5 Reasons Why You Should Volunteer on National Trails Day

National Trails Day is this Saturday! What will you and your family do this weekend?

How about maintaining some trails? Or planting trees in the neighborhood park? Sound like fun, right!

For over 20 years, the Gallatin Valley Land Trust has been celebrating National Trails Day by rallying the community to build and maintain our region's extensive network of trails. 

Last year, over 200 members of the Gallatin community came out to help GVLT build or maintain trails at Gallatin County Regional Park in Bozeman. 

This year is expected to be even bigger. Here at Montana Gift Corral, we love our community and the values it represents, which is why you should join GVLT this Saturday on the west side of town and get your hands dirty with your friends and neighbors!

Here Are 5 Reasons Why You Should Volunteer on National Trails Day:

1. GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

GVLT's mission is to link Bozeman’s core to public lands throughout the Gallatin Valley. Since 1990, they have collaborated with the City of Bozeman and dozens of public and private organizations to expand the Main Street to the Mountains system to over 80 miles of trails.

Image courtesy of Gallatin Valley Land Trust.

These trails are used by commuters, runners, bikers, birdwatchers, and stargazers, and help make the Gallatin Valley the best place to live under the Big Sky. Community days like this get most of the labor accomplished! Do you use these awesome town trails?

2. GET THE KIDS IN THE DIRT

Image courtesy of Gabriel Jimenez / Unsplash.

Recent studies have demonstrated the numerous benefits that spending time in nature has for both kids and adults - something most of us have already known for a long time. Most studies agree that children who play frequently outside are happier, more focused, and less anxious than kids who a stuffed up indoors.

So, get those kids in the dirt!

3. FRESH AIR IS THE BEST MEDICINE 

By getting outside in the fresh air, you are also getting some healthy vitamin D from the sun, which is proven to help fight certain diseases, from depression to cancer and heart attacks. According to Harvard Medical School, most Americans aren't getting enough vitamin D. Odds are you could benefit from some sunshine! (be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen, though!)

4. FREE PICNIC LUNCH

Image courtesy of Zach Altman

After working all morning, there will be a free picnic lunch at noon for volunteers to enjoy! Food, you say? Yes please. 

5. YOU WILL HAVE FUN!

Getting involved with the community is never hard work, it's fun! Grab a shovel and some gloves and come help out!

Image courtesy of Benjamin Combs / Unsplash.

For more information on National Trails Day, click here.

Can't make this one? GVLT hosts volunteer days all summer long.

By Zach Altman