The Nature Conservancy is again participating in the United Way Laurence E. Richardson Day of Caring on Wednesday, September 20. Volunteers are needed to maintain a hiking trail through the Conservancy’s Fortune’s Cove Preserve, a rugged mountainous trail around 5 miles long.

Trails at our public preserves need regular maintenance by lopping overgrowth, removing downed branches, cutting side-hill and repairing any accrued damage or re-routing sections of trail.

Volunteers may use hand tools like heavy rakes and hoes and pulaskis to shape the trail, moving dirt, roots and rocks out of the way. Plan on hard work bending down and picking up small rocks. Be prepared to hike into the preserve carrying tools for about a mile before working on the trail.

A confirmation email will be sent a few days before the workday with details such as directions, what to bring, etc. If interested and available, contact Jen Dalke, volunteer program manager, at jdalke@tnc.org or 434-951-0572 (w) or 540-335-1302 (c).

Carpooling may be available from Charlottesville.