In the incredible Scotchman Peaks, summer has flown past with its usual urgency. It seems like just yesterday we gathered on a rainy day at the Scotchman Peak trailhead to begin our Trail Ambassador program. The weather was better for our National Trails Day training on Trail #999. A cadre of loyal and ardent FSPW volunteers have used the time since well, showing their love for keeping mountain goats wild and Scotchman trails via the Trail Ambassador and Trail Crew programs.
Both programs have become important parts of FSPW stewardship. The importance of people who keep them running can’t be overestimated. Without volunteers, neither of these important programs would work. FSPW staff and board are extremely grateful to the each of the many folks of all ages who come to help out.
FSPW volunteers this summer were as young as 14 and as old as 80-plus, but they all share a desire to help save the wild Scotchmans through individual effort and group action. People like the volunteers pulling together make great things happen. And great things happened in the Scotchmans this summer. Trails were built and maintained. Hikers were educated about mountain goats and other wild creatures. Folks learned how to run a cross-cut saw and why they are used in wilderness. The greatest thing, though, that FSPW volunteers did this summer is help others find their wild place, by the simple act of showing them their own: the beautiful Scotchman Peaks.
Thanks, volunteers! We couldn’t do it without you.
