The Dolly Sods Wilderness Stewards and Monongahela National Forest are hosting a Trailhead Stewards training on Saturday, August 26 at Seneca Rocks Discovery Center.

The three-hour classroom training will cover the fundamentals of wilderness, the history and major features of Dolly Sods, the most significant impacts affecting Dolly Sods and our key messages about them, and the techniques we use for constructively engaging visitors at the trailheads.

After the classroom training, new Stewards will meet up with an experienced Steward at a trailhead at a time of their convenience. They have the opportunity to observe the Steward in action and then gain experience with their own engagement with visitors under the guidance of the veteran. You will come away with your own distinctive Wilderness Stewards green vest and a supply of resources to share with visitors, and the ability to schedule your trailhead time whenever it works for you.

The Trailhead Stewards have been the core of Dolly Sods Wilderness Stewards since its inception in 2021. Trailhead Stewards meet visitors to Dolly Sods at the trailheads and help them prepare for a safe and satisfying visit. The Stewards pass on suggestions for a route fitting the hikers’ time and experience, ensure they understand the unique characteristics and challenges of a wilderness, and answer many questions.

Volunteers are also invited to join other Dolly Sods Wilderness Stewards activities, including the Crosscut Sawyer and Trail Maintenance teams, solitude monitoring, and campsite restoration.

There is no minimum time commitment, and those who live far away or can only occasionally volunteer are welcome to participate.

Sign-up here: https://www.wvhighlands.org/dolly-sods-wilderness-stewards-form/

After submission of the sign-up form, the Dolly Sods Wilderness Stewards Coordinator Dave Johnston will send you an email with additional details.