What to Expect on a Trail Day
- We generally will be working outside between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
- A trained Friends of Kananaskis Crew Leader will meet you at the parking lot (assigned meeting location).
- We will begin our day with a 15 minute safety talk followed by departure for the worksite.
- Volunteers will hike and carry tools to worksites up to 4 kilometers from the parking lot.
- Most worksites are located throughout Kananaskis where there is limited or no cell phone reception. Crew Leaders are equipped with emergency communication devices.
- Washrooms are located at the trail heads only.
- Weather changes unexpectedly, so check the forecast and dress accordingly. See clothing suggestions below.
- Volunteers are to provide their own lunch and snacks.
- There will be a first aid kit on site and Crew Leaders are trained in first aid.
- Pets are discouraged on volunteer trail days, unless the Crew Leader is agreeable. Pet owners are fully responsible and liable for their pets.
- We will be using hand tools such as a pulaski, axe, shovel, rake and shears which may cause injury if used inappropriately. Training on proper use will be conducted at the trailhead.
- Our work may consist of building new trails or reroutes, maintaining trails such as repairing ruts, brushing/cutting shrubs, cutting roots, and fine-tuning trail tread. This will include digging, raking duff and earth, lifting and clearing rocks and deadfall, and pruning roots and shrubs.
What to Bring
Adequate clothing and safety gear for trail days which should include but is not limited to:
- Eye protection (clear lenses will be best)
- Long sleeve shirt (sun and snag protection)
- Long pants (breathable quick drying are best)
- Socks (consider wearing a second pair if wet weather is forecast or working in wet/muddy areas)
- Boots (to prevent sprained ankles and provide support for the day)
- Rain Jacket (for rain / cooler temperatures)
- Work Gloves (limited quantities available if you forget yours)
- Lunch & snacks (there are no restaurants or stores nearby)
- Water
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Toilet paper
- Backpack (for all your stuff)
- Bear spray
- Volunteers may wish to bring their own preferred trail tools; however the Friends and Alberta Parks will ensure there are sufficient tools available for all participants.
To accelerate the paperwork process, please fill out this Volunteer Agreement Form prior to the event. The form can be filled out once, and will then be valid for the entire season.