Volunteer Brush Cutting Challenge 2026
list of trails here
The unseasonably warm weather of late has resulted in early growing conditions for all trailside vegetation. The trail crew and many volunteers have been hard at work with brush-cutting efforts to keep your favourite trails clear, but they need a hand!
As Rocky Bal-loam-a says, “every brush cutting champion was once a contender who refused to give up”. Right now, the forest is throwing some heavy haymakers at our trail network, and it is time for us to get the trails back into championship shape.
So, from Wednesday, May 13, until Wednesday, June 17, we are kicking off the Volunteer Brush-cutting Challenge! Lend a hand to our trail crew and give back to the trails, all while earning a chance to win some sweet prizes. We have a list of priority trails around the network that need clearing work done. We hope this contest helps recognize the ongoing efforts of active volunteers and incentivizes newer members to get out and lend a hand. Remember, there is no tomorrow when it comes to overgrown brush! (Just kidding…there is a tomorrow. We’re just trying to quote “Rocky” again).
How it works
Trail Crew Manager and Lead Builder, AJ Strawson, has compiled a list of priority trails needing attention. Select a trail you would like to tackle, note your name in the sheet, and get clearing. Once it is done, note the date it was completed and submit photos of your work as proof to steph@sorca.ca with the title of the trail in the email.
Prizing
Each trail you complete enters you for your chance to win one of 4 $100 gift cards to Home Depot Squamish - thank you to Home Depot for their continued support!
Trail Work and Brush-cutting Parameters
This type of trail work is not very technical, and therefore we hope a wide array of local trail stewards choose to get involved. Whether you do or do not have trail work experience, you could be a big help to our network.
What we are looking to do is cut and clear vegetation impinging, leaning, or growing into or onto the trail. We also want to ensure that we cut and remove vegetation far enough back that they do not grow back into the trail in the near future.
A reminder: it is nesting season, so if you encounter shrubbery thicker in diameter than ferns or weeds, such as black or salmon berry bushes, have a look to make sure you are not destroying a nesting site. It should be rare to come across so close to a trail, but this is a disclaimer we need to note.
Tools
You can use tools from your homes, such as loppers or gas trimmers if you have them. If you do not, we may have some we can lend. Reach out to steph@sorca.ca and we can sort you out.
Please wear proper PPE and be safe out on the trails. Thanks for going the distance with us!
