Since the PMBA Trail Maintenance Day in Dec was so close to the Holidays, we cancelled. However, as usual, PMBA members showed up in FORCE to help out the Friends of Wissahickon with their monthly volunteer work day on Sat 12/8. 45 volunteers donated over 250 hours to a variety of projects in an area that really needed our help (Yellow Trail near Gorgas Lane) and will continue to need it.

Here's a quick summary of what was accomplished provided by Kevin at FOW:

1) An unsustaintable section of the yellow trail trail was closed and re-routed in a more sustainable fashion. (Lou's NOTE: We ran out of daylight and the project is far from complete. Also the wet conditions are not optimal and the new trail tread is in very bad condition. We should not have closed the old route until this new section was completed, but live and learn. Please bear with us as we make changes and complete this job. It will be a very fun section, we promise!)

2) Led by Ed Stainton, the footbridge that had a hole in it was re-decked.

3) Through some major rock work, volunteers protected the bridge abutment from further undermining and erosion.

4)  An entire pick-up truck load of trash and recycling removed from the side of a hill a half mile from the road.  A few volunteers also hauled out the trash in Tom Coyle's pick-up

And in support of the Philadelphia Water Department:

5) Volunteers chinked small native stones between the PWD-installed boulders along the bank of the creek.  This will streghten the bank to help resist further erosion.

6) A stream passage under the concrete bridge that had been blocked by large rocks was cleaned out by Lou Harris on the SK500.  Great job, Lou!  This will improve ease of water flow down the creek, and help to reduce erosion.

Check out this link to over 100 photos and descriptions of what you did to make a difference in the park! 

http://picasaweb.google.com/kevgroves/GorgasLaneWorkDay

Special thanks to:

The Philly Mountain Biking Association for their massive on-site and planning support.

Jan Deruiter delivering yummy lasagna and pulled pork. 

Dan and Swati Mercer for making that tasty vegetarian lasagna.

Erin Bendig and Nate Balum for offering the use of their kitchen to heat up the lasagna!

High Point Cafe for dontating their delicious coffee and tea.

Dunkin' Donuts on Ridge Ave for donating a bunch of donuts!

Ulla Forssen and Heidi Grunwald for picking up the coffee and donuts!

Dave Dannenberg, Jon Pearce, Swati Mercer and Erin Bendig for taking photos. 

Jerry Ford at FPC D3 for assisting us in removing the trash and recylcing.