What we’ll be doing: Continue brush trimming, tread work, and similar trail maintenance on the Switchback Trail, mostly on the western end going upgrade from the shelter.  We may end up splitting a group out to go down the trail into the canyon below the Harkey Pedestrian Bridge to clear some piles of brush and branches left behind after some previous trail maintenance work. This area is high altitude, so it shouldn’t be too hot.  Be sure to bring drinking water, sun protection, work gloves and sturdy boots.  All tools will be provided. There’s work for all skill levels.

When/Where: Saturday, August 16th, 2014. Meet at 9 am; work until noon.  Meet at Bailey Canyon Rd (just 2 miles west of Cloudcroft, off Hwy 82) .  We plan to work until about noon (we will vacate early in the event of a thunderstorm).

We won’t be doing “heavy stuff,” so just about everybody can help.  The trail in general is in good shape because it sees a lot of hikers, but in many places, the weeds have narrowed the path to about 1 1/2 feet; supposed to be 3 to 4 feet wide, and some bushes/tree branches are crowding the walking area.  We plan on having a couple of gas driven weed eaters available to make clearing of the low weeds easier.

Thanks!

If you need any additional information, please call 575-520-9724 or e-mail nmrailtrails@gmail.com