HELENA, Mont. — For three decades, Prickly Pear Land Trust (PPLT) has partnered with the Helena-Lewis & Clark National Forest and the City of Helena to develop and maintain the premier South Hills Trail System. Supported by the Helena-Lewis & Clark Resource Advisory Committee and the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Recreational Trails Program, this enduring partnership focuses on enhancing trail accessibility and sustainability.
Each season, PPLT hosts a robust volunteer program alongside crews from the Montana Conservation Corps to execute vital on-the-ground trail maintenance, reroutes, signage inventory and repairs, and weed control. This year, PPLT has maintained 30 miles of trails on USFS lands and recorded over 500 volunteer hours donated by 135 volunteers.
On Tuesday, July 21, Trail Night volunteers will finish a .6-mile trail that provides a new connection from Pinchot Trail to Top of the World. This connector will reduce congestion and user conflict in an area that is popular with both pedestrians and bikers. Volunteers of all ages and abilities will put finishing touches on the trail.
In addition to trail construction and maintenance, PPLT is actively working with private landowners to acquire lands and trail easements that enhance the South Hills Trail System and protect public access.
Event Details
- Tuesday, July 21, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Old Shooting Range Trailhead, 1782 Davis Gulch Road
- Volunteers should wear closed toe shoes or boots and bring water. All equipment and training provided by PPLT. RSVP here
Contacts
Nate Kopp, Program & Trails Director, Prickly Pear Land Trust
Tim Lawrence, Trails & Parks Manager, Prickly Pear Land Trust
About Prickly Pear Land Trust
Prickly Pear Land Trust connects people to the land, water, wildlife, and agricultural heritage of central Montana through conservation, recreation, and education. We’re creating a healthy future for all Montanans by protecting the places where we work, play, and learn outdoors.
