Trail stewardship and maintenance are two of the most important factors determining the sustainability and longevity of a trail. Without regular and appropriate trail maintenance, trails become dilapidated, unsafe, environmentally degraded and less enjoyable for users.

While there are many trail maintenance models used worldwide, STA's volunteer trail program delivers the following benefits:

• People that volunteer their time to maintain trails are generally passionate and enthusiastic;

• By involving volunteers in trail maintenance, it can further kindle a passion for trails and the natural environment;

• Getting people outdoors and into nature is good for the mental and physical wellbeing;

• Volunteering provides a sense of place and belonging;

• Volunteers can provide skilled labor; and

• Volunteering over a shared interest can create a more resilient, connected community.

STA uses a volunteer communication platform called Better Impact. Better Impact provides the following critical services to help STA stay organized and carry out its mission to the greater Sisters Area Trail network:

• Maintains volunteer contact information with group tags (adopters, sawyers, trail builders etc.)

• Sends out emails or text messages to select volunteer groups within STA

• Sends out activity notifications such as upcoming trail work parties, volunteer training and appreciation events.

• Allows members to access work-party opportunity calendar and sign up.

• Allows volunteers to report work hours which support grant funding for new trails and projects.

• Tracks individual volunteer work hours to qualify for USFS NW annual trails pass.

• Allows members and trail adopters to report trail conditions or hazards that require attention.

• Allows trail committee members and USFS to assess maintenance activity over trail network.

To become a volunteer with STA, you must to set up a Better Impact account. Click here to set up and/or log into Better Impact volunteer platform.