August 23-27: 5 day Field Crew

1. Curtis Clearing, Siamese Ponds Wilderness
Our main goal was to harden a number of wet and muddy areas on the trail between Curtis Clearing and Siamese Ponds. This involved creating adequate drainage, installing stepping-stones, reinforcing the sides of the trail with rocks and filling the space with gravel. This all proved to be effective, providing a comfortable, dry walking surface. One 75-foot section of trail was so impassible we had to create a re-rout utilizing the same techniques we had at the other locations. The week was challenging, with rain, deep mud and perpetually wet boots, but we persevered and left the trail in much better condition than when we arrived.

2. Invasive Species Removal
This was the last project the crew had working with the Nature Conservancy, but one of the most productive. They worked in wetland areas for the majority of the week removing Purple Loosestrife, gathering a total of 75 full garbage bags! A large volunteer group was organized for two days to assist with the project; this included a one-day visit from the crew at St. Regis. The crew also spent time creating small lanes in a wetland area to allow later access for spray application for the control of Phragmites.

3. St. Regis Canoe Area, Various Projects
The crew returned to continue work on Long Pond. They were successful in their efforts and were able to work on sites located on Pink Pond and Turtle Pond as well.

4 Santanoni Historic Preserve, Various Projects
The crew started the week working on the Great Camp, staining the front porch and the palisades. The next two days were spent disassembling decking on two bridges and installing new decking. The final day was spent finishing the staining at the Great Camp.