Seven volunteers came out to do water bar restoration on the Appalachian Trail at Browns Gap in Shenandoah National Park on Sunday, April 18. Marit Anderson and Mark Perschel headed up the project in coordination with trail overseer, Jill Byrd, although she was not able to attend the work day due to other commitments. Ranger Leah Cawthorn from the Appalachian Conservation Corps joined the group for the day and other volunteers included Joe Simard, Anna Castle, Margaret Helber, and Jeanne Siler. The team met up 9 am, discussed tool safety, divided into pairs, and collected McLeods, pick mattocks, and loppers. All participants had received their Covid vaccinations, so that was a plus. Mark guided the group up the trail to review water bar reconstruction. Then the teams got to work! Twenty water bars were restored throughout the day, as well as rocks realigned on the old CCC walls along the trail. Lunch was enjoyed at noon near the Browns Gap Fire Road with chocolate chip cookies and Dove chocolates for dessert. The volunteers continued the trail maintenance until 2 pm, then cleaned tools and helmets. It was labor intensive work, but all were pleased with the results as we accomplished the goal of restoring 20 water bars, as well as mitigating some other drainage areas. Ranger Leah handed out stainless steel Shenandoah National Park Volunteer cups and we all exchanged good-byes. We had been out on a beautiful day, giving back to the trails we love. Many day hikers and thru hikers walked by and thanked us and that made our efforts even sweeter.
submitted by Marit Anderson
