Getting The Trails Ready For Experience The Keweenaw

As Memorial Day weekend is approaching, spring cleanup efforts are underway in the Keweenaw.

Volunteers will be spending the next two weekends clearing trails in preparation for the upcoming mountain bike season.

Experience the Keweenaw is just a couple of weeks away, and before those trails can be ridden, they must first be walked and cleared of any debris that may have accumulated over the winter.

“Experience the Keweenaw is an event that is being put on by a combination of groups headed by the Portage Health Foundation. There will be hiking, biking, running. We’ll have barbecue and beer at a number of different locations throughout the Keweenaw over that weekend,” said Ben Ciavola, President of the Copper Harbor Trails Club.

During the winter months, nature takes its course in the wilderness and often times leaves behind large branches, leaves, or even animal remains that would essentially block a trail’s accessibility. Downed trees need cleared, brush will need to be cut back, and leaves blown free of the trail surface.

So the Trails Club has organized a volunteer effort taking place over the next two Saturdays.

“So this weekend we will have the first of two trail cleanup days, starting this Saturday and one the following Saturday, where we will be clearing logs, blowing leaves, and getting the trails ready for the Experience the Keweenaw event over Memorial Day weekend,” said Ciavola.

Participants are encouraged to bring chainsaws, leaf blowers, or shovels and rakes if you have them. However, the trails club will have some tools available to borrow.

“There’s no sign up required. We are going to be meeting at the main trailhead in Copper Harbor at 11:00 am and working until about 5:00,” he added.

Volunteers are also reminded to bring gloves, water and snacks, and appropriate work clothing.

“Participants for the trail cleanup days will have free chili provided by the Mariner North. They will also receive a discounted entry to the Run The Keweenaw Event coming up later this summer,” Ciavola concluded.