Fawnskin, CA, June 4, 2015 – Since 1993, National Trails Day, sponsored by the American Hiking Society, has grown to inspire many thousands of people nationwide to celebrate and give back to the trails they love on one dedicated day. America’s 200,000 miles of trails allow access to our natural world for recreation, education, exploration, solitude, inspiration, and much more.
National Trails Day events will take place in every state across the country and will include a local restoration event focused on the South Shore Trail Network, adjacent to Big Bear Lake, on Saturday, June 6, sponsored by the Southern California Mountains Foundation in partnership with REI, and the Big Bear Valley Trails Foundation. The South Shore Trail Network is designed as a multi-use trail system comprised of 23 miles of newly-designated trails that need to be brought up to U.S. Forest Service trail standards. Trail work will concentrate on the Pine Knot Trail.
Stacy Gorin, Southern California Mountains Foundation interim executive director, said, “We’re thrilled to have REI’s continued support on National Trails Day. We share a mutual commitment in keeping our trails safe, healthy and open to everyone, from first-time users to enthusiasts. We’re also working in partnership with Big Bear Valley Trails Foundation to recruit families and individuals who want to get outdoors and give back to the trails that serve so many people on the San Bernardino National Forest.” In fact, over 2.4 million people recreate on America’s second busiest National Forest, the San Bernardinos. Hiking is the most popular form of recreation.
Adult and youth volunteers (minimum age 8 years) interested in donating their time are needed for trail work. Check-in will begin at 8:30am and staged at Aspen Glen Picnic Area, located at 40101 Mill Creek Rd in Big Bear Lake. Restoration activity hours will be 9am to Noon followed by a complimentary lunch sponsored by REI. Participants are encouraged to wear closed-toed shoes, dress layered, wear long pants, and bring reusable water bottles and gloves if available. All tools and instruction will be provided; no experience is necessary. REI will also provide volunteers with a free t-shirt; in addition, Big Bear Mountain Resorts will express their gratitude by providing each participant a single one-time sky chair pass at the Snow Summit Adventure Park; good through their 2015 season.
Event is limited to 100 volunteers, pre-registration required at MountainsFoundation.org. The efforts from this year’s National Trails Day will complement the ongoing maintenance and trail-building within the South Shore Trail Network, Big Bear Lake; thanks, in large part, to a grant recently awarded by the REI Foundation to the Southern California Mountains Foundation. REI supports efforts to get more young people, including youth from diverse populations, into nature; thereby, inspiring the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and environmental stewards.
