National Trails Day

Make your mark on 1 of nearly 200,000 miles of trail throughout the U.S. this National Trails Day®! National Trails Day® is an annual event hosted by the American Hiking Society that encourages support of our nation’s public trails. Trails are an important part of urban and rural communities and have a positive impact on our mental and physical health. National Trails Day® is a day of public events aimed at advocacy and trail service that invites thousands of trail users of all shapes and sizes to our parks to engage in trail advocacy and service.

Polk County Conservation, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa, Legacy TrailsAndrew Hoyt Music, Lua Brewing, and La Feria invite you, your friends, and family out for a day of volunteerism and celebration in support of our beloved public trails here in Polk County. Volunteers will lend a hand in improving the trails at Yellow Banks Park before gathering for an afternoon of food, live music, fun, and community.

*Free lunch, beverages, live music, yard games, giveaways, and tent camping for both Friday and Saturday evenings are provided for all registered participants!

ACTIVITY: Trail improvement projects

PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: Difficult – trail maintenance projects are more physically demanding and involve strenuous activities such as bending, twisting, squatting, hauling, lifting, and working on uneven terrain. Access to worksites may include longer distances and/or require hiking.

If trail maintenance does not feel like a good fit for you but you would like to participate in National Trails Day in a different capacity, join this event as a Volunteer Support Crew Member! Click here to view available positions and registration information.

REGISTRATION: Required.

*By registering for this event, I acknowledge that it includes a provided meal, a t-shirt, and a registration waitlist. In the event that I and/or members of my group are unable to attend, I will cancel my registration to allow others to join this event.

DEADLINE: Register by noon on June 1st. If registration is closed, please contact Volunteer Coordinators to inquire about attendance.

COST: Free – lunch, beverages, t-shirt, and camping options provided for all registered participants.

GROUPS ALLOWED: Yes

AGES: Ages 8+. No experience is necessary.

• Ages 12+ will be permitted to use hand tools.

• Ages 18+ will be permitted to use power tools and equipment.

WHAT TO BRING: Dress for the weather. Required – closed-toe footwear. Recommended – long pants, work gloves, and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Gloves are provided for those without. In an effort to promote sustainability at this event, please bring a reusable water bottle. Each event participant will be provided with proper personal protective equipment and training as needed.

LOCATION DETAILS: Yellow Banks Park | Park Map | Exact meeting location TBD

EVENT PARTNERS: Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa, Legacy Trails, Andrew Hoyt Music, Lua Brewing & La Feria Mexican Restaurant

CONTACT: ConservationVolunteers@polkcountyiowa.gov

Polk County Conservation strives to host inclusive, accessible events and meetings that enable all individuals to participate. If you anticipate needing a modification due to a disability or have questions about accessibility, please contact us at 515-323-5300 or pccb_info@polkcountyiowa.gov.