Volunteer Mountain Work Day

Volunteer Mountain Work Days will once again utilize pre-registration and limit the total group size. Space is extremely limited, don’t wait, register online by clicking this link.

Registration/Contact information will ensure that we can communicate with participants in the event that covid precautions may be needed or in case severe weather is likely (this will reduce the risk of needing to take shelter in on-mountain facilities where social distancing is unable to be maintained). Events will be confirmed by 6:00 pm the day prior via the contact email provided. A wait list will be maintained with open slots filled by 6:00 pm the day prior.

Any minors that register must be at least 12 years of age, accompanied by their legal guardian/parent throughout the day, no dogs are allowed.

General information:  The purpose of Volunteer Mountain Work Days is the maintenance of MRG’s legendary tree skiing and regeneration zones in our mountain forest. This involves cutting lines as well as setting aside areas for new trees to grow. Everything is done with hand tools. Work days are organized and led by Lars Bruns in consultation with ski area management. Volunteer Mountain Work Days are a great chance to get out on the mountain, care for your favorite terrain, and learn about how northeastern mountain forests grow. It is hard work, but also fun and satisfying to see a ski line take shape, and how trees will grow in response to care.

We welcome both experienced veterans and newcomers to the mountain work days. Each person who works a full day receives a complimentary day pass voucher for each day she or he works.

Registration Required – Summer/Fall 2023 Schedule (all Saturdays)

• August 19th
• September 23rd
• September 30th
• October 7th
• October 28th

Logistics

• Report at 9:00 am at the Cricket Club picnic table.  We’re back down at 3:30 – 4:00 pm.
• Most of the time we hike from the base, so be prepared to hike.
• Only in cases of highly probable severe weather will a work day be canceled (registered participants will be notified via email by 6:00 pm the night prior). Working in the rain is fun!
• Bring work gloves, hiking boots, drinks & lunch.
• Loppers are the most useful tool to bring. Make sure they are in good working order.
• Work days navigate our gnarly terrain; no dogs or kids under 12 please. Minors under the age of 18 must register and be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

The incidence of Lyme Disease is increasing rapidly in Vermont. This disease is debilitating and hard to get rid of. More Info on how to protect yourself while thrashing around the woods of Stark Mountain.

The following tools are not allowed: All power tools such as chain saws, and swinging tools such as hatchets or axes.

Outfitting for Rain Events:

• Outer layer – The primary function is to hold in heat, as well as keep water out for as long as possible.
  • Goretex shell or other rainwear
  • Waterproof pant shell – old ski pants work well
  • Waterproof gaiters (Goretex)
  • Waterproof boots beforehand
  • Brimmed synthetic hat and fleece hat
  • If the weather is warm, then staying warm is not a problem. Fast-drying shorts, gaiters, and a rain shell may be sufficient.
• Inner layers – No cotton – must keep one warm when wet.
  • Wool or synthetic shirt and long underwear
  • Fleece
  • Wool socks
  • Thin windbreaker underneath the shell to hold even more heat in
• Other Tips
  • Put dry (synthetic) clothing in a garbage bag
  • Bring a second synthetic inner layer shirt (in the garbage bag) to change into at lunch
  • Put first aid kit in a waterproof bag
  • A thermos of hot tea or soup. Caffeine constricts capillaries and should be avoided
  • Bring backup gloves. Cold hands will not warm up in wet gloves