Why should you be a Steward or Volunteer?
Michaux offers a range of hiking, biking, horse-back riding, ATV-riding, camping, hunting, fishing, and so many other recreational opportunities – plus it is home to numerous cultural resources ranging from Native American rhyolite quarries to relics of the iron industry. Like other state forests, the forests of Michaux are managed as “working forests” and provide a suite of uses and values to Pennsylvania citizens, while maintaining the forest’s wild character. In addition to recreation, Michaux State Forest is managed to support pure water, scenic beauty, plant and animal habitat, and sustainable timber activities.
The intense recreational demand is a challenge for DCNR staff that are managing multiple objectives. And, unlike the four state parks encompassed by or adjacent to the state forest, recreation in Michaux is dispersed across a large area. The Friends of Michaux stewardship programs tap into a dispersed network of dedicated users and volunteers in order to assist DCNR with maintenance and monitoring of these resources.
What does a Steward or Volunteer do?
For trails, state forest roads, parking lots, campsites, cultural resources, and other elements, stewards will serve as the eyes and ears and the boots on the ground to monitor and enhance recreational and cultural resources. Stewardship activities include monitoring and reporting of serious issues that can be addressed collaboratively with the Friends group and DCNR; hand clearing of brush, overhanging vegetation, invasive species, or debris (if larger tree falls or obstacles are an issue, coordinate with the Friends group and DCNR for assistance – chainsaw use is by certified Sawyer volunteers as directed by the policies of PPFF, Friends of Michaux and DCNR guidelines); re-blazing trails; repairing or replacing signs; litter pick up and reporting of dump sites; graffiti clean up; and dispersal of unauthorized fire rings. Membership in the Friends group is not required for stewards. The Friends group and DCNR will support stewards by providing access to equipment, materials, and coordinating work days as needed.
We understand your time is valuable and that each individual is different. Some volunteers like to work in small groups. Others prefer a multitudes’ of hands. Some folks desire the responsibility of stewarding trails, vistas or campsites. Others share their skills of painting, woodworking and outreach. Although some of us (whom dislike to admit) have issues that restrict our abilities. There is a lot of opportunities for everyone and we want to help you focus on what matters to you. With this in mind, we have established several focus Teams.
Stewardship Team: Individuals or groups agree to check on specific areas. Routinely, check their area, cleans up debris and report larger issues to the Stewardship Director or the Forestry staff for follow up care or maintenance.
Sawyer Team: This team of certified sawyers. That work within the guidelines and procedures set forth by DCNR, PPFF and the Friends of Michaux State Forest Board of Directors. They response to reports of fallen trees blocking trails or endangering visitors at vistas and campsites.
Maintenance Team: Consist of volunteers of many skills or have a wiliness to learn through hands on training. Tasks range from trail maintenance or building, kiosk and sign painting, invasive removal and plantings, to mention a few.
Habitat Team: Consists of our wildlife enthesis’s. The team routinely inspects wildlife openings throughout the forest. Report and document findings of invasives, damaged habitat and maintenance needs. They also clean out nesting boxes or replace those in need. We also maintain a supply of nesting boxes.
Outreach Team: Another team of different talents. Team members help at community events in and out of the forest. Perhaps working at an aide station or serving as a course Marshall during sporting events or assist with a walk and talk. Others attend tabling events or help with Environmental Education functions.
Whatever, your desires may be. There is something for everyone. Surely, there are a few opportunities that have been missed. If you have an idea or suggest please let us know. Note: you may serve on as many teams as you wish. Our stewardship and volunteer schedule is ever changing. Activities occur during the week as well as on weekends
Sign up to be a Steward or Volunteer!
If you’re ready to sign up to steward recreational resources, click the button below to let us know you’re interested and what resource you’re interested in stewarding!
If you want to get involved with cultural resource stewardship, please contact us via email at friendsofmichauxstateforest@gmail.com.
Resources for Stewards and Volunteers
**All stewards must be registered as a DCNR conservation volunteer. Please complete the conservation volunteer application below before you start any stewardship work.
**Friends of Michaux and DCNR want to know about your hard work and how we can support you in your stewardship efforts. Please complete this form after each site visit so we can account for your volunteer time and to alert us to any issues.
**Report large dump sites to the Michaux District Office at fd01@pa.gov or at (717) 352-2211 so that the dumping incident can be investigated and prosecuted.
Links to Bureau of Forestry Public Use Maps
Click the link below to have access to the Bureau of Forestry Public Use Maps to check out locations of trails, campsites, and vistas!
Questions?
Contact the Friends group at friendsofmichauxstateforest@gmail.com with any questions.
Friends of Michaux State Forest 