Camp for free, help some trails: Here's how to sign up for Trail Days
Cheri CarlsonDozens of volunteers will have a chance to help some local trails and camp for free later this month in Point Mugu State Park.
The Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council’s 38th annual Trail Days will run from April 26-28. Volunteers may work Saturday or Sunday or both days, the group said.
In the past, as many as 150 have signed up for the working weekend.
This year also marks the Trails Council’s 50th. Founded in 1969, the volunteer group spends 10 months a year maintaining trails in the mountains every weekend.
Over the past several months, volunteers have cleaned up trails damaged by last year’s fires and recent storms. The site of the Trail Days event wasn’t burned in November, but some of the trails were impacted by heavy rain.
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Free tent camping will be available at Danielson Ranch in Point Mugu State Park for those staying overnight. To get a spot, organizers said people should RSVP by April 22. There’s a free barbecue Saturday night and drawings for prizes.
Organizers said no experience is necessary and families, individuals and groups are welcome. Tools will be provided, but volunteers are asked to bring their own lunches, snacks, water, sunscreen, bug repellent, as well as camping gear if staying overnight.
Because Danielson Ranch is inside the park, campers must be escorted into and out of the site. On April 26, cars will be escorted into the park at 5 and 7 p.m.
To register and find out other arrival and departure times, go to https://www.smmtc.org/maint/traildays.php.
heri Carlson covers the environment for the Ventura County Star. Reach her at cheri.carlson@vcstar.com or 805-437-0260.