Trail ambassadors at a committee event.
From Aerie to Yucca, Bell Rock Loop to Bell Trail, and Dry Creek to Turkey Creek — these are just a few of the trails within the vast expanse of Coconino National Forests’ Sedona-area trail system. And they represent one of the coolest volunteer gigs ever. Friends of the Forest, a nonprofit, nonpolitical organization that supports the Red Rock Ranger District, has a Trail Ambassador Committee focused on assisting the Forest Service by providing eyes and ears on the trails in the form of volunteer trail ambassadors. For the volunteers, one gets to enjoy taking a hike on a beautiful trail and give back to the trails at the same time.
Once Trail Ambassadors’ boots hit the ground for a hike, they count the number of hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders seen. They also note any trail and signage issues requiring maintenance, and report graffiti. By recording the information using the Friends of the Forest’s mobile phone app or via forms on the website, the report can get to whomever it needs to in an efficient way. Then, for example, the Trail Maintenance or Graffiti committee can take charge and rectify the observed issue. The visitor use information provides helpful data for the Forest Service as they engage in recreation planning for different trail areas on the National Forest.
In addition, while hiking the trails, volunteers act as goodwill ambassadors, interacting with visitors and providing information. Trail Ambassadors wear a Volunteer Forest Service patch and name tag, which help create a welcoming, approachable presence. Their day may also include picking up and packing out trash or articles left behind by visitors, and they often are prepared and can assist with emergencies, depending on the situation.
There are almost 200 Trail Ambassadors; in asking a few to share what their favorite part is about this volunteer role, here is what they had to say:
“I know I’m adding value to most hikers I see on the trails. Just the words – ‘Hi, where are you headed?’ often finds either they are not sure or they don’t know the best destination on the trail or the distance. After that the conversation can move to preparedness, especially shoes and water.”
“I love it when tourists look at me, shake their heads slowly, and say, ‘You get to be here every day!’ as they look around them in awe at the natural beauty of our beloved Sedona trails.”
“My favorite part of being a Trail Ambassador is interacting with visitors from all over the world. Being able to provide information about our beautiful Red Rock region, trails and heritage sites brings me immense joy!”
“As a Trail Ambassador it is very rewarding to help keep our trails free of litter and report graffiti, signage and maintenance issues. But my favorite activity is meeting people from around the country and the world, assisting them with navigating our trails, answering their questions, and educating them about our beautiful Red Rock Country.”
“When I first visited Sedona, I fell in love with the trails and appreciated both their quantity and quality. Now that I am a resident, it is a privilege to help look after them — they are such a meaningful part of both visiting and living here.”
The hardest thing about being a Trail Ambassador could very well be deciding which hike to do on a given day. Perhaps Little Horse, Chimney Rock, or Long Canyon, or maybe Baldwin Loop, or one of the myriad others? From the trails’ perspective, they all benefit from the eyes, ears, and stewardship activities of these volunteers.
Interested in more information about being a Trail Ambassador with Friends of the Forest? Visit www.
Serving Sedona, written this week by Carol and Bob Dores, Friends of the Forest, appears Wednesday in the Sedona Red Rock News.