High School Volunteers Improve Big Sur Park Trails

Trails in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park were improved this month, thanks to our members and a $28,600 grant from Save the Redwoods League. The grant enabled high school student volunteers (pictured) to repair the fire-damaged Oak Grove Trail and more in this redwood park. This is the fourth year the League has supported a crew from the Student Conservation Association, which fosters career development in land conservation and resource management.

This year’s SCA crew is working in the Big Sur region and camping in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Crew members have come from all across the country to work and live together for 30 days. For some, it is their first time sleeping under the stars, being away from their family and experiencing the rewards of working hard outside.

Led by two experienced young adults, the crew has reconstructed switchbacks and tread on more than a quarter mile of the Oak Grove Trail.

“This trail was damaged from the fire a few years ago and it is now passable,” said John Hiles of California State Parks.

Last week they began cutting new trail in the Post Creek area of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

“We have cut about 1,500 feet of new trail,” Hiles said. “These projects have given the crew a chance to see what a trail crew deals with on a daily basis.”

“The hard work of trail building has given me a new appreciation for trails and for nature,” said crew member Shaquille Mitchell of Boston

Crew member Taylor Dye of Springfield, Missouri, added, “this opportunity has helped me gain valuable skills, an appreciation for forests and lasting friendships.”