Volunteer Trail Maintenance Program

Trail Maintenance

Trail Maintainers near Cape Spear

The East Coast Trail is maintained primarily by a volunteer maintenance team. Custodians report twice a year on their trail section or path. The reports are prioritized. We aim to address high priority areas first. Engineers are consulted when needed for structural problems.

Work with a view

The maintenance team is a hardy group of individuals, armed with chain saws, loppers, saws and clippers. With the custodian report in hand, our leader determines the workload of the day. It may be cutting trees that are blocking the trail or brushing and clearing an overgrown section. We work to the East Coast Trail Association's standards to keep the trail open and beautiful. There is always a view somewhere enroute.

Maintenance on Brock Head Path

Safety First

The maintenance team is conscious of a safety first policy. The chain saw handlers are experienced and approved. We do not approach or pass an operating chain saw handler. Face, eye and ear protection is used whenever appropriate. We identify first aiders in the group and carry a first aid kit.

Fun Always

We are lovers of the trail. The maintenance volunteers go out most Saturdays, weather permitting, clear trail, bring a lunch, enjoy each others company, and may have a swim at the end of the day. As a team, we have won thetop prize in the ECTA annual fund-raiser, the Tely-Hike, twice (2007 & 2008). In the winter, our season of rest, we go snowshoeing on and off the trail.

Whales join the crew for lunch

Join the Trail Maintenance Team

We welcome any newcomers. This is a great way to support the Trail and to enjoy the outdoors. Please fill out the on-line volunteer form or contact our volunteer coordinator at volunteer@eastcoasttrail.com. You can also check out the Scheduled Hikes page to find out when the next maintenance outing is taking place.

For more volunteer opportunities check out the volunteer opportunities page.