Wilderness awaits volunteer trail workers

Looking for something to do this summer?

How about a working vacation in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex?

Volunteers are needed for trail clearing and maintenance trips for the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation. These guided trips bring people into the pristine wilderness areas that make up the heart and soul of the Rocky Mountains, and people get the satisfaction of doing good as well.

Volunteers get expert-led access into the Bob Marshall backcountry.

Shorter two-to-three day trips and one-day trips offer an easy backcountry experience while longer trips provide an old-fashioned Western experience, complete with pack mules, horses and even llamas. Projects vary in their physical demands - trips vary from easy to moderate to strenuous.

Projects include trail maintenance, cabin/campsite rehabilitation, noxious weed eradication and seed collection. All projects offer one-of-a-kind interaction in Montana wilderness.

Summertime projects kick off on Saturday and continue weekly throughout July, August and September. Volunteers are provided with food, water and guides - workers need to bring their own camping gear and enthusiasm.

Trips range from one, three, five and seven days. All trips must be arranged two to three weeks ahead of time. Youth groups, school groups, families and organizations are welcome, as is anyone else interested in some outdoor adventure.

The summer season kicks off on Saturday (National Trails Day) with an early season trail project and barbecue. The day is centered on healthy outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, and developing friendships and partnerships. National Trails Day is hosted by the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation with support from American Hiking Society and Montana Conservation Corps.

The project starts at 8:30 a.m. on trails in the Middle Fork of the Flathead drainage including Edna Creek, Devil Creek and the Big River Trail. At the end of the day, there will be a barbecue at the Devil Creek Campground.

For more information visit the Web site www.thebmwf.org or contact Shannon Freix at (406) 863-5411 or by e-mail, shannon@thebmwf.org