Photo provided to the Times Observer A Friends of Allegheny Wilderness trail crew works to clear an oak tree that fell across the trail west of Coon Run two years ago. “Logs like this present a bit of a challenge when you’re using non-motorized tools, but that is actually part of the fun of it!” FAW Executive Director Kirk Johnson said.

The Friends of Allegheny Wilderness are willing to put their time where their mouth is.

While advocating for increased wilderness protection is at the heart of their mission, the group has also cared for the Hickory Creek Wilderness trail for about 20 years.

And the first stewardship event for maintaining that trail is set for this weekend.

“This weekend the Friends of Allegheny Wilderness trail stewardship crew will be clearing downed dead woody debris from the treadway of the Hickory Creek Wilderness trail,” FAW Executive Director Kirk Johnson said. “This will include clearing small branches up to large logs that have fallen on the trail over the past winter.”

While that makes the trail easier for hikers to use, it will also help to eliminate what Johnson described as “user-created side trails” around blowdown.

“As we go along, we will also be cutting back live vegetation that is encroaching on the trail corridor, as needed,” he added. “For example, there are places along the trail where the ‘beech brush’ is in perpetual need of being trimmed back.”

Participants will meet at the trailhead Saturday morning and camp in the wilderness area overnight, hiking out Sunday afternoon.

Additional weekend events will be held the weekend of July 9-11 and then at some point in the fall.

Anyone looking to join or in search of more information is encouraged to email info@pawild.org.

According to an email from FAW, there’s no charge to participate but volunteers should bring camping equipment, food and water and be prepared for any potential weather.

“This is a great, fun way to experience the Hickory Creek Wilderness, and to give back to America’s National Wilderness Preservation System!”