CONCORD – Mount Monadnock, known for being featured in the writings of Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson, is the most prominent peak in Southern New Hampshire. It has also been cited as one of the most climbed mountains in the world. It’s bare, isolated, and rocky summit offers magnificent views, drawing hikers from near and far. “Almost without interruption we had the mountain in sight before us, -its sublime gray mass-that antique, brownish-gray, Ararat color. Probably these crests of the earth are for the most part of one color in all lands, that gray color of antiquity, which nature loves.” – Henry David Thorough

To help keep the Mt. Monadnock safe for hikers, the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests (Forest Society) and N.H. State Parks will be hosting the 14th annual weeklong Monadnock Trails Week, July 19-23 Trail improvement projects are planned all over the mountain in this weeklong event. The Forest Society and N.H. State Parks will guide volunteers in multiple projects throughout the course of the week, logging more than 1,000 hours.

“We could not keep Mt. Monadnock safe for hikers without the volunteers that come out to help maintain the trails every year,” states Dave Anderson, senior director of education for the Forest Society. “If you have not volunteered for trail maintenance yet, come out and give it a try. You will leave dirty, tired, satisfied, and with a new appreciation of every step you take on a trail. A lot of rocks, sweat, and dirt goes into trail maintenance each year, but it’s worth the experience and the friendships gained.”

No trail work experience is necessary; conservation professionals will lead groups to complete different projects. Come ready to work and learn about tool use and best practices for trail building. Tools and safety gear provided. Children 13-15 welcome with an adult guardian/supervisor; 16-17 year olds must get signed parental permission form/waiver. Days run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To sign up visithttps://naturegroupie.org/experiences/monadnock-trails-week-2019.

What to Bring: A daypack, water, snack, lunch, gloves (if you have them), sunscreen, bug repellent, and gear for the weather (example: raincoat/hat). Wear closed-toe shoes or hiking boots, and sweat-wicking clothes that can get dirty. If you have questions, please contact: Andy Crowley at mailto:acrowley@forestsociety.org tacrowley@forestsociety.org. You can sign up for one day or join us for the whole week at naturegroupie.org!