Adopt-A-Trail Program

What is the ADOPT-A-TRAIL PROGRAM?
San Luis Obispo County Parks provides over 50 miles of trails for the enjoyment of residents and visitors, with more yet to come. These trails offer a wide array of scenic and recreational opportunities, from the rugged back county of Lopez Lake to the leisurely boardwalk of the Elfin Forest with its sweeping coastal vistas. Thousands of visitors venture out to explore the trails each year, whether on foot, skates, bicycle or horse. Sometimes they leave litter in their wake; sometimes it’s just a little more wear and tear. Sometimes visitors leave nothing behind at all, but Nature leaves her own imprint in the form of a rock slide, a fallen branch across the trail or a tree root breaking through the pavement.

Trails need to be maintained if they are to remain clean and safe. We can pay higher user fees or taxes to have someone else do it for us, or we can volunteer some of our own time and do it ourselves. The Adopt-a-Trail program provides an opportunity for the community to invest in our trail system directly. It is a cooperative effort between San Luis Obispo County Parks and the Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo (ECOSLO) to recruit and train volunteers to assist in the general care and maintenance of County trails. Volunteers also help raise public awareness of how much work is involved in maintaining quality trails and the importance of keeping trails in good condition for safety and aesthetic reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

• WHO can get involved?
• Are there any special QUALIFICATIONS?
• What Are the DUTIES of an Adopt-a-Trail Volunteer?
• How much TIME does it take?
• Is any TRAINING necessary?
• What kinds of TOOLS are needed?
• What about SUPPLIES?
• Is there any RECOGNITION for volunteer efforts?
• How do you find out what TRAILS have already been adopted?
• How do I/we SIGN-UP?

WHO can get involved?

Any interested organization, group or individual can adopt their "own" section of trail. Our volunteers include:

• Individuals of all ages, from youths to seniors
• Families
• Schools
• Scout troops
• Church groups
• Businesses
• Clubs of all kinds
• Neighborhood associations

Are there any special QUALIFICATIONS?

Do you like working outdoors? Do you like occasional team work to tackle a big job? Do you like to give something back to your community? Can you walk, bend, lift, observe? Then you have what it takes to be a trail volunteer!

What Are the DUTIES of an Adopt-a-Trail Volunteer?

The duties can vary depending upon the trail. An equestrian trail winding through dense forest will have different maintenance requirements than a pedestrian trail in an open, urban setting. Routine maintenance duties typically include the following:

• Pick up litter; separate recyclables from trash
• Sweep debris (e.g. glass, mulch, gravel) off paved trails
• Move fallen branches to side of trail
• Trim vegetation off trail right-of-way
• Inspect trail for problems (e.g. vandalism, dumping, hazardous trees) and report to County Parks
• Record volunteer hours and submit monthly report
  

Periodic work may also be needed to:

• Remove invasive weeds
• Plant native trees and shrubs
• Trail repair or relocation
• Repair damaged structures (e.g. signs, fencing)

How much TIME does it take?

We ask our Adopt-a-Trail volunteers to commit to a regular maintenance schedule of at least once a month and a minimum of one year of service. Beyond that, we can work with you to come up with an arrangement that works for you. Trail adoptions typically involve spending 1-2 hours a week by one or two people, walking the trail and attending to routine maintenance such as picking up litter, clearing debris and reviewing trail condition. More intensive work days may be scheduled periodically with more volunteers to tackle larger jobs such as spring weeding, planting native plants or trail resurfacing. ECOSLO can help recruit volunteers for larger jobs.

Is any TRAINING necessary?

After your trail adoption is approved, ECOSLO will train the group leader, group or individual to perform trail maintenance tasks safely and provide you with a Trail Volunteer Handbook. All volunteers are required to read, understand, and abide by the guidelines in this handbook and all other County Park rules and ordinances.

What kinds of TOOLS are needed?

Standard garden tools are usually all that is necessary for trail maintenance – hoe, rake, shovel, loppers, etc. ECOSLO can provide hand tools, if needed, for either short or long-term loans.

What about SUPPLIES?

ECOSLO can also furnish any supplies you need, such as trash bags for litter and recycling. We will also make arrangements with County Parks for disposal of materials collected, if necessary.

Is there any RECOGNITION for volunteer efforts?

Each trail adopter will receive the following:

• A Certificate of Adoption
• Posting of the name of the individual or organization on the Adopt-A-Trail sign located at the trail head
• Invitation to the Annual Recognition Event

How do you find out what trails have already been adopted?

You can view the Adopted Trails page to see a list of what trails have been adopted and by whom.

How do I/we SIGN-UP?

If you would like to learn more about the Adopt-A-Trail program or have someone present the idea to your group, please use the contact information in the sidebar. If you’re ready to go:

1. Fill out the Adopt-A-Trail Application form.
2. Fill out the Adopt-A-Trail Pledge form.
3. Send the forms to ECOSLO:

Upon receipt of your application, ECOSLO will contact you to discuss available trail adoption and/or work day opportunities. Thanks for your interest!