Trail Magic in Action
Volunteers gathered at the Perham Stream Birding Trail to complete surface upgrades on the Wheeler Hill Trail section. These improvements, funded through grants and private donations, enhance trail safety, accessibility, and overall visitor experience.
Nine volunteers put in 29 hours on the trail as part of the Alliance’s ongoing effort to maintain the Perham Stream Birding Trail and other regional trails. The Alliance thanks Beth Allen, Douglas Allen, Logan Foss, Ross Bean, Andy Mellor, Eva Quinn, Paul Kennedy, David Shultz, and Rocco Speranza for their dedication to this project.
Hearts on the Trail
For many volunteers, the work represents a chance to give back to places they love. Rocco Speranza, visiting from North Carolina, shared, “I choose to volunteer to meet people, help out, and give back. I use the trails a lot, so I feel like it’s a good way to return the favor.”
The importance of conserving places like Perham Stream resonates strongly with all involved. Rocco noted, “It’s really important to conserve places like this. It gives everyone the chance to enjoy nature and get back to their roots, being outside, slowing down, and appreciating the little things.” For those interested in volunteering but unsure where to start, Rocco advised, “Talk to the people running things. They’ll give you pointers and help you get started. Matt (Kusper) has been a great teacher for me.”
Ross Bean, a Work First, Inc. volunteer, set a personal goal to help the community. He said, “I want to help clean up trails. I like hiking on them and stuff, like swimming.” Of the Perham Stream Birding Trail, he offered, “It’s beautiful. It’s scenic.”
“I’m thrilled to see a steady increase in volunteers who are passionate about the Perham Stream Birding Trail,” said Matt Kusper, Lead Recreation Ranger. “It’s always fun teaching volunteers about trail maintenance and the significance of our projects. I particularly enjoyed teaching volunteers how to remove stumps with our griphoist. It’s always a crowd favorite.”
Growing the Movement
The growing volunteer enthusiasm is driving program expansion. The Alliance is developing a volunteer Recreation Ranger Corps in partnership with the High Peaks Initiative to create a team of trained volunteers who will help lead projects, mentor new participants, and support trail maintenance throughout the High Peaks region.
Volunteer trail days for 2026 are already on the calendar:
- Friday, June 12 – Tumbledown (Rain date: June 26)
- Friday, July 10 – Fly Rod Crosby Trail (Rain date: July 17)
- Friday, August 21 – Tumbledown (Rain date: August 28)
- Friday, September 4 – Perham Stream Birding Trail (Rain date: September 18)
Those interested in getting involved with trail work or other conservation projects can contact the Alliance through the volunteer page.
