To help maintain our grounds and trails, Strawberry Hill has developed an "Adopt-a-Tail" program. The Natural Resource Management Committee of Strawberry Hill have adopted 4 of the 10 miles of hiking trails. We are looking for additional volunteers to help maintain the remaining trails.

What is the Adopt-A-Trail Program?

The Strawberry Hill's Adopt-A-Trail Program is a volunteer program providing opportunities for hikers to assist staff by monitoring, maintaining and enhancing trails and trailhead facilities. Strawberry Hill has divided the trails into ten divisions, each approximately one mile in length. Volunteers who Adopt-A-Trail will be trained on trail maintenance. Tools that are required will be provided by Strawberry Hill. When a trail is adopted a Recognition Sign will be placed at the entrance of the trail with the name of the adopter(s).

Who can adopt a trail?

We encourage individuals, families, scout troops, youth groups, schools, church, community and service organizations, special interest groups and individuals to get involved. Anyone with an interest in trails and the outdoors is welcome to help preserve our land and provide safe, enjoyable access to the outdoors. A trail or trail section must be adopted for a period of one year, renewable annually thereafter upon approval by the area manager.

What can volunteers do?

Adopt-A-Trail volunteers assist staff in managing and maintaining trail systems. Activities include keeping the trail surface free of sticks, rocks and other debris, pruning small limbs from the trail corridor, cleaning waterbars and drainage ditches, clearing debris from bridges and boardwalks, maintaining the trailhead area including public access areas, bulletin board and trail signs, and reporting vandalism, trail hazards or safety issues. Depending on your interest and abilities, you might want to take part in building benches, repairing trail structures, or helping with environmental restoration work.

Why should you participate?

As a volunteer you will not be paid, but you will receive the following rewards:
• Recognition of your work by posting a sign with your name at the trailhead and at Volunteer Dinner's
• Actively protecting and maintaining our natural resources
• Enjoy time outdoors connecting with nature
• Most importantly, you will receive a sense of satisfaction from having done something worthwhile for the environment and valuable for recreation users of the trail.

When can I do the work?

The work can be done at your own schedule and pace. A minimum of four inspection/work days should be done per year, spread throughout the seasons.

How to get started:

Contact the Preserve to find out what trails are available for adoption. You can choose any trail or section of trail you wish to work. Assignments are made on a first come, first served basis.
Before any work is initiated a Letter of Agreement must be signed between volunteers and Strawberry Hill Foundation, Inc. The agreement outlines the volunteer's responsibilities and obligations. For safety reasons, all trail maintenance will be carried out by a minimum of two volunteers, as the nature of the work may involve handling axes and power saws.