Trail Construction Workshop Attracts Enthusiastic Youth
and Volunteers

On June 27 and 28, 2011, seventeen people attended a Backcountry Trail Design & Construction Introductory Training Course in Cuba NM.  The course was taught by Attila Bality, National Park Service, Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program and facilitated by the Nacimiento Community Foundation (NCF) Step Into Cuba Project.  Participants began with a classroom overview of trail design with particular attention to sustainable grade, safety, and construction techniques.  The group then moved to the “field” – the NCF property connecting the Cubita Road to the Santa Fe Forest - in order to use newly learned tools and techniques first hand on the recently designed Fisher Trail. By the end of the workshop the group learned to determine trail grade with a clinometer, created several hundred yards of full bench cut trail, built several retaining walls,  began work on a switchback,  and learned techniques for clearing vegetation from trail corridor and building cairns.

“Building trail is a real community building project. It was a great way for us to get to know each other and it was rewarding seeing what we accomplished, working together.” Said Anna Schulte, participant.

Coordinated by NCF, with incentives provided by UNM PRC, three local youth; Joseph Gallegos, Tommy Lewis, and Jeremy Pinto, put their new skills to use and continued working on the trail through the second week in July. The experience they have gained could lead to future jobs with Youth Conservation Corps or Forest Service.

“They are doing something great for our community,” Dick Kozoll said of his crew, “Participating in the creation of a locally accessible hiking trail where people can be physically active.”

Work will continue on the Fisher Trail over the summer, some of the workshop participants have already volunteered to build steps that are needed to climb out of one arroyo crossing. Once the trail is complete, hikers will be rewarded with new access to Cuba Mesa including stunning views of Cuba and the Sierra Nacimiento.

Congratulations to those who participated in the June 27 & 28, 2012 workshop and earned their certificate of completion!

• Mary Birdsong
  
• Anthony Bowens
  
• Darrelyn Cowboy
  
• Rufina Cowboy
  
• Julia Edwards
  
• Joseph Gallegos
  
• Terry Johnson
  
• Dick Kozoll
  
• Tommy Lewis
  
• Gene McCracken
  
• Owen Meyers
  
• Cord Mounkes
  
• Alex Paz
  
• Julie Pederson
  
• Jeremy Pinto
  
• Anna Schulte
  
• Olson Tsosie Jr.

If you are interested in an opportunity to learn trail building skills or wish to volunteer to help build the Fisher Trail, please contact the Nacimiento Community Foundation at 575-289-3718.