CHERRY HILL TRAIL CREW

Trail Crew Members:

You are about to participate in a rare opportunity. It requires strenuous labor, respect for the natural environment, and a high level of self motivation. In return, you will have an opportunity to make a positive difference in preserving our natural lands and supporting safe and enjoyable access to our woodlands and open spaces for residents and visitors. The Cherry Hill Trail Crew is an all volunteer organization. You and your crew mates will devote your own personal time and commitment out of love and respect for the outdoors. We take our stewardship role seriously and we expect the same of you. On behalf of the Cherry Hill Environmental Board, thank you for giving your time to make a positive difference.

 

Stewardship: 

We recognize the natural world as the sustaining factor of our quality of life as individuals and as a society. By caring for the earth and connecting people to nature through stewardship we build strong community and healthy individuals for now and in the future.

 

• Be aware how your actions impact the earth and its natural resources.

• Strive to leave a small footprint and take responsibility for your actions.

• Educate others in the goals of conservation and how they can take part.

• Get your hands dirty and shirt sweaty alongside others in service to conservation.

• Think beyond today and protect the world for future generations.

 

Trail Crew Membership Qualifications:

• You must be 18 years of age at time of work.  Under 18 requires parent or legal guardian consent and signature.  Under 18 not permitted to operate power tools/equipment.

• You must be willing to work as a team.

• You must be willing to work in all weather conditions.

• You must be willing to listen to and follow crew leader instructions.

• You must be willing to hike up to 2 miles per day (with equipment).

• You must be willing to get dirty and have fun.

• You must complete and submit the application and waiver (request via email or phone for the application and waiver) or click the green hand to the left to download.).

 

Trail Crew Structure:

The Trail Crew will be coordinated through a volunteer Trail Crew Manager who will oversee the program through the auspices of the CHEB.  The manager will provide day-to-day supervision, schedule all Trail Crew work, assign tools, approve recommendations for changes to existing trails and/or building new trails, coordinate training and submit reports, trail work logs and trail recommendations to the CHEB.  The Trail Crew Manager will also identify individuals as Point of Contacts (POC) for each trail system.  The POC will provide information to the Trail Crew regarding trail conditions and recommendations for trail work.  

 

Clothing and Equipment:

Tools will be provided. Members must have your own work gloves. Hiking or work boots are required.  Leather boots are preferable. You must wear pants (not shorts) that provide full coverage. You may wish to wear a wicking material, including t-shirt as well. You must always have drinking water. You can bring a backpack, lunch, raingear, and any other personal gear needed to stay comfortable outdoors. Crew members must be dressed in an appropriate and respectable manner.  Sessions will include training in trail building and trail maintenance techniques.

 

Expectations and Safety:

As this is a Township sponsored program, all Cherry Hill Township rules and regulations apply.   Violation of any Trail Crew or Township rules may result in suspension from the Trail Crew program. There is an inherent degree of risk associated with working with tools and manual labor. Trail work is strenuous and exhausting. Work within your own physical capabilities. Trail Crew members have a personal responsibility to follow directions and work safely. Safe use of tools will be taught. 

 

All Trail Crew members using tools or operating power tools must be equipped and use the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which may include safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and appropriate boots and clothing. 

 

• All leather (or Kevlar) boots. NO EXCEPTIONS WHILE USING TOOLS! Boots should always be worn at the work site. NO working in lightweight hiking shoes or boots unless the Program Director allows otherwise

• Hard hat, gloves, and eye protection must be worn AT ALL TIMES on CHTC projects unless the Trail Crew Manager allows otherwise (for example trash projects may not require a hard hat)

• Long pants. Like boots they should always be worn at the work site. A thin layer of fabric can deflect a blow and/or reduce injury from a stray tool swing. NO shorts are allowed at work

• A T-shirt or long-sleeved work shirt is required. No modified shirt sleeves or tank tops.

• Ear protection must be worn while using impact tools (rock hammers, etc.) when using chainsaws, working around or using machinery or power tools.

• All proper PPE MUST be used during setup and cleanup of work site and equipment.