The Finger Lakes Trail was built and is maintained by VOLUNTEERS. Each year member volunteers log in approximately 15,000 hours of trail work. But trail work alone does not keep the organization going. There are many other things that must be done to support the trail and provide services to our members, our partners, and the general public. We hope that YOU will consider volunteering some of your time and talents to the FLTC.
Listed below are some opportunities to consider. Let us know if you are interested or if you have any questions.
Join us for occasional trail work projects. Get on our mailing list and we'll let you know when there are special projects in your area.
Become a trail caretaker. Love your own piece of trail to death! Generally, working with your local trail sponsoring individual or organization, you will sign up to maintain a section of the FLT. It could be a mile between two road crossings, or several miles. You will walk your section three times per year to check and maintain trail blazes, clear fallen sticks and encroaching branches and weeds, check infrastructure such as bridges, boardwalks, and trail registers. Any major problems you will report to your sponsor trail chairman who will organize a work party to assist.
Volunteer for projects at the Service Center in Mt. Morris (mailings, inventory, filing etc.) Service Center tasks are typically done during the day on Mondays or Thursdays.
Make phone calls on behalf of the FLT. Phone callers will help check information, greet new members, make reminder calls, etc.
Join our publicity/promotions team and help to keep promotional materials available in strategic locations (mostly along the trail corridor) and/or follow up with publicity efforts.
Assist us as we update our maps and guidebooks (could be fieldwork and/or clerical).
Become a technology advisor for the office staff and website crew - help us streamline tasks on a strict budget.
Join a committee! If you are interested, we’ll send you a committee list.
Serve on the Board of Managers (our governing body).
Lead short walks in the area near the Mt. Morris Dam in conjunction with the programs being co-sponsored with the Corps of Engineers, Greenway, Audubon Society, etc.
Serve as a “car spotter/trail angel” to provide local support for backpackers and potential end-to-enders (ask for details).
Contribute your special skill that may help the FLTC. Just let us know how you think you could help.
The best way to get started is to let us know your interest by e-mail at FLTinfo@fingerlakestrail.org or by calling the office at 585-658-9320. We'll either sign you up ourselves, or put you in touch with the right person in the organization to get you going. Remember, we do this because it is FUN and SATISFYING and (we believe) IMPORTANT!
