TCWP North Ridge Trail Adopt-A-Section Program What is the Adopt-A-Section Program? Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning's (TCWP's) Adopt-A-Section Program for the North Ridge Trail is a volunteer program that gives hikers, trail runners, nature enthusiasts, and anyone who loves the trail the chance to assist the Trail Steward in monitoring, maintaining and enhancing the trail, access trails, and trailheads. What's in it for me? You can make sure your section stays in good shape, improve it where necessary, and quickly identify any problems. You ultimately help ensure the trail is around for a long time to come. It's a great way to give back to the environment and the community, while enjoying time outdoors and the personal satisfaction that comes from volunteering to improve something you already enjoy. Who can adopt a section? Individuals, families, groups of individuals, school and youth groups, scout troops, church, community and service organizations, businesses can adopt a section. Anyone with an interest in the trail and the outdoors is welcome to help preserve this unique asset and provide safe, enjoyable access to the outdoors. What would I do? Adopt-A-Section volunteers assist the Trail Steward in maintaining the trail. Activities include keeping the trail surface free of fallen branches and other debris, pruning small limbs and undergrowth from the trail corridor, cleaning litter, and maintaining the trailhead area. Other responsibilities include notifying the Trail Steward of larger maintenance issues such as fallen trees, trail sign maintenance, misuse of the trail, and trail hazards or safety issues. How do I get started? If you have a specific section in mind, let us know. If the section you choose is available for adoption, we'll get you set up right away. If you don't have a specific section in mind, we can help you find the right one. Once you've chosen a section, the Trail Steward will set a date that is convenient for both of you to meet and discuss the benefits and requirements of section adoption. Guidelines For Volunteers Adoption Period--A trail section is adopted for a period of one year, renewable annually thereafter upon approval by the Trail Steward. This agreement may be terminated at any time by the volunteer or the Trail Steward. Trail Inspections and Maintenance--During a trail inspection you may do any of the following: observe the condition of trailhead and trail signs, monitor trail conditions, perform routine maintenance (see below), pick up litter, and notify the Trail Steward of any problems or additional maintenance needs. Volunteers are asked to inspect their adopted trail section at least 4 times per year (approximately once every 3 months). Choose the days and times that are convenient for to visit the trail. You may wish to check with the Trail Steward prior to your inspection to inquire about organized maintenance events or other activities that may be scheduled in the area. Please send a written report to the Trail Steward after each visit, so that we may keep track of your efforts and trail conditions. Routine maintenance involves keeping the trail surface free of limbs and other debris, pruning small limbs and undergrowth from the trail corridor, cleaning waterbars, and clearing debris from bridges and stairs. The Trail Steward will provide volunteers with information and instruction on maintenance expectations. Volunteers are asked to provide their own trail maintenance tools. Volunteers notify the Trail Steward if there is an erosion problem, trees down on the trail, faded blazing, missing or damaged signs, vandalism, and other issues that cannot be handled on the day of a trail visit. Report any misuse of the trail, prohibited activities, and suspicious or illegal activity. If litter will be picked up but not removed from the area during your visit, please make arrangements in advance with the Trail Steward for litter pickup. Volunteers should dress appropriately for trail work and use gloves, safety glasses and other protective gear when necessary. All work shall take place during daylight hours and be performed with safety in mind. Do not attempt any tasks you are not comfortable with. Volunteers are not permitted to use chainsaws on the trail. No work shall be done that has not been previously agreed upon with the Trail Steward. Contact us if you want to sign up or you have additional questions about the program Map of North Ridge Trail North Ridge Trail builds greenbelt advocacy (article for The Oak Ridger by Liane B. Russell) NORTH RIDGE TRAIL CONDITION REPORT Every field must have an entry Name   Date     Phone Email   Describe condition, problems and location

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