Ohio Forest Seeks Volunteers to Maintain 100+ Miles of Trails

Volunteers in southeastern Ohio have quietly powered hundreds of thousands of dollars in outdoor recreation improvements over the past three years.

Wayne National Forest's volunteer program has generated between $400,000 and $600,000 worth of community service annually. These volunteer hours maintain trails, lakes, and campgrounds that draw visitors and economic activity to Lawrence County.

Partnership coordinator Robert Napier recently told county commissioners that the forest is recruiting new volunteers to continue this work. Every volunteer hour, valued at $33, helps unlock federal grant money for trail improvements.

The program works through a federal matching grant system. For every dollar in federal funding, the forest must provide 20 percent in matching work, with at least 5 percent coming from volunteers.

The Ripple Effect

This volunteer work does more than maintain trails. It creates a multiplier effect that brings state and federal recreation dollars into rural Ohio communities.

The forest collaborates with groups like AmeriCorps and the Southern Wayne Advisory Council. These partnerships have expanded beyond trail work to include community events like Trunk or Treat and building new information kiosks with Collins Career Technical School students.

The program also offers opportunities for people completing court-ordered community service to contribute meaningful work outdoors. Napier welcomes both individual volunteers and organized groups.

Anyone interested can call the Wayne National Forest main office at 740-534-6500 and ask for Napier to learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities.