Adopt a Section of the Ozark Trail

Jon Robinson — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 02:00:40 +0000

What is the Ozark Trail Adopt-A-Trail Program?

The Ozark Trail Association is powered by volunteers like our many trail adopters who form the core of our volunteer program. The Adopt-A-Trail program provides opportunities for hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, equestrians, and outdoor enthusiasts alike to adopt and maintain a segment of the Ozark Trail. There are 14 sections of the Ozark Trail that span over 400 miles of trail across Missouri. Each section of the Ozark Trail is split up into segments for adoption that typically range from 1.5 miles to 5 miles in length.

Who can adopt a trail segment?

Anyone with an interest in trails and the outdoors is invited to help us maintain the rugged, natural beauty of the Ozark Trail. There is a great deal of satisfaction and pride in knowing that you are responsible for keeping the trail open for everyone to enjoy. Our adopters have included youth and church groups, scout troops, community/service organizations, local businesses, and trail running groups. We can work with your group to certify service hours. Many of our dedicated adopters also are families and groups of individuals who just enjoy getting out on the trail together.

What do adopters typically do?

Adopt-A-Trail volunteers are expected to go on at least three outings a year (or more!) to trim back vegetation growing into the trail corridor, remove sticks and debris from the trail surface, and submit regular reports on trail conditions and work accomplished. Other tasks may include trash clean-up and replacing missing trail markers. Additionally, you can work with us to host a volunteer outing or maintenance event on your trail segment. Adopters are not permitted to use chainsaws (unless they hold a current chain sawyer certification card from the U.S. Forest Service) or to construct trail reroutes without official approval from the land manager.

What type of training is involved?

No specific experience or training is required for adopters. Each adopter is provided with a handbook that overviews the basics of trail maintenance. If you are new to trail work, it is highly recommended that you sign up for one of our volunteer events to learn more about how to sustainably maintain trails. An experienced trail volunteer may also be able to meet up with you in the field for one-on-one training. There are other advanced training opportunities available throughout the year to include trails skills college, crew leader training, and U.S. Forest Service chain sawyer certification.

What equipment do I need?

A good pair of loppers and a hand saw are all that are needed to get started. Other tools that can be helpful include a weed trimmer for brushing heavy vegetation growth and a metal rake/hoe for clearing trail debris or light tread repair. It is recommended that you wear long pants, long sleeves, sturdy work boots, and leather gloves. Eye protection and a hard hat are additional safety items that may be required for some activities. We can make arrangements if you need to borrow any tools or safety equipment.

How do I sign up?

You can view a list Adopt-A-Trail segments here to see which are currently available for adoption.

Email the Adopt-A-Trail Coordinator to inquire about which segments are available for adoption or with any other questions. To sign up, volunteer adopters are asked to sign an agreement form, verify they have read through the adopter handbook, and complete a volunteer liability waiver form for every participant in the group. We can email or mail these forms to you. Adopters will also receive a welcome packet that includes a trail map, markers and related information.