Our events are open to all – Ozark Society membership is not required. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. All participants will need to sign a NPS Volunteer Agreement.
We will leave camp at Tyler Bend each morning about 8:30 and try to car-pool to the trail access point. Our primary trail-clearing tool is the lopper. NPS will provide them, or you can bring your own. Hand saws can be useful too but we won’t be doing any chain sawing. Some parts of the trail might require us to hike as much as 6.5 miles/day. Sometimes we’ll have to wade knee-deep creeks or the Buffalo River itself. We’ll try to get back to camp by 4:00-4:30 PM. If you’re not camping with us but want to go out and work with us then meet in front of our headquarters tent by 8:15 AM.
Everyone should bring water containers, creek-wading shoes, work gloves, safety glasses, and a day pack to carry all your stuff. We are generally working in areas open to hunting so having some blaze orange clothing is a good idea. In any case, avoid deer or elk-colored attire.
NPS does not permit dogs on any trail or in the backcountry within BNR.
We camp in the main campground at Tyler Bend with no charge for the sites reserved for us, though you’re free to make other arrangements. Our large “headquarters” tent will be in one of the sites. The campground has potable water, flush toilets and hot showers. There are no electric, water, or waste hookups though there is a dump station. If camping, besides the usual sleeping & shelter stuff, a chair will be useful.
We have a pretty well-equipped camp kitchen and there is an option to participate in our group meals. The cost is $10/day (3 meals) and must be arranged in advance. Breakfast is generally a selection of hot and cold cereals, bagels, fruit, juice, and coffee. Lunch is sandwiches (PB&J or ham/turkey with a variey of cheeses and condiments), chips, and snacks. Dinner varies. Some people will cook, everyone else washes dishes. We have been able to accomodate vegetarians/vegans if notified in advance. Bring storage containers for your lunch.
If not participating in the group meals you need to supply your own cooking, eating, & cleaning utensils and raccoon-proof food storage.
Buffalo River Trail Crew 