Hike & Help: Year One Impact Report
Almost exactly one year ago, we launched our brand-new “Hike & Help” program to offer our community short and easy on-trail volunteering. Consisting of a social hike with some light trail work, we aimed to engage retired community members in rewarding, low-effort stewardship work and spark new community connections. After a year out on the trails at Hike & Help events, we’re thrilled to share that the program is a hit!
Key Stats:
• 48 events hosted
• 126 unique volunteers engaged
• 382 hours of trail maintenance completed
• 16 open spaces improved
Impressive trail improvements:
Volunteers completed essential trail work that improved the safety, accessibility, and resilience of over 30 miles of local trails. The mix of light tasks created an inclusive atmosphere, allowing participants of all abilities to participate in stewardship. Notable tasks completed include:
• 3,000 feet of trail brushed in DeLaveaga Park to clear trail corridors and improve sightlines on multi-use trail
• 60 drains maintained in Pogonip Open Space Preserve to help water shed off trails and reduce erosion
• 50 feet of erosion repairs on Moore Creek Trail to improve resilience and protect local watersheds
• Multiple downed trees cleared on popular trails within 24 hours to keep the outdoors accessible and safe for all
Community-building events:
The simple format of the social Hike & Help events allowed participants to connect with staff, make new friends, and build community. Many volunteers mentioned their excitement about working with neighbors, creating meaningful connections, and engaging in rewarding activities while contributing to the local environment. Mati, our Trail Stewardship Coordinator who led each Hike & Help event, also took selfies with volunteers each week to build team camaraderie.
We had five top volunteers join us at Thursday morning Hike & Helps, all of whom joined us for at least 9 of the events throughout the year. These volunteers mentioned that the timing of the events and short duration kept them coming back time and time again.
Looking Ahead
In the program’s second year, we’ll explore new locations and trails to diversify the volunteer experience and keep folks coming back for trail fun!
We’re looking for new partnerships to expand the reach of Hike & Help and bring the program to new open spaces. If you have a trail where you’d like to see our Thursday morning team, please give us a shout at [email protected].
Want to join in on the fun?
Hike & Help events happen every Thursday morning from 9-11:00 a.m. and rotate across Santa Cruz County. Take a peek at our events calendar here and sign up to join our crew!
