AFC West Union Trail Adopter

Trail Adopters help maintain and care for a designated segment of the Buckeye Trail. Working under the guidance of a Section Supervisor, Trail Adopters ensure the trail remains safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all users by keeping the trail corridor open and well-marked with blazes.

Position Duties/Responsibilities

• Care for and maintain your assigned section of the Buckeye Trail by mowing, trimming, and removing vegetation; refresh blue blazes with BTA provided paint. 
• Use and care for BTA-provided tools responsibly.
• Visit your section at least twice a year (or more if needed) to check for issues and keep it clear and safe.
• Work with your Section Supervisor to plan and report maintenance activities – let them know about downed trees, washed out bridges, the need for temporary or permanent reroutes, and other hazards.
• Communicate with local partners (like park districts or ODNR) when necessary.
• Keep an eye on trail signs, campsites, and nearby businesses that may support hikers.
• Report your hours and updates in the online Volunteer Tracking System.

Outcome/Impact
 Trail Adopters play a vital role in ensuring that the Buckeye Trail remains a well-maintained, clearly marked, and welcoming path for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Their work directly supports the BTA’s mission to connect people and communities through Ohio’s longest trail.

Risks & Hazards

• Uneven terrain, exposure to weather, insects, and wildlife.
• Use of hand tools such as loppers, saws, and shovels.
• Remote trail locations with limited access to emergency services.

Term Limits

One-year term with automatic renewal, unless circumstances require otherwise. We deeply value your time and your willingness to support the Buckeye Trail in a volunteer capacity. We do our best to check in as needed with new volunteers to ensure you have the tools and support you need to make a difference. As a volunteer, you understand that your service is entirely voluntary. At any time and for any reason, either you or the BTA may choose to end your volunteer service. A volunteer position may also be adjusted, in conversation with the relevant BTA staff member, to better suit either the needs of the BTA or the interests of the volunteer. The best way to ensure you're well supported and providing meaningful service is to stay in regular and proactive contact with your BTA volunteer point person, who will be introduced to you during the onboarding process.

No skills are required – anyone is welcome to adopt trail! By volunteering, you can get hands on experience with basic trail maintenance, hand tools, map reading, and more! We just ask that you are:

• Able and committed to performing light to moderate physical activity outdoors. 
• Dependable and self-motivated.
• Willing to communicate regularly/as needed with the Section Supervisor. 
• Registered as a BTA Volunteer & agree to record your volunteer hours in Volgistics. 

Expectations

• Maintain the trail to BTA standards for safety, visibility, and accessibility.
• Communicate promptly with the Section Supervisor about trail conditions and needs.
• Represent the Buckeye Trail Association positively in all interactions with the public and partner organizations.

Minimum Age
 18 (volunteers under 18 may participate with adult supervision and parental consent).

To learn more:

Read the official position description here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EEwrxolu0noLbax3WZ5_A18dNqUkL_eR/view?usp=sharing

Read the trail adopter handbook: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1k0g24QdtCN9Rl1Exh5Is7Hl0hTd7U9Aq/view?usp=sharing

To become a Trail Adopter:

1. Fill out the BTA volunteer application here: https://www.volgistics.com/appform/1832578270

2. Set up your account once the application is approved

3. Email to coordinate with the Volunteer Program Manager and a Section Supervisor to find a segment that you can adopt

Volunteer Manager:

volunteer@buckeyetrail.org 

Section Supervisor:

westunion@buckeyetrail.org