White Mountains Week 1--

When heading off to the woods for any span of time, certain jitters tend to arise. What is the weather going to be, are there going to be any problems during the week, what are the challenges that we are going to face? Every time I go to the woods I can always expected the unexpected. This week Ack and I (Goose) were taking our group out to Dream Lake in the Mahoosucs. It was a trip filled with learning, hard work, and of course, some unexpected happenings.

For me, this was my first experience leading teenagers into the woods. I had really no idea what it would be like to interact with, hang out, and work with this age group. I was excited and bit nervous, but who wouldn’t be? Overall I would say the week went smooth. There were some minor bumps in the road that Ack and I dealt with, but in the end no one was hurt and everyone seemed to enjoy the work they accomplished.

Our main projects were on the Peabody Brook trail, next too Dream Lake. What appeared to be the work of the beavers, two large pools had formed, and sunk the bog bridges. Each pool was over two feet deep ( not including the depth of the mud) and at least 20 feet long. Our job was to dig two large drainages and several small bleeders with the hope that with some sun the area can dry out. Then we had to rip out all the old bog bridges, evaluate the material and decide whether or not to reuse it, or have someone take it back to the woods to rot away. We had several stacks of various new materials, stringers and base logs, ready and waiting. Our last step was to construct new bridges with mostly new and some old materials. The installation of prefabricated bridges goes very quickly, once someone gains the knowledge of how to put them in, bog bridging becomes a very fast moving project. However there are two major things that can make a project slow down. One, when you have to crib bridges together. This means run two logs under what would be the normal base logs and spike it to them. This connects the bridges together so when the water rises, your bridges don’t float away.

The other process that can slow down your project is when you have to construct materials out of native trees. This has to be done when you need a long bridge of if you run out of base logs. This highlight of my trip was the felling I did of a tree to construct more base logs. Because of all the cribbing that had to be done to cross the mud pits we were in need of some more base logs. On the Wednesday of our trip me and 3 members embarked on a mission. I instructed the members of my crew that were helping me on the good traits of a tree when bringing it down. Dan on the crew was the one who found our great tree. Fat base, tall, strait, with a clean falling zone and it even was a Spruce. It was the prefect tree, or at least I think it is.

After the tree was chosen we began the prep work, clearing escape paths and the area all around the tree. The fist part of getting a tree to fall safely, is to create the hinge. This is down with the axe. I was responsible for this step. If the hinge is done right you can get a tree to fall in a controlled direction. I created the hinge with my axe and now it was the volunteers turn to finish the felling of the tree. Dan and Zuben, took the cross cut and made the back cut in the perfect spot, one inch above the bottom of the notch. I told Dan and Zuben to stop and step back, fear of cutting two close to the hinge. I barely poked the tree and I hear Rich, "Falling!" Crash. The tree landed right in the spot I wanted it to, perfect landing. I was very pleased with myself and the group for felling a tree safely and correctly. The tree ended up being about 50 feet tall and approximately 85 years old.

After having hard working days, Ack and I would cook for the boys, they were always eager and willing to eat. Sometimes though Ack and I would have to stuff them up. Leftovers, ha, what are leftovers? On the last morning we were in the woods Ack and I both woke up to the sound of smashing logs and scraping brush. Ack was groggy enough to think what he saw was a kid, at first. It turned out to be a moose, no closer then 15 feet away from our tent. It had run vigorously away from us when Ack had yelled at it.
When reflecting about time in the woods, I find that I do not really think about how cold or wet I ever was. I focus on the highs. It did rain on us for most of the week, but we as a group were warm, for the most part, and we got a good chunk of work completed. This week was a great way to start the summer, adventures waiting around every turn in the trail.

Submitted by: Goose

Dry River Wilderness - Project Planning

During the 2009 field season our 2 Wilderness Teen Crews will be working in the Dry River Wilderness Area in the southern Presidential Range in the White Mountains. These 2 crews will focus their efforts on brushing out overgrown trail, clearing and installing drainage, and some cairns and scree wall work above tree-line.

In preparation for the Volunteer Teen Crew the projects and the camp that the crews will use must be scouted out before hand. This past rainy Wednesday, June 24, Nick Scott (AMC Camp Dodge Projects Coordinator), Matty Zane (AMC Trails Volunteer Programs Intern), Cristin Bailey (USFS Saco Ranger District Trails Supervisor), and myself (Alex DeLucia – Trails Volunteer Programs Supervisor) headed down from the summit into the Dry River Wilderness.

Despite the weather we were able to hike down the Crawford Path to the Dry River Trail as far down as Dry River Shelter #3 and then back up to the summit. We determined quite a bit of projects for the 2 weeks of Volunteer Teen Crews and located the designated campsite that the crews will use.

This is a very unique project in a very wild place. The rugged terrain and remoteness make the Dry River Wilderness a real adventure. Our first crew to work on the Dry River Trail will start on Monday, June 29. They are in for a great week.

Photos: Alex DeLucia

AMC Trails Airlift 2009

Dodge Staff Training 2009

The new Dodge staff finished their training this past week, and is now ready to hit the trails, and begin an epic season of trail crewing!!!!! From hearing Alex DeLucia’s amazing trails stump speech a total of 13 times, to installing 15 bog bridges, to assisting in leading National Trails Day, the dodge staff had a wide variety of experiences which all will directly benefit them leading volunteers out on the trails this summer.

Head crew leaders Ack and Maya, along with projects intern MattyZane, all arrived on the 25th of May, to begin a month long training. The first week was mad crazy, having the hut kids as well as the pro-crew participate in most of the trainings—including the famous White Mountain Day. The crew was also able to share their knowledge of trail work with the entire hut crew, giving them a training of basic trail structures and trail maintenance. The week ended on a bang, as the crew got decked out in costumes for Funktion—to celebrate the beginning of the season.

The three assistant leaders, Leah, Goose and Hannah, arrived the second week, along with the Berkshire staff to “rock” out some rock work, and other trail structure training. That following weekend we were all able to put our leadership and trail work skills to work, by leading volunteers for National Trails Day—from bog bridging, to rock barring and patrolling, NTD turned out to be a giant success.

The Third week of training was all about Alpine work, felling, and driving—a solid combo. We all got to experience the excitement and “master the Mountain” by cruising up the famed Auto Road to do some alpine flower and rock work training—as well as digging up some geo-cashes. The following day we put on our lumberjack attitudes, and went to Lonesome Lake to chop up some blow downs, and trees to use for native bog bridges. The week ended with a BBQ at the DeLucia Palace with the Highland center staff.

The final week of training was spent in the woods at Lonesome Lake. Projects Coordinator NickScott led us through a mock week in the woods, to get jazzed and prepped for the season. While we did install a fair amount of Bog bridges, we spent the majority of the time scouting out projects and learning how a typical week is run.

All in all, the training was very beneficial. Although it was a long process, all of the information and skills we learned should help us rock it out in the field.

submitted by: Dodge Intern Matty Zane

Trails Volunteer of the Month - June 2009

Chris McNeil

Six Husbands Trail Adopter

I’ve been hiking and rock climbing for a long time but only started doing trail maintenance a few years ago. I signed up for a week long crew at Baxter State Park in 2005. I enjoyed it so much I returned again in 2006. Alex was my crew leader when I started out and in the course of sitting around the camp fire after dinner I learned about the “adopt a trial program”. When I checked it out on the AMC webpage I saw that Six Husbands trail was open for adoption. I hike this trail several years ago and remembered it was a tough trail but a fun hike with some interesting features. There are a couple of caves to scramble through and some ladders to help climb up the steep sections. I liked the idea of the adoption program too, since I could work the trail at my own schedule.

When I started work, the trail was incredibly overgrown. Lopping, lopping, and more lopping till I was exhausted. Little by little the trail started shaping up and is now in pretty good condition. Since the brushing is over for the time being I’m looking at improving the drainage below treeline and building more and better cairns in the alpine zone.
I get some interesting comments when I tell people I’m the Six Husbands adopter. The trail seems to have a reputation as a wild and crazy trail. Although Six Husbands is challenging and hard, it is well worth the effort. There are a number of rock overlooks as the trail goes up to Jefferson Knee. The views of the Great Gulf are spectacular and there are great places to sit and admire the mountain landscape. Hikers who venture into the Six Husbands are well rewarded by the breathtaking scenery. There’s also a sense of satisfaction to push your limits on a really hard trail and complete it.

Six Husbands trail is a hidden gem in the White Mountains. It is a remote and steep trail. It is a trail that hikers remember and enjoy taking about with other hiker friends. I highly recommend it and hope you get to enjoy it too. Hope to see you out there.

Chris McNeil

Berkshire Staff 2009

In 2009 I am proud to announce a high-power staff roster that in my rough estimation equals more combined field experience and AMC Berkshire experience than the program has seen in many years. Connor Young is returning as Field Coordinator for an unprecedented third term, Johnny G the Milkman is back as Lead Ridgerunner, and Phil Kolling has brought his several years trails leadership experience to his Field Coordinator role and has since March been cranking away to help make this years Berk Trails program nothing short of The Best Ever. We are running a record number of teen volunteer programs from our office at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's stunning Kellogg Conservation Center, with a record number of staff, and, well, you get the picture....without further ado, The Dream Team:

Southern New England Trails Coordinator

Matt Moore

I am a field guy. I come from several seasons of trail crews from the Whites to Yosemite, from dream jobs Caretaking and Ridgerunning, from multi-month backpacking adventures like my 99 thru-hike of the AT and my 2004 cross country bicycle tour.

Having been in this management position for over a year now, I have strived to apply all the lessons from these jobs and journeys to running a great, efficient, and safe operation here. I've been thrilled to write grants, hire staff, and have a voice in regional policy decisions. Not as thrilled to chase after employees for missing paperwork, but all in all I love my job. My goal is for the good folks I've hired to thrive in their jobs, and for the teens who volunteer with us to have a superlatively great time. It has been truly rewarding thus far and I am excited for the great potential of the program this year with this stellar staff.

Field Coordinator

Connor Young

Howdy Ya’ll, I’m back… This will be my third season working for the AMC Berk Chapter and my second as Field Coordinator. I am returning to the AT from Missoula, Montana where I have been studying Resource Conservation for the past year. I came back for another great season of movin’ rock, buildin’ bridges, growin’ food, and just bein’ outside. Needless to say, I am excited. I’m looking forward to utilizing the knowledge I have gained through my experience with the AMC to help improve the quality of individual programs as well as the season as a whole.




Field Coordinator/Trail Crew Leader

Phil Kolling

This is my first summer in the beautiful Berkshire Hills and I am pumped to be spending it out on trail with all our wonderful teen volunteers. This summer is going to be in-TENTS!

I am originally from Rhode Island (no hills) but have spent my more recent years exploring various New England states. I went to college in New Hampshire, served as an Americorps VISTA in Vermont with Montpelier Parks, and then spent time with the Maine Conservation Corps as a Field Team Leader.

During my “down” time I can be found hiking, biking, cooking, reading and pretending that I am an awesome harmonica player. I love my beard, country music, any type of weather that is fun to complain about, camp stories, travel, eating pulled pork, and motorized toothbrushes.
I’m tired of the not-trail season and I am ready to get out and get dirty! Lets move some rocks!

Trail Crew Leader

Valerie Sahakian

Hey everyone! I’m a native Rhode Islander, born and raised in the state. I just finished my degree at the University of Rhode Island in math and geology, and in September, I’ll be starting my next big adventure – moving to southern California (a bit of a far cry from RI). For the summer though, I’m excited to do some trail work! I started as a volunteer a couple of years ago, and I couldn’t get enough, so I’m back for more. Other than trail work, I love swimming, backpacking, surfing, and I spend a lot of time either climbing or on a slackline – I basically love anything that keeps me outside and active. I can’t wait to meet you all this summer; I’ll see you on the AT!

Katharine Sampson

Trail Crew Leader

greetings to all! I am really excited to be working for the AMC this summer! I can't really think of much better ways to spend a summer than moving rocks in the woods with a bunch of high schoolers. Not sure what that says abut me. I am a native Oregonian and grew up in Portland. I went to the University of Montana for a bit before taking some time off. Strangely enough I got distracted by the outside world and never made it back to school. I have spent the last three years working seasonal jobs and traveling. I usually stick to work in outdoor education but have been knows to dabble in the food service industry assuming it's in a place where the snow is good or the trails are empty. I spent a summer working in New Hampshire a few years ago and am really looking forward to seeing a bit more of the other coast!

Lead Ridgerunner

John Goepel

Back at it for the two double oh nine is lead ridgerunner Johnny G. John worked three plus years at Gino's subs in Frostburg MD and was lauded by Gino himself as a hard worker and natural leader. I figured shoot if he keeps busy and keeps his counters clean and a good face for customers than he'd have no problem keeping campsites clean and talking to hikers. He brings to those conversations over 1,000 miles of backpacking experiences, studies in geosciences, and experience making a lot of his own ultralight gear. This year he is helping train the squad.



Ridgerunner

Tessa Bondi

This is my first year working with the AMC, but the Appalachain Mountains are no stranger to me. I first worked in the mountains of Virgina trip leading for a Girl Scout Camp in 2002. After completing my degree at Ohio State I moved to the considerably more insteresting landscapes of New England. I spent two summers as Assistant Coordinator for the W. Alton Jones Teen Expedition Summer Program, leading trips throughout the northeast. Between summer seasons, and after the second, I taught EE at the same location. On weekends I enjoyed the freedom to travel north into the mountains of NH and VT.

In 2008 I traveled to the other side of the country to I attempt a thru hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. After 3 months, the length of CA and MANY amazing experiences I left the trail in Ashland, OR with a stress fracture in my foot. I am looking forward to getting back out in the woods, pushing some big miles and meeting all characters who, like me, are attracted to this somewhat untraditional lifestyle!

Ridgerunner

Tim Dorsey

Hey all, my name is Tim, I just finished my second year at Unity College in Maine, I am studying Adventure Education. thats basically just a fancy way of saying that i am a camping major.
I am very excited to spend the summer on the AT working for the AMC. what could be better then backpacking all summer? in case you were not able to figure it out my my job title i love backpacking, have been doing it for as long as i can remember. you name it there is a good chance that i have strapped on my boots and strolled in that general area. when i Am not off ambling in the woods or in school i spend all of my free time working as an EMT with the local Ambulance Squad. lets see what else can i say? Huge fan of anything made on a wisperlight, i have been known to wear the same pair of hiking pants for a month, i am slightly in love with my therma-rest and love anything out side, I am a total gear head, oatmeal, beans and rice are my soul food, I hate wearing gor-tex Love the mountains, total wilderness hippie! think Gregory packs are amazing and i have been known to wear gaitors for an extended peorid of time because they look freaking sweet. my goal for the summer is to be an light weight freak with my pack and have a total blast!

Ridgerunner

Jesse Veverka

BAAAMMM! It's true, I am the artist formerly known as nasty nate (not to be confused with nifty nate)

It's great to be back on the A.T. at last. Let us stink!It's been since my 2002 thru-hike attempt at which time I completed 1600 miles of the trail. Since then I have gained experience on backcountry trails by working two seasons on RMC trail crew in the northern Presidentials. It's great to be exploring a new area of New England and also a section of the A.T. that I didn't make it to in '02. Outside of the bush I have been spending my time in lovely Prescott Arizona where I have been trying to find ways to get back into the bush as swiftly as possible. Luckily Arizona is loaded with rocks to climb and trails to ride, all within reach. Other than playing outside I have been pursuing an education through several institutes in the Prescott AZ. area, hopefully ending up with a degree in Ecological Design from Prescott college, that is if I can keep landing these competative high paying seasonal trail jobs. Well, that's it here, see ya'll on the trail. If I look dead, just give me a little nudge.

Program Intern

Alexa Weiss

My name is Alexa, and I am the intern for the Berkshire AMC. I just earned my AA from the Bard College at Simon's Rock, and I will continue to work toward a Bachelor's of Environmental Science degree this fall. I am passionate about the environment, and am particularly interested in sustainable food production and outdoor recreation. I love rock climbing, skiing, hiking, gardening, and foraging. See you out there!

Trails Department Air Lifts

Spring can be considered the craziest time of year for the AMC Trails Department Staff. As the snow melts we ramp up for the summer field season, begin to plan projects, hire our staff, recruit volunteers, order supplies and equipment, open up Camp Dodge, and of course – Air Lift.

Each year the AMC Trails Department, in the White Mountains, uses helicopters to air lift tools and building materials to remote locations throughout the Whites. We also fly hardwood bark chips to AMC backcountry campsite to be used in the composting of human waste. Flight time can be expensive, so we do what we can to meticulously plan the logistics and stage materials to optimize the use of helicopters.

AMC works with JBI Helicopter Services, based out of Pembroke, NH, for all of our air lifting needs. The helicopter can carry loads up to 800 lbs. – with a cable attached under the ship, the pilot can drop material in even the thickest woods.

Without a doubt, this is a very exciting aspect of our spring season. But it is not all for fun. Utilizing helicopters saves an enormous amount of time and staff resources. When constructing bog bridges, as we plan to do around Lonesome Lake and in the southern Mahoosucs, the lumber flown in safes us from using the native material on site.

We had two very full days of flying bark and building materials to a variety of locations this spring. In addition to the bark to backcountry campsites we flew: material for 200 bog bridges to Lonesome Lake, material for 30 bog bridges on Webster-Jackson, material for log waterbars and log steps on Mt. Eisenhower, and material for 30 bog bridges in the southern Mahoosucs.

The majority of bog bridges that will be constructed this field season will be installed by the AMC Camp Dodge Teen Volunteer Trail Crews.

Photos by: Alex DeLucia

NH State Parks Adopt-A-Trail Program

As the New Hampshire State Parks kicks off their Adopt-A-Trail Program, AMC and NH State Parks held the first Adopter Training at Bear Brook State Park. With ten new NHSP Adopters and leaders from NHSP and AMC we focused on the basic maintenance responsibilities – drainage clearing and construction and brushing out overgrown trails.

This is the first year of the NHSP Adopt-A-Trail program and it's off to a strong start. With trails available in Bear Brook State Park, Rollins State Park and Winslow State Park, there is a wide variety of trails open for individuals to adopt. This is an exciting way for you to get involved in conservation and volunteer your time in one of New Hampshire’s beautiful state parks.

For more information about the NH State Parks Adopt-A-Trail Program, and to adopt a trail, visit the NH Trails Bureau Adopt-A-Trail web page.

"Welcome to PA" Highlands Trail Celebration A Great Success: The Highlands Trail is Officially in PA!

On Saturday, May 16th with over a hundred in attendance, AMC, the NY-NJ Trail Conference and the Borough of Riegelsville celebrated the near completion of the 150-mile Highlands Trail in NJ and NY and welcomed the Highlands Trail into Riegelsville, Pennsylvania. The celebration began on the NJ side of the Riegelsville Toll-Supported Bridge with speeches given by the NYNJTC and Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission. The celebration continued with a hike across the bridge welcoming the Highlands Trail into PA. This included a ribbon-cutting on the NJ/PA border in the middle of the Delaware River on the bridge. Speeches followed on the PA side adjacent to The Riegelsville Inn by the Borough of Riegelsville, AMC, Rep. Quinn, and DCNR. A special unveiling of the Welcome to Riegelsville/Highlands Trail sign proceeded officially marking the beginning of the Highlands Trail in PA. The celebration finished with refreshments and a silent auction at the Borough Park including hikes at Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary and paddling demonstrations on the Delaware River. AMC also unveiled Hike the Highlands cards, that AMC has done in partnership with Wildlands Conservancy. The cards feature 22 hikes throughout the 13-county PA Highlands. A big thank you to AMC volunteers for making the celebration a success!

You can find out more and view pictures of the celebration and the PA Highlands Trail Network by following our blog at www.outdoors.org/hikethehighlands. On this webpage you can also download individual PA Hike the Highlands cards.

Spring Adoption, May 3

Time for my adopted trail to get some attention! So on sort of a gray day, my friend Rod and nephews Ross and Todd headed to the Mahoosuc Trail from opposite ends. Rod and I went in from the Trident Col side, while Ross and Todd started on the summit of Mt. Hayes. Arriving at the trail from the Trident Col tentsite spur, we found that Mother Nature took out the sign over the winter with a well placed blowdown. I was very surprised to see the amount of small branches and tree tops down this year. Both crews cleaned drainages as we worked towards each other, and did some light trimming and hundreds of small blowdown removal. I like this trail because it has a large variety of conditions, from open hardwoods to softwoods, nice view points, ledge walking and a couple of scrambles. It also has nice seclusion, but not too far from a hot shower and a steak dinner!! Thanks to my trail volunteers over the past couple of years, Ross Caron, Todd Caron, Rod Levesque, Dave Leveille, and Gerry Patrick. We have put over 200 hours into this trail and it is much better shape that the beginning of 2007!

submitted by Keith Enman

MOC Trail Crew's First Weekend Back for the 2009 Season at the Delaware Water Gap NRA

The Mohican Outdoor Center (MOC) Trail Crew had a good first weekend back on the trails in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The weather started out a little wet on Saturday, but dried up nicely. Sunday was clear, cool and windy. Eighteen crew members were out and about performing trail assessments and routine trail corridor maintenance.

On Saturday the MOC Trail Crew went to Toms Creek Trail and Childs Park. They cleared several blowdowns and re-opened a culvert including rebuilding the washed out culvert/crossing.

On Sunday the crew members mainly worked on wet areas of the Rattlesnake Trail. They worked on drainage issuses by cleaning/improving existing waterbars, putting in a new channel, two new rock/6x6 turnpikes, and stepping stones. Hopefully this will help get everyone across the wet areas, and keep them on the trail!

*Do you want to volunteer with the Mohican Outdoor Center Trail Crew? Check out http://www.outdoors.org/conservation/trails/volunteer/trailopps/mohican-weekend-work-parties.cfm

Wishin' and Dreamin'

No, Camp Dodge is not open yet.

However, as the time approaches, I, for one, clearly cannot wait to be back in my tent. As our programs fill up and the snow starts to melt, we are very excited for our 2009 season for Trails Volunteer work. We’ve hired a great staff, including some old faces and some new, so be sure to check out this summer’s crew in the blog posting below.

In the meantime, enjoy the remains of the spring snow and know that the long hike-ins and Friday BBQs will be here before you know it.

Camp Dodge Staff 2009

Another year has passed and as the winter slowly warms to spring we are all looking forward to another field season on the trails in the North Country. Once again I am happy to announce an outstanding collection of individuals to run the one-three week programs, Custom Crews, and weekend work parties in Maine and New Hampshire.

Many of these individuals are continuing to build on their past experiences in the White Mountains with the AMC. I am very excited about the summer line-up and look forward to working with these folks. Take a look at their photos and profiles as you might be lucky enough to spend a week or more with some of these individuals. Have a great 2009 field season - Alex

Alex DeLucia
North Country Trails Volunteer Programs Supervisor

I have been working with AMC Trails and the Camp Dodge Volunteer Trail Crew Programs since 2001. Originally from New Haven, CT, I attended Unity College in Maine and have a degree in Adventure Education/Art.

My main interests have always been working with people and and contributing solid effort towards beneficial goals. The AMC Trails Volunteer Programs allow me to work with amazing people that really contribute to the recreational and natural resources in the northeast.

I am very much looking forward to another safe, successful, and productive summer season. I wish the Camp Dodge Staff for the 2009 season the best of luck. and I hope to get on the trails with many of our volunteers this year.
(For more info on Alex DeLucia - see the Trails Department Staff posting)

Kelsey Heeringa
North Country Trails Volunteer Programs Coordinator
Originally from Michigan and many other non-mountainous places, I’ve returned to Camp Dodge for my second season. Though I’ll spend much of my summer in a tiny office with the entertaining Alex DeLucia, I thoroughly enjoy living at Dodge, being outside, and helping all the volunteer programs run smoothly.

My past experiences often seem to lack a specific theme, yet all have been fascinating and full of learning. Some historical highlights include working with deafblind students, inner-city youth, a BA in Community Leadership, farming, and travel in Latin America. More recent highlights include playwriting and directing, gardening with youth, more travel, and adoring my cousins in Laingsburg.

Some of my fave things I’m looking forward to at Dodge this summer will be the garden and the moose; but hopefully not together.

Nick Scott
North Country Trails Volunteer Projects Coordinator
I’ve grown up in both Maine and Vermont, yet somehow I’ve managed to not do much exploring on foot in the Whites until my first season at the AMC. Last summer I worked as a Crew Leader for the Dodge programs, and this year I am back as the Project’s Coordinator. I’m excited for the new challenges this position will offer, and to see returning volunteers.

I went to Bucknell University and graduated with a BA in Environmental Studies in 2004. Since then I’ve traveled back and forth across the US a couple of times pursuing seasonal outdoorsy job and new mountains to explore. I’ve worked for the Maine Conservation Corps, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, and raft guided in Oregon and California. I skied and built houses in my spare time in North Lake Tahoe, worked Colorado as a camp counselor/horse wrangler, and have done a couple seasons as a Ski Patroller at Killington Ski Resort. I’m officially addicted to both skiing and trout fishing. Expect to see me with my fly fishing rod this summer.

Sarah Gorgas
Camp Dodge Cook & Facility Coordinator
My two greatest passions are the mountains and cooking and I am so excited to find a job that compliments both. I am formally from Saranac Lake N.Y, but have been living in the “live free or die” state for several years. During those years I spent two seasons with the AMC on the professional trail crew, so I have an idea of the appetites you will work up. I am working on finishing a forestry degree from UNH. I love the Friday Barbecue and Camp Dodge because it brings trail workers together and allows them to share their amazing experiences.

Everett "ACK" Moore
Camp Dodge Head Leader

"This will be my second year at Camp Dodge, this year stepping it up to Head Leader. I can't really think of any place I love to be more than the White Mountains, and especially Camp Dodge. In the rest of my life I'm a student at Green Mountain College where i study Adventure Recreation. In the last year I had the opportunity to attend a NOLS backcountry snowboarding course in Idaho. I can't wait to apply the new things i have learned to my work at AMC and to just get dirty and get outside. Im super excited for this season and look forward to new projects and new participants."

Maya Velasco

Camp Dodge Head Leader
Hey! I'm from Atlanta, Georgia where I attend Agnes Scott, an all woman's college. I'm finishing up my degree in Political Science and Spanish and will be free as a bird in May. During the year I keep myself busy playing rugby, running cross country and working with my school's environmental group. I love reading, cooking, making other's eat the food I cook, sewing and speaking Spanish at every opportunity.

As a kid, I grew up exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains during the summers. During high school I decided to venture outside of the South and spent a month in Glacier National Park as part of a high school crew with the Student Conservation Association. The challenges of trail work and simplicity of backcountry life immediately had me hooked. Almost every summer since then I've been off exploring new mountains and different types of trail work. I found the White Mountains through the Randolph Mountain Club where I was on their trail crew for 2 years. I can't wait to be back in the Whites and I'm excited for the opportunity to work hard, get dirty and play in the mountains!

Leah Demetri
Camp Dodge Assistant Leader

Hey! I'm from Boston, and though I've grown up in the city, I've spent lots of time up in the White Mountains hiking, camping, and just enjoying the outdoors. I volunteered on AMC trail crews the past two summers and had an absolute blast and I can't wait to get out and lead crews this year. I’m finishing up my senior year in high school, so three months in the mountains will be a perfect break from school before I head off to college in the fall. See you all at Dodge!

Chris "Goose" Grosjean

Camp Dodge Assistant Leader

Hey everyone, I am wicked excited to be apart of Camp Dodge. I grew up outside of Boston, spending most of my youth playing and exploring in the woods near my house. I now attend Plymouth State University and i am studying to become an Adventure Educator. When i am not being the best student i can be i am skateboarding, snowboarding, mountain biking, climbing, hiking, slack lining and the list goes on. Basically you give me a sport or activity that puts me outside and i will love it. I spent last summer working on a trail crew out in the rockies. I really enjoy working with people am am looking forward to an exciting year, WOOHOO!

Hannah Lippe

Camp Dodge Assistant Leader

Hi! I am so excited for the upcoming season at Camp Dodge! As I was looking around for a fun job for the summer, a friend recommended that I check out the AMC. When I saw the trail crew leader position still posted on the web, I jumped at the chance to spend the summer outdoors, do some challenging work, meet new friends, and enjoy the mountains of the Northeast! With California and Colorado being the two places I call home, I look forward to acquainting myself with a new set of mountains and ecosystems. I attend Brown University, in Providence, Rhode Island, where I study ecology and evolutionary biology. The science nerd side of me will surely come out on our adventures this summer! Other than staring at plants and searching for birds and bats, I love hiking, backpacking, running, reading, and learning how to cook. Can’t wait to meet you all this summer!

Matty Zane

North Country Trails Volunteer Projects Intern

Yo yo yo!!! This will be my first season working with the trail fixing, water-barring, bog-bridging organization better known as the AMC. Although born and raised a true Mainer, I've always had a sense of adventure, which has taken me all around the country. I have loads of great memories and experiences playing around in the Whites—which makes me super excited to get to spend the summer at Camp Dodge.

Being a very independent youth, I decided to skip high school for no other reason than I thought it was unnecessary, and jumped right into the college life—which will most likely make me the "youngster" on the staff. I currently attend Unity College in central Maine, where I still do not have a declared major, but am leaning towards Parks Recreation and Ecotourism. I spend every microscopic bit of free time gaining elevation via the rocks (aka Rock Climbing). Whether it be Aid, sport, Trad, gym, or ice climbing I absolutely love it all no matter what the grade is—it allows me to express my creativity both mentally and physically. My other hobbies include Mt. Biking, Backpacking, Trail-Crewing, soccer, Primitive skills, cribbage, slacklining, unicycling and getting dirty playing in the mud!!! Yee Hawwww!!!!!!!!!

AMC Trails Volunteer Leaders

AMC Volunteer Trail Crews are also led by a collection of talented and energetic Trails Volunteer Leaders. These leaders have been long-time volunteers in our programs that have been trained to be a trail crew leader. You may get an opportunity to work with one of them on an adult crew or weekend program in the White Mountains, Baxter or Acadia.

Julie LePage

Hi I'm Julie from Somerville, MA and I'll be a volunteer co-leader for Week #2 in Acadia (Sept 6-12). This will be my 7th year taking art of the AMC's Volunteer Trail Program. My first 4 years I signed up as a participant on Classic Crews in Maine and New Hampshire's White Mountains. The last 2 years I co-lead for the volunteer vacation crews with AMC staff in Baxter State Park, and this year I'll be co-leading a crew in Acadia. I'm also an AMC Trail Adopter and and 4-season volunteer leader for the AMC's Boston Chapter Hiking & Backpacking Committee.

My day job includes web design, illustration and tea drinking. My interests other than the outdoors include reading art & design blogs, photography, gardening & local farming, cooking, making journals, traveling abroad, recycling & reusing, and singing to great music despite my voice. I'm looking forward to meeting & working with the Week 2 crew... and to that sweet seafood dinner.

James Christmas

Hello. I am an active AMC and US Forest Service Trail Adopter and I have been working on trails since 2001. Working on trails gives me the opportunity to to fulfill a life-long dream to be a forest worker in the mountains.

As a volunteer co-leader for the volunteer programs I get to share my skill, experience and enjoyment with others. This season I will be helping to lead National Trails Day on June, 6th and many other weekend programs throughout the summer.

See you on the trails!

Tecla Ris

Hi! I'm originally from the Netherlands where the highest "mountain" is 1053 feet high. After moving to the Boston area ten years ago I quickly got hooked on hiking in the Whites. What started as a hobby turned into a passion and since then I've spent many months on the trails of the Whites, the Rockies, and the Andes.

When I am not hiking or backpacking, I divide my time workwise between EF (a Swedish company specializing in travel and student exchange) and Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (an orphanage in Nicaragua).

After having volunteered in Baxter's trail crew the last 2 years, I will volunteer this year as a co-leader with Hannah in the Whites (Young Members Alpine Crew, July 12-18) and with Nick in Acadia National Park (September 20-26).

I look very much forward to the "volunteer trail crew weeks': getting to know you, spending time working outdoors and above all: having a good time together!

Bill Patrick


Bill Brodnitzki

Former AT corridor monitor outside of Hanover NH, worked with the Norfolk Ct Land Trust on maintenance projects and trail development, 10 plus years trail work experience with the Connecticut Section of the GMC, active with the AMC out of Dodge since 2001 working in Maine and New Hampshire. Beginning third year as a Volunteer Trail Crew Leader. Like to remain active and look forward to a good trailwork season.

Geroge Brown

Michael O'Connor

Hi, this is my second year as a trails volunteer leader and I’m from Montreal, Quebec (Yeah, I know the great white north! and I don’t say eh!). I’ve been a trail adopter since 2001 and an adopter region leader since 2004 (Pemi-Region). I currently have a section of the AT (Twinway).
When I’m not out working on the tails but still volunteering, I’m also an Information Volunteer and an Alpine Steward on Franconia Ridge (Probably some more things too numerous to mention). I will be co-leading 2 consecutive week (Aug 9-14 Camp Dodge & Aug 16-21 Baxter). It will be nice to be able to hang out in the woods for a couple of weeks. I have my fingers crossed for good weather.

My real job is working for an IT department in a big multi-national as a Data Analyst. It’s a good thing I found a hobby that doesn’t involve sitting at a desk 8 hours a day. Looking forward to hitting the trails.

AMC Trails Volunteer T-Shirt Contest - 2009

We Have A Winner!
Oliver Dettler

This exciting new design for the back of the 2009 Trails Volunteer t-shirts, created by Oliver Dettler, illustrates the uniqueness of the volunteer programs we offer on the trail.

We have yet to settle on the color of the ink and shirt, but not to worry; they will be printed and ready for the start of our programming this spring. Look for this new design on over 1,000 shirts that are printed each year for our AMC Trails Volunteer Programs from D.C to northern Maine.

As the winner of the 2009 Trails Volunteer T-shirt Contest, Oliver has won a fee week-long volunteer trail crew program of his choice, during the 2009 season, in the White Mountains, NH or Baxter Park or Acadia National Park in Maine (valued up to $200 (AMC member)

Trails Volunteer of the Month Awards

The Trails Volunteer of the Month Award is given to recognize the outstanding efforts of our Trails Volunteers from D.C to Maine each month of the field season.

We present these awards April through October or November each year. Nominations are accepted year round.

If you work on the trails with an individual that goes above and beyond the call of duty, please acknowledge their contributions by e-mailing your nomination to the AMC Trails Staff nearest to you.

North Country: Alex DeLucia at adelucia@outdoors.org

Southern New England: Matt Moore at mjmoore@outdoors.org

Mid Atlantic: Jennifer Heisey at jheisey@outdoors.org

Thank you so much for all that you do and we are looking forward to an outstanding 2009 field season on the trails.

See you all out there soon,

-Alex
North Country Trails Volunteer Programs Supervisor