DLC volunteers constructed new water bars to improve drainage on an Appalachian Trail approach.
The world famous Appalachian Trail winds its way through the Pawling Nature Preserve, just a few short miles in its long stretch from Georgia to Maine. Every mile on the Appalachian Trail is crucial, though, as are the many approach trails that allow day and section hikers access to the trail and many through hikers a way to briefly return to civilization. On a warm early summer morning, DLC volunteers hiked to a critical section of an AT approach trail that had been beset by erosion. Using shovels and axes, they built new water bars, built up areas on trails that push the water to the side and prevent the path from being washed away. They broke rocks apart with hammers as well to create the gravel fill needed to solidify the water bars and ensure that they stay in place. It was hard but immensely gratifying work. We'll be returning in July to work on the removal of invasive plants where the Appalachian Trail enters the Pawling Nature Reserve on its western side. 
