Angeles National Forest near Mt. Wilson and Redbox off CA Hwy 2, CA — A National Trails Day event was hosted by the US Forest Service and volunteer groups to restore, rebuild, and maintain the trails of the Mt. Wlison trail system, Gabrielino National Recreation Trail, and the Strawberry Peak Trail on the Angeles National Forest on Saturday June 2, 2012.

More than 200 volunteers came out to support their backyard forest.

More than 200 volunteers ranging from families to organized groups came together to fix ruts, repair drainages, remove downed wood, and clear brush off highly valued trails in the Angeles National Forest. The volunteers cleared close to 4 miles of trail combined, “It is great to have the support and help from all of these volunteers for these trails in Los Angeles’s Backyard” said Mike McIntyre, Los Angeles River Ranger District Ranger. "National Trails Day is a great way to encourage the border community to take an active roll in the stewardship of the trail systems used by so many."

With assistance from the US Forest Service Angeles National Forest, REI, Boy Scouts of America, National Forest Foundation (NFF), Concerned Off Road Bicycling Association (CORBA), Mt. Wilson Bicycling Association, Bear Canyon Trail Crew, and JPL Trailbuilders and other community members and groups the trails were made passable. Initial work was started on the beloved Strawberry Peak Trail, but more work will be needed to reopen the trail.  "The importance of being directly involved with the restoration and stewardship of our forests and trails, is so important to REI and its communities”, said Jean Lim from REI. The Haramokngna American Indian Cultural Center hosted activities and entertainment adding to the celebratory atmosphere of the day.

National Trails Day is a is part of a national effort in which volunteers across the country are working on projects to benefit the National Forests in their own backyards and “is a fantastic way to have the community come out and work together to support sustainable recreation” said NFF California Program Director Vance Russell. “One of the best thing about the National Trails Day is that word of the event reaches many people who have never done trailwork" said Steve Messer of CORBA's trail crew. "We saw many new faces in addition to our trail crew regulars at Saturday's event."