How I Got Involved

Volunteering for the Rachel Carson Trail has become something that means a lot more to me than simply helping maintain a trail. I have always loved being outdoors, running, hiking, and challenging myself on the trails around Pittsburgh, so being able to give some of my time back to a place that gives me so much feels incredibly rewarding.

My volunteer section is at Agan Park, and I have really enjoyed having a specific area of the trail that I can take care of and feel connected to. There is something satisfying about clearing the trail, checking its condition, and knowing that the work I am doing will help make someone else's hike or run a little safer and more enjoyable. Every time I work on my section, I feel a sense of ownership—not in the sense that the trail belongs to me, but that I have become part of the community responsible for protecting it.

The Rachel Carson Trail has also shown me how much work happens behind the scenes to keep a trail available for everyone. When you are running or hiking, it is easy to pass a cleared section, a trail marker, or a maintained pathway without thinking about how it got there. Volunteering has given me a completely different appreciation for the people who have spent years caring for these trails.

I also love that volunteering combines several things that are important to me: being outside, staying active, helping others, and contributing to my community. Trails have given me a place to challenge myself physically, clear my head, experience nature, and make some incredible memories. Maintaining my section at Agan Park is one small way that I can help make sure other people have the opportunity to experience those same things.

Probably my favorite part is seeing the difference after the work is finished. A section that was overgrown or difficult to navigate suddenly looks inviting again. Knowing that hikers, runners, families, and other trail users will pass through something I helped care for makes the time and effort worth it.

Volunteering for the Rachel Carson Trail has made me feel even more connected to the trail system and the people who love it. I may only be responsible for one section at Agan Park, but it feels good knowing that my small contribution is part of something much bigger.

And, of course, there is always another mile of trail waiting.