Fall 2012 Adopt-a-Crag Recap

For ten years, Mid Atlantic Climbers and the Access Fund have been hosting Adopt-a-Crag events in the Greater Washington, D.C. area.  This year, the climbing community showed once again that they are seriously committed to stewardship. At four events this Fall, taking place in Maryland and Virginia, more than 160 volunteers came and gave back to climbing areas that have given us so much. In total, more than 613 hours of service.

Ilchester Adopt-a-Crag, Patapsco State Park, MD.
- Over 30 volunteers.
- Significant trail work and erosion controls above and below the Ilchester Cliff.  These improvements will slow erosion and help preserve the anchor and plant life at the top of the cliff.

National Public Lands Day and Carderock Adopt-a-Crag, Caderock Recreation Area, C&O Canal National Park, MD.
 - Over 50 volunteers.
 - Mulching along the top and base of the cliff to help control erosion.
 - Social trail brushing.

10 Year Anniversary Great Falls Adopt-a-Crag, Great Falls National Park, VA.
 - Over 30 volunteers.
 - Trail work near Cow Hoof Rock to help control erosion as well as provide a safer slope for hikers.
 - Social trail brushing.
 - Trash pickup.

Northwest Branch Adopt-a-Crag, Northwest Branch Park, MD.
 - Over 30 volunteers.
 - Trail repair due to fallen tree from storms earlier this year.
 - Installation of water bars to divert water off trails and control erosion.
 - Invasive species removal.
 - Trash pickup.

Thank you to everyone who came out both in the Fall and earlier this Spring to help give back to the areas we love and to show that climbers are committed to our outdoor communities.

We've already begun planning for 2013.  If you have any thoughts, comments, suggestions, or would like to get more involved with Mid Atlantic Climbers, please e-mail us.

Carderock 2012 A Success!

Hard at work

Last month's Adopt-A-Crag at Carderock was a huge success!  We had a great turnout, with 55 people making short work of the massive amount of mulch provided by the park service.

Getting clever with the "shovelling"

Every year on National Public Lands Day, climbers join the C & O National and Historic Park to mulch the climbing area above and below the cliffs to manage impact and control erosion.  Along with this work, volunteers worked to brush social trails beginning to develop in the surrounding area.

Bombs away!

After all the work was completed, volunteers were fed a generous spread provided by Earth Treks, followed by a raffle of gear provided by our sponsors.

Thanks to all our volunteers as well as our sponsors: REI, Earth Treks, Sportrock, Solid Rock Climbers for Christ, Misty Mountain, Friksn, Patagonia, Eastern Mountain Sports, and Metolius.

If you'd like to see more photos from the event, check out Mark "Indy" Kochte's collection here.