored to have been given this opportunity and eager to get
started. I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know everyone
involved. Feel free to contact me at anytime.
Mitch Wolfe
Email: mitchwolfe.ctc@gmail.com
Cell: (615) 481-4946
Office: (931) 456-6259

Sat. July 18- Help build the Cumberland Trail in Claiborne County! We’ll meet at the Speedwell Post Office, 7669 TN-63, Speedwell, TN and carpool up to the work site at Rogers Gap. The park will supply all tools, including gloves, and a safety and training orientation. You will need lunch and plenty of water (at least 32oz), since this is manual work and you will be out most of the day. You will also need to wear long pants, work gloves, dress for the weather in layers, bring rain gear and wear closed-toe shoes (no sandals). Shift A: 9:30 AM – 4 PM Shift B: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM Maximum 16 people
Contact Marcianne, 423-566-2229 or email marcianne.oday@tn.gov

Sat. July 18- CTC Board Meeting– 9am(CT) First United Methodist Church Annex in Crossville.

Fall “Big Dig”- CTC will be hosting a 6 week fall “Big Dig” trail building program in the Crab Orchard/Daddy’s Creek area. Starting Sept. 16 thru Oct. 25 on Thursday thru Sundays. Contact CTC office if you, an organization or business is interested in volunteering.

2016 BreakAway Program– Also known as Alternative Spring Break, the CTC is reaching out to over 50 colleges with confirmations coming in weekly. We are looking into a possibility for 2 work sites if the participants and volunteer numbers match. Contact CTC office with your volunteer intentions.

CUMBERLAND MOUNTAIN STATE PARK EVENTS
931-484-6138 http://tnstateparks.com/parks/about/cumberland-mountain
Mondays- Walk with a Ranger and prep for a 5k. On Mondays at 5pm join a Ranger in a walk at CMSP to prepare for the Byrd Creek run/walk 5k May 9th. This is ideal for anyone wanting to increase their physical activity to live a healthier life.
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May 2015 News

Memorial Day Weekend means parades, cookouts, picnics, hiking, and beginning of summer! Enjoy!

CTC is taking applications for paid trail crew positions as a Trail Building Coordinator or Trail Building Assistant. Send inquiry and application to CTC office, ctcoffice2014@gmail.com. We also have an expanded volunteer list included in this newsletter. Let me know where and when you can help.

Sat. June 6- National Trails Day Go to www.nationaltrailsday.org to register details about a hike you would like to sponsor on the CT or look for a hike already registered. So far Piney River and Soak Creek Trails are only registered hikes for the CT.

CUMBERLAND TRAIL EVENTS

423-566-2229 http://tnstateparks.com/parks/about/cumberland-trail

Cumberland Trail Conference Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Trail Crews

WagonMasters: WagonMasters, from throughout Tennessee and the South, guide and educate volunteers during trail building outings and programs teaching them the basic trail building skills while making for a production work day. During our annual Spring BreakAway program, WagonMasters leadgroups of 10-12 student volunteers, who join us from throughout the county, providing training,guidance, oversight, and always safety. WagonMasters lead volunteer teams of all sizes…students, boy scouts, community groups, and corporate outings. CTC will provide trail training, leadership training, CPR & First Aid.

Were you a previous WagonMaster? Love to build trail and lead? We are looking to train 8-15 WagonMasters during our fall 2015 trail training sessions and eventually have 15-25 to support our expanded programs in 2016.

Structured Team Volunteers: Listed below are our volunteer needs for various crews/teams that will work together to accomplish specific tasks related to trail building. Are you rock inclined, have carpentry skills, like to handle a machine, or just love to build trail…we have a team for you! All teams will receive extensive trail and safety training and will work under the guidance of our Trail Building and Program Coordinator and in cooperation and under the guidance of State Parks.

Trail Crew: Have a couple friends or a community group that would like to get out on the trail? Want to build some trail as a team? Trail Crew teams are tight-knit groups of 2-5 individuals who go out and build trail, working an assigned section of corridor, joining our daily trail crews, volunteer outings, and programs. We are looking for numerous trail teams to be located throughout the trail corridor.

Rock Crew: Like to puzzle? Have a good friend who regularly moves boulders in his yard for fun. Then you’re a Rocker…or a at least a good candidate to be one of our rock crews, a specialized team of 2-3 individuals that go and complete finish-rock work on the trail building projects.

Mechanized Crew: Comfortable with mechanized equipment? These teams, to be located in the south, central and northern corridor, will go into trail work locations and complete the initial mechanized trail work with our ditch witch.

Bridge Crew: Stringing cable bridges between the house and workshop in you spare time, have specialized carpentry and engineering background…this may interest you. We are looking for volunteers with special skills to form bridge teams that work under the guidance of our Trail Building and Program Coordinator and State Parks.

All volunteer positions require members to be in good health and condition. Keep in mind that we train and always think safety first.

Office Volunteers

Already used up those knees…but still want to help? Do you like to interact with the public or have writing skills…then here are more volunteer opportunities. All positions will work under the guidance of our wonderful office staff.

Small Grant Writers: Enjoy writing? We need your help. Our office team is seeking volunteer grant writers to target small grants to help fund our programs and trail teams. We will have two computer work stations dedicated to this volunteer activity and all grant writers will work under the direction of our Trail Building and Program Coordinator.

Interested… contact Marianne at CTC office 931.456.6259 or email ctcoffice2014@gmail.com to sign up.

Thank you for helping us “build” our future.

Sat. May 23- Obed Wild & Scenic River Healthy Hike– Meet at Rock Creek Campground 1pm (ET) join this ranger led 1 mile moderate hike on the Emery River Nature Trail. Contact visitor center 423-346-6294 for more info.

The Cumberland Trail is recruiting a pool of volunteers to support trail construction efforts north of Tank Springs between May 18th through the end of July, 2015. A 10-week work crew will spike camp near remote construction sites for 8 days at a time, followed by a 4-day break.

Trailbuilders: Volunteers are welcome to assist with trailbuilding any day during the 10 week construction period. Trailbuilding volunteers will need long pants, long sleeves and sturdy footwear (no sandals), suitable rain gear, a sack lunch, and plenty of water. A safety/training orientation will be provided, so no prior experience is required. The park will supply all trailbuildling tools, including work gloves, if needed. Volunteers who wish to work over multiple days, are welcome to spike camp near the worksite with prior arrangements. Overnight volunteers will need to provide all camp gear, food for their stay. If you’re not sure if you have the right gear, contact us using the form below and we’ll discuss options.

Campkeepers: Volunteers in groups of 2-5 are needed to hike in to the backcountry site and maintain a consistent presence for each 4 day break, watching over equipment and supplies while the construction crew is away. Volunteers will need to provide their own food and gear but will have access to spike camp amenities including a group shelter, chairs, table and water.

This will be a great opportunity to camp in the backcountry, hike a new area before its open, and enjoy the outdoors while supporting the Cumberland Trail.

If you think you might be interested, and you’d like more details about this ten-week project, submit form found on: http://www.friendsofthecumberlandtrail.org/trailbuilding-volunteers-summer2015/ or contact Mark Stanfill, 423-566-2229

Cumberland Seeds Workshop

The May 9th workshop was a success with guest speakers spreading seeds of knowledge everywhere. Terri Ballinger discussed seed collecting and nursery growing, John Ford talked about plants distinctive of the Cumberland Plateau, Meredith Clebsch shared her experiences with outdoor propagation beds and David Griffin showed methods of tree seed collecting.

The next workshop is August 29th at Trailhead Nursery, more info to follow.

Head of Sequatchie- Open Sat. May 23rd 8-4:30 (CT).

Cumberland Mountaing State Park Events

931-484-6138 http://tnstateparks.com/parks/about/cumberland-mountain

Mondays- Walk with a Ranger and prep for a 5k. On Mondays at 5pm join a Ranger in a walk at CMSP to prepare for the Byrd Creek run/walk 5k May 9th. This is ideal for anyone wanting to increase their physical activity to live a healthier life.
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