By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
The Maine Conservation Corps (MCC) field team crew will be working on a couple projects in Aroostook County in coming weeks and is looking for volunteers to assist with the work.
“The MCC does trail work all over Maine from late May until mid-November. We kicked off our fall season last week and currently have five teams at different project sites around the state,” said Sarah Kilch Gaffney, volunteer and outreach coordinator.
Gaffney said the MCC completes projects on the Appalachian Trail, in state parks and public reserved lands, as well as for municipalities and local land trusts.
“Depending on the project, MCC teams cut new trail, rehabilitate and maintain existing trails and build trail structures like timber bridges and bog bridging,” explained Gaffney.
Current projects in Aroostook County include work at Haystack Mountain in August and September and a project in September and October at Deboullie.
“A field team crew will be working at Haystack Mountain this week, with work continuing through September. The crew will be working on erosion control and stone work. They would love some extra help,” she said.
Gaffney said volunteering with an MCC trail crew “is a great way to get outside, get in shape and make a difference.”
“Available volunteer dates at Haystack include Aug. 28-30, and Sept. 5-6, 11-13, and 18-20,” Gaffney said.
“We are at Deboullie as well. That is a much trickier project to get to, but it is a beautiful location and we welcome volunteers. The Deboullie project will entail some trail clearing, stone work and tread work,” said Gaffney, noting organizers would need to know well in advance if a volunteer is interested in helping with this project, due to its remote location.
“The volunteer dates for Deboullie are Sept. 18-24 and Oct. 3-7,” she said.
Some projects are recurring maintenance, while others are first-time projects.
“We have worked at Deboullie for several seasons, both cutting new trail and rehabilitating existing trails. But this is the first time the MCC has worked on Haystack Mountain. The Haystack Mountain project involves rehabilitating an existing trail,” Gaffney said.
Gaffney said volunteers will want to bring their own lunch/snacks/water.
“Volunteer days are also rain or shine, so dress accordingly,” said Gaffney. “We have a day volunteer equipment list on our website, www.maine.gov/doc/parks /mcc/volunteer.html. I usually direct volunteers to this. It covers everything that they would want to bring.”
All safety equipment and tools are provided by the MCC.
For more information about volunteering with the MCC or to learn more about helping out with either project, call Gaffney at 624-6092 or e-mail sarah.gaffney@maine.gov. You can also find more information on the MCC website.
