How much work experience do I need?

None! We work hard to teach our volunteers the joy of maintaining trails using traditional tools. We will provide the tools and training needed.

What should I bring?

We will provide you with a basic list of the fundamentals before the project. If you will be joining us for an overnight project, you will need to bring your own supplies for camping overnight. We do have some extra equipment like tents, sleeping bags, and backpacks. Let us know if you’d like to borrow one of these! Please do not bring your own tools.

Do I have to pay a fee to sign up for a project?

Some of our longer projects do require you to pay a deposit in order to join the trip. We’ve had trouble with people backing out of trips at the last minute and this can really affect the productivity of the overall project. By charging a refundable fee, people are less likely to cancel their reservation. This fee is refundable to all volunteers that come on the trip. Refunds will not be given to volunteers that do not show up or cancel their reservation. Exceptions will be made for medical reasons or unforeseen circumstances. Volunteers can choose to donate the deposit to ITA. All donations are tax-deductible and will go towards maintaining trails throughout Idaho.

Do I have to bring food?

Food is provided on some of our projects and on other trips, you will need to provide your own food. Check the project description for each trip to see if food is provided.

Does ITA provide transportation?

Unfortunately, Idaho Trails Association is unable to provide transportation for liability reasons. However, when you register for a trail project, please tell us if you are interested in carpooling with other participating volunteers and we will put you in touch by email to organize meeting times, meeting locations and other transportation logistics. We will only share your e-mail address if you indicate in your registration that you agree. We never share your phone number with anyone without your permission. Remember, if you are a rider, please be courteous and offer to chip in on the cost of gas! If you do not wish to carpool, we will provide you with directions to the project work site.

Can I arrive late or leave early?

Please coordinate with us first by sending an email. For many of our backpacking trips, we require the group stays together the entire project but it depends on the project.

Can I bring my kids?

Depending on the project, we’d love to see your kids join us in keeping Idaho’s trails open! Please check with us before signing up your child as a volunteer to see if the crew leader feels the project is safe for younger participants. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be registered by their parent or guardian. Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. For our Youth projects, volunteers ages 14-18 may participate and do not need to be accompanied by an adult.

Can I bring a pet?

Sorry, please do not bring any pets. We have found that pets can be a significant distraction and in some rare cases, a safety hazard. Even if you are confident in your own pet’s behavior, we must apply the rules fairly to everyone.

Still have questions? Email us at trails@idahotrailsassociation.org