I participated in a super fun WTA work party today on Squak's East Side clearing 5 massive root balls from November's storm at about 1050 elevation. 19 of us headed up at 8:30 to a tool cache and beat the rain that came in around 1:45.
Through Tara's tutelage and with the help of Caleb's muscle, I learned way more about cutting trees than I did on any of the previous four work parties, and I experimented with an axe and several types of saws. I even got to use a winch to see if I could pull over a massive root ball all by myself. That is a TOUGH EXERCISE! An extra special shout-out to Trevor for his impressive name recall.
We enjoyed 15 bird species including a hairy woodpecker, a pileated woodpecker, northern flickers, 4 eagles, several varied thrushes, and a brown creeper. Since the snow started melting off 3 days ago the birds are out IN FORCE. It's spring, my favorite time of year.
This work party was memorable for me: my fifth, which means I earned my green hat! YAY!
Comments
tiffanyc on Squak Mountain's East Side Loop
Awesome, congrats on the green hat and thanks for volunteering on trail! 😄
Posted by:
tiffanyc on Feb 21, 2025 07:00 PM
Courtbirder on Squak Mountain's East Side Loop
You bet! I learn SO MUCH helping on WTA work parties. I can't believe it took me so long to join the fun!
Posted by:
CourtHiker on Feb 22, 2025 06:11 PM
Maddy on Squak Mountain's East Side Loop
I've seen first hand the mess that you guys are trying to get through. It seems like an impossible task. I'm so appreciative of you guys!! That is a great Trail and is worthy of resurrection.
Posted by:
Maddy on Feb 21, 2025 07:20 PM
Courtbirder on Squak Mountain's East Side Loop
Thanks, Maddy! And I appreciate all the trip reporters who inspire me to write more and help more! Especially with federal funds getting cut the more of us who help restore and maintain trails, whether formally through WTA or the Mountaineers or informally, picking up trash and branches and getting them off the trails, the better. It takes a village!
Posted by:
CourtHiker on Feb 22, 2025 06:13 PM
Muledeer on Squak Mountain's East Side Loop
The green hat is the gateway drug. First it's the hat, then the vest, then the saw... Nice work!
Posted by:
Muledeer on Feb 22, 2025 05:24 PM
Courtbirder on Squak Mountain's East Side Loop
Thanks, Muledeer. It took me four tries to get number five, but I wasn't going to let this one by. It's so nice to have that first one. Vest is next!
Posted by:
CourtHiker on Feb 22, 2025 06:14 PM
scottsemans on Squak Mountain's East Side Loop
I've always had a great time on WTA work parties too. This must have been the East RIDGE Trail, not East SIDE Trail.
Posted by:
scottsemans on May 15, 2025 05:41 PM
Courtbirder on Squak Mountain's East Side Loop
East Ridge, East Side -- I honestly don't know if I could find it again, ha. It's not one I'd ever been to before. One day I'll go back and see how the final improvement looks.
Posted by:
CourtHiker on May 15, 2025 05:53 PM