Category: FOLSP Projects

FOLSP projects

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1st Trail Clearing Event a Success!

Thank you to all who came out for the first trail clearing event.  Mother Nature was a bit brisk to start but the cool temps and cloud cover made for the perfect working weather.

The Assistant Park Manager and new FoLSP Trail Chairman went over rules and guidelines for working as a volunteer within the park.  The crew then loaded up and headed out to the bottom of the trail head so we could work our way up the trail.  If you click on the photos there is descriptions of our progress. 

We learned the need for our new trail crews is in high demand.  Letchworth will be hosting an Ultimate Marathon covering nearly the entire length of the park on both sides!  Trail 13 is just 1 of the many trails that the path will take and it needed help!  

If you’re interested in helping keep the trails open and safe please join Friends of Letchworth State Park!  Not sure who we are?  Join in the fun on I Love My Park Day and find out!  

St Helena Shelter
Land Slide
St Helena Shelter
Bottom Trail 13
FoLSP Trail Crew
Trail Clearing Directions
Clearing back the overgrown brush back
Unclogging culverts
Trees Down
More Storm Damage
Taking 1st limb down
No chainsaw required
Cleared!
Finding invasive plants to remove
The fun and crazy crew
Cutting back even more.
Hmm....
Top of Trail #13

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Members Only Event: Trail Work Introductory Meeting

Saturday, April 22nd, 2017 at 9:00 AM we are holding our first Trail Maintenance meeting at the St. Helena shelter. The purpose of this meeting will be for us to understand expectations for trail clearing and maintenance with park management. In addition, we have decided to begin an ‘Adopt a Trail’ program for those interested in maintaining a specific trail or section of trail.

We will be working on Trail #13 (the St. Helena Trail) for our exercise in practical trail work after meeting at the St. Helena shelter.

Feel free to bring appropriate hand tools for vegetation & branch trimming (hand pruners, hand saws, loppers, etc). No motorized tools, please. Insect repellent and sunscreen will be appropriate depending upon the conditions.

Please dress for working out on the trail and bring appropriate hydration for yourself.

I sincerely hope you can celebrate Earth Day 2017 with us as we kick off our newest project.

This is a FoLSP members only event.   Not a member?  It’s easy to join!  CLICK HERE

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Congratulations to FOL’s Certified Trail Clearing Team

This past weekend a dedicated group of Friends of Letchworth members got together to participate in the Game of Logging Certification with Bill Lindloff. This course taught members proper safety and maintenance of chainsaws as well as how to safely fell a tree and how to handle storm damage.  

The purpose of the training was to help prepare FOL for their role in assisting with maintaining the 66 miles of trails that are within Letchworth State Park.

One of the first projects the newly trained volunteers will tackle is clearing trees and brush from an abandoned picnic area near the Parade Grounds on the east side of the river near Portageville. The stone picnic tables in this area are scheduled to be restored by 2019 through a New York State Environmental Protection grant to the Friends of Letchworth State Park.

The chainsaw training for Friends of Letchworth State Park volunteers was supported with funding from the New York State Park and Trail Partnership Program (NYSPTPP) and the New York State Environmental Protection Fund. NYSPTPP is administered by Parks and Trails New York in partnership with the State Office of Parks and Historic Restoration.

Are you interested in helping keep Letchworth State Park America’s #1 State Park? Become a member today and ask to volunteer!