MRATC TRAIL WORK: No group trail work this week. Upcoming: Damascus Trail Days SAWS Volunteer trail work Event May 17, 2026, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Brushing and tree removal on the Grassy Branch Trail, Lewis Fork Wilderness, Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. We will meet at the entrance to Grindstone Campground entrance, 1946 Laurel Valley Road, Troutdale, VA 24378. Volunteers will be provided all essential PPE (helme

DAMASCUS APPALACHIAN TRAIL DAYS FESTIVAL, May 15-17. The sign-up schedule to help cover MRATC’s booth at the Trail Center is on Google Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KmLhMF4V8fWd2Ar64cY4MSWWV4WftlxP/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=103931296002124958202&rtpof=true&sd=true Write yourself in - Or – just reply to this email and I will write you in! (Shifts both Fri. & Sat. are: 8:30 – 11, 11 – 1, 1-3, and 3-5.) Thanks to Tim V., Gerry C., Sharon T., Carol K., Frank W., Heidi

MRATC TRAIL WORK: On Wed April 29th we will work on various issues between Dickey Gap and Slabtown Road, including one of the few remaining partially filled root ball holes left from Helene. The exact plan and meeting place will depend on the group size but the meeting time will be 10am. Please e-mail mratcinfo@gmail.com if you plan to participate and to receive details. Attached photo shows participants in the Earth Day work projects at Grayson Highlands State Park

MRATC TRAIL WORK: Wed. April 22nd: Earth Day. To celebrate Earth Day we will partner with folks at Grayson Highlands State Park and the Forest Service to work on park projects potentially including blowdowns on spur trails, fire ring dispersal, sign and blaze post resetting and possibly some drainage. Meet at Massie Gap parking at 9:00. Please e-mail mratcinfo@gmail.com if you plan to participate. MRATC HIKES: Friday, April 24: Friday hikers meet at Abingdon Lowe’s at 9AM