In preparation for our work party on March 22, 2025, J.T., Paul, and Jenny spent a day decommissioning the borrow pit near Big Rock.
Trail crews commonly use borrow pits to mine mineral soil for constructing a sustainable trail surface that is hard-packed and sheds water. This practice saves money and energy by reducing the amount of material that needs to be brought in from other sources. It also creates a trail surface that is safe for walking, running, and biking, requiring very little maintenance!
We extracted a significant amount of high-quality material from this pit. Now it’s time to return it to nature.
We began by cutting up trees that had fallen on and near the trail and placing them in the pit. This was an all-day event, requiring careful planning, two chainsaw operators, and a driver.
The pit is now ready for the restoration team to cover it with rocks, soil, and transplanted ferns. When they finish, it will be as if the borrow pit was never there!
Would you like to help restore and beautify the pit? Join us on March 22, 2025, at Northern State Recreation Area. All ages, sizes, and skill levels are welcome
Skagit Trail Builders 
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