Background

The Port of Skagit is developing the spur trail to the top of South Knoll. Pit run and rock were recently delivered to the base of the south knoll, utilizing section 3.

Because of the uncertainty of the timeline, the Port has decided that they will finish section 3, freeing us up to potentially begin work on to the next section of trail before summer break.

In the meantime, we will spend at least 2 more sessions (Feb 14 and 28) completing sections 1 and 2 of Quarry Trail before moving to Olmsted Park (City of Sedro-Woolley) to work on the Thompson Pond Trail Loop in March.

More information on the Thompson Pond project coming soon!

Feb 14 Work Party Plan

Goals

Lay landscape cloth, ballast and do the final capping on section 1.
Fill and finish the exposed bedrock on section 2

The Port has delivered several hundred feet of landscape cloth and staples for use on section one. The cloth will be arranged, stapled, and covered with ballast before applying final capping and compacting. This will keep invasive ivy from pushing up through the trail tread.

We will be finishing the low areas between the exposed bedrock with native rock and rock sand (to “cement”), then compacting with the hand compactor. If possible, using large native rocks to create stepping stones in the rock sand. The vision is to keep this section of trail more rustic, but we also want to reduce the trip hazards and tall steps needed to hike through this area. A yard of rock sand has been stockpiled at the site.

Power carrier access to Section 1: use Brickyard Creek as the entrance point, staying to the side of the trail (on the area that will be planted) and entering Quarry Trail from the connector.

Schedule

8:00 am Our leadership team meets at the tool shed.

8:45 am Sign-in at the trailhead for volunteers: Please note the new parking area for volunteers is located on the Fire Access Rd behind Trevennen Hall. Directions can be found here.

9:00 am:

JT & Paul will lead introductions, make announcements, and explain today’s work.

Jenny will explain the jobs and set-up the work groups.

Safety Talk : Chloe & Amelia

T-shirts & Group Photo

930-noon: trail work

12-12:45 pm: lunch

1-3 pm: trail work

3 pm: clean up and organize tools

4:15 pm: Work Party Planning Meeting (by invitation for volunteers who work a full day 9am-3pm)

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Teams

Roving Crew Leader: Paul

Restoration Lead: TBD

Description: Working ahead of landscape cloth/ballast/capping, clip exposed roots and fill low spots by raking mineral soil.

After capping is complete, perform restoration work along completed segments of trail.

Landscape Cloth & Ballast Leads: Paul and Chloe

Description: Working ahead of the capping soil crew. Arrange landscape cloth and staple into place. Cover with ballast and level.

Capping/Mineral Soil Leads: Amelia and TBD

Description: Spread and level mineral soil on top of landscape clothe, creating a slight crown or slope for drainage. Compact.

Power Carrier Drivers: Kip, Michael, +1

Description: Carry ballast and mineral soil between staging area and the work site.

Material staging and loading: JT

Project Manager: Jenny

Photo & Video : Anna

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**Additional teams may be determined on Friday afternoon after the conditions and materials are evaluated.

Skagit Trail Builders

Skagit Trail Builders is a program of United General District 304.

The trails at Northern State Recreation Area are the result of our partnership with Skagit County Parks and Recreation, the Port of Skagit, the City of Sedro-Woolley, and our incredible community of volunteers!