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. Year over year, community members rally together help GVLT build or maintain trails in the Gallatin Valley. This year, they're heading to Highland Glen Nature Preserve. 

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 and get your hands dirty with your friends and neighbors! 

Here are the details of this community event:

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

1. Giving 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.

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?

Image courtesy of Gallatin Valley Land Trust.

2. Get the Kids in the Dirt!

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!

Image courtesy of  Lisa Fotios / Unsplash. 

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 Breakfast and a BBQ

To kickstart your morning, GVLT will have coffee and bagels (while supplies last) generously donated by Ghost Town Coffee Roasters and BagelWorks. After a productive morning, all volunteers will have the opportunity to enjoy a free BBQ at noon, provided by Yellowstone Bank. It's the perfect chance to enjoy some great food, connect with the community, and celebrate a day full of meaningful work. 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 join in the excitement. Helping out not only improves our beautiful trails but also brings a sense of accomplishment. It's a rewarding experience to see the direct impact of your efforts, whether its clearing a path or planting new greenery. Plus, you'll be surrounded by like-minded individuals, making it a great way to meet new friends and strengthen community bonds! So come out and be a part of this rewarding and enjoyable day.

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.

Written by: Zach Altman, Edited by: Alexa Jorgenson (5/30/24)

Blog Cover by:  Averi Thompson