Twelve volunteers gathered at Hagg Lake on July 26 to continue work on an extensive trail reroute project that has been underway for several months.
A major focus of the day was improving drainage along the new trail.
Volunteers constructed a rock underdrain, also known as a French drain, by excavating a ditch approximately 12 feet long and one foot wide. The crew then placed a large sheet of geotextile material across the ditch, harvested two-inch rock from the surrounding area, and positioned the rock over the fabric.
The underdrain will help move water beneath the trail instead of allowing it to collect on the tread, supporting a more durable and sustainable trail over time.
Crews also completed finishing work along roughly one-third of a mile of trail. Volunteers improved the angle of the backslope, removed roots and vegetation that could interfere with the tread, and reestablished the trail’s outslope to help water drain away from the riding surface.
Four participants were volunteering with the crew for the first time. The group also represented an impressive range of ages, from a 22-month-old future trail steward to volunteers in their mid-50s.
This ongoing reroute project is improving both the quality and long-term sustainability of the trails at Hagg Lake. Thank you to everyone who contributed their time and energy to keep the project moving forward.