Volunteers are needed for our work extending the Trace into Rugby from Burnt Mill on May 11. The work is moderately strenuous, and you must be able to hike in with the crew carrying small tools. Dress for the weather; hiking shoes are necessary, and bring work gloves too. Wednesday night free camping at Brooks Store. Thursday breakfast provided.

More details are at the signup link below.

Thanks for your help.

Save the date to help work on the Rugby extension on Saturday, September 24. Camping on Friday will be at Brooks Campground in Rugby, TN. More details will be posted closer to the event.

Reach out to Steve Barbour at director@sheltoweetrace.org with any questions.

Volunteers are needed for June 4th workday with the Cave Run Lake Chapter of the STA. Work will be on the Trace within the first 60 miles of the Trace. To volunteer is easy. Just text the words Trails Day #3 and your name to 606-308-0625. More details will be sent to those who register. Work can be strenuous but very rewarding. You should dress for the weather and for working in the woods. Bring drink container and snacks. Some trail magic may appear. Never know.

Fall is here - almost and we are cleared to get back to work, finishing the new section of the Trace from Rugby to Burnt Mill Bridge. A workday is set for September 25th and we need 20 to 30 volunteers, the STA Army to come join us around the campfire and on the Trace.

Here are the details:

• Dress for the predicted weather. Gloves are a must. Good strong shoes are a must. Long sleeves and long pants are highly recommended. Tick prevention measures should be taken.

• Coming on Friday. We have reserved campsites with power and sites in the big field on soft grass for those who are coming in Friday night Check-in at Brooks Store - west outside Rugby about 1 mile. Anytime after 5, please. Tiffany will tell you where you can camp. No fee. We cover the cost.

• Need some food. Tiffany makes some great food so instead of stopping at some fast-food place, get down to Rugby and have her make you a burger or bologna and cheese. Amazing. And she can make you a sack lunch for Saturday.

• Safety Briefing. Friday night, September 24th, at 7:30 we will meet in the large dining room in Brooks store for the required safety briefing and signing of release forms. If you have worked with us in 2021and have completed the STA and BSF forms, you do not have to complete them again but you do need to attend the safety briefing. If you have not yet filled out those forms, they are linked here: Release of liability form, and Big South Fork Volunteer Agreement.

• Saturday Breakfast - 7:00 to 8:15. Tiffany and her staff will have an amazing breakfast ready for you, at no charge.

• Saturday Lunch - Tiffany can make you a sack lunch, or you can bring your own. You will be working in an isolated area so getting out for lunch is impossible. You should also have your own drink (s). We will send water jugs in but you may have to hike back to get them. A water filter is helpful as you will be near the creek.

• Saturday Meet Up - 8:30 we will meet at Brooks Store and carpool - caravan to Joe's Branch where you will park. Parking is limited so please share. This will shorten your hike into the worksite. You will need to be able to hike at least 2 miles carrying light trail tools in an up a steep hill coming out.

• Tools will be provided. Please make sure all the tools that go out come back.

• End of Day - Around 3:00 to 4:00, or when the BSF staff say, the day will end. All tools will need to be accounted for, and all volunteers go through a post workday briefing before you leave for home when you get back to your car.

• Injuries - If you get injured, let the STA trail crew leader and the NPS staff know right away.

• Youth 12 & up accompanied by a parent are eligible to participate.

This is once in a lifetime opportunity to build a trail that will be in place for generations to come. Thanks so much for volunteering and helping us see this new section added to the Trace and the JMT. If you have questions or concerns, plans change please let us know. Our contact information is below.

Steve Barbour, Executive Director, STA Cell: 606-308-0625
Chuck Nicholson STA Trail Crew Leader, Cell: 865-405-7948

Update: postponed till April 10th

Save the date for two days of trailblazing in March. We will be on the trail Saturday, March 20, and Saturday, March 27, extending the Sheltowee Trace further into Rugby, TN. You can plan to camp at the RMBrooks Store , where there will be restrooms and showers. Volunteers can expect to be on the trail from 9 am to 4 pm with breakfast and lunch provided.

More information coming at a later date. We hope you will join us, and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Save the date for two days of trailblazing in March. We will be on the trail Saturday, March 20, and Saturday, March 27, extending the Sheltowee Trace further into Rugby, TN. You can plan to camp at the RMBrooks Store , where there will be restrooms and showers. Volunteers can expect to be on the trail from 9 am to 4 pm with breakfast and lunch provided.

More information coming at a later date. We hope you will join us, and we look forward to seeing you soon!