(by Marc Nutter)
With warmer weather arriving, it’s been wonderful to see more and more people out enjoying our Wildlife Sanctuaries and the early waves of spring bird migration. As you explore, please remember that trails may still be muddy or slippery, and winter storms have left branches and trees down in many places.
While we rebuild our Lands Team this spring, Trail Condition Reports are especially valuable throughout April. Your observations help us direct staff and trained volunteers to the places that need attention most as we interview and hire our next Conservation Lands Manager and Conservation Lands Steward.
A few tips when you’re out on the trails:
- If you’re able, please move small branches out of the trail corridor.
- If you encounter trees or limbs too large to move, leave them in place – our staff and trained volunteers will handle anything requiring saws.
- If a trail is completely clear, that’s excellent information too! Knowing where we don’t need to send a crew helps us prioritize high‑use areas that do.
- Approximate diameter measurements of downed trees or large branches are incredibly helpful for estimating the level of effort required.
Thank you in advance for submitting a Trail Condition Report and helping us keep our sanctuaries safe, welcoming, and accessible. Your eyes and ears on the ground make a real difference across the state, especially during this transition period.