Join the Forest Society & NH State Parks for the 18th Annual Monadnock Trails Week, September 5-9

The Annual Monadnock Trails Week gives outdoor enthusiasts an opportunity to give back to one of New Hampshire’s most beloved landscapes, Mt. Monadnock, and share in camaraderie and community through stewardship. To help keep Mt. Monadnock safe and welcoming for hikers, the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests and New Hampshire State Parks will be hosting the 18th Annual Monadnock Trails Week, September 5-9, 2024. Trail improvement projects are planned on several trails on the mountain in this weeklong event.

The Forest Society is the majority landowner of Mount Monadnock, holding more than 4,500 acres of conservation land. Forest Society-owned lands on Mt. Monadnock are leased to New Hampshire State Parks and together the organizations manage the park for the more than 125,000 visitors that seek its year-round recreational opportunities. 

Last year more than 50 volunteers, Forest Society staff, and NH State Parks personnel logged 735 hours over the course of the week. The collective efforts greatly improved the trails and experience for all who hike Mt. Monadnock. Even with the 5 inches of rain and thunderstorms, volunteers accomplished major trail structural improvements and restored important ecosystems at Mt. Monadnock and Gap Mountain during last year’s event.

This year volunteers will be able to work on a variety of trail maintenance projects on Mt. Monadnock and Gap Mountain, led by experienced and professional trail workers. Whether it is your first- or fiftieth time doing trail work, it’s a great opportunity to learn new skills, have fun, and do good work. Projects will range from basic maintenance to building trail structures from rock or wood. 

Depending on volunteer interest, we hope to once again be hosting affinity crews (such as women, and LGBTQIA+ or youth crews) to help foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for people to get involved with trail work. 

If you would like to attend trails week as a group , reach out to Laurel Swope-Brush. In past years, we've worked with Trailwrights, Keene High School Honor Society, Camp Wa-Klo, the Cardigan Highlanders Trail Crew, and other business/employee groups. Deadline for group registration is Friday, August 16.

“This annual event on Mt. Monadnock is a wonderful way to give back to the mountain so many enjoy,” states Jack Savage, president for the Forest Society. “The annual trail projects help restore and renew the trails while also increasing their ability to withstand the high visitor use and weather-related impacts. Mt. Monadnock is a well-loved mountain, and we couldn’t accomplish everything we do without the numerous volunteers and staff from the Forest Society and the State.”

“Since 1979, the state’s partnership with the Forest Society has been key to balancing the need for recreation and conservation of Mt. Monadnock,” states Brian Wilson, director for the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation. “The popularity of the mountain requires continued efforts to improve trail maintenance, manage the natural and cultural resources, and preserve the quality of the visitor’s experience. It’s amazing to watch volunteers come together in partnership with us to maintain and clean up public land and trails.”

How to Volunteer

No trail work experience is necessary; conservation professionals will lead groups to complete different projects. Come ready to work and learn about tool safety and best practices for trail maintenance. Tools and safety gear provided. Children 13-15 welcome with an adult guardian/supervisor; 16–17-year-olds must get signed parental permission form/waiver. People can participate for 1 or all days of the event; days run from 9am - 3pm. To sign up visit https://www.forestsociety.org/mtw. 

For more information or questions, please contact Laurel Swope-Brush at lswopebrush@forestsociety.org.