National Trails Day—held annually on the first Saturday of June—brings together people from all over the country to attend hiking events in their local areas. These events are also designed to help maintain and clean the natural areas.
The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area will be hosting two events.
The first involves rangers leading volunteer crews to help maintain Malibu Creek State Park. Volunteers will help by “installing water diversions, removing vegetation and [facilitating] bridge repair,” according to a press release from the organization. Volunteers should meet at 9 a.m. at the main parking lot, located at Las Virgenes Road and Mulholland Highway in Calabasas.
The second involves getting rid of weeds at Zuma Canyon in Malibu. Volunteers will be meeting the project leaders at the Bonsall Drive parking lot.
Volunteers are recommended to bring a reusable water bottle and dress in layers, with protective footwear and pants. Sunscreen is also highly advised. Everyone ages eight and up are okay to volunteer but minors must be accompanied by an adult.
According to the American Hiking Society’s website: “National Trails Day is the only national coordinated event designed to unite all muscle-powered trail activities with the goal of connecting more people to trails.” More than 122,000 people participated in events around the country.
For more information, contact SMMNRA Park Ranger Ryan Stead at ryan_stead@nps.gov.