Students and local volunteers gather for distribution of tools and safety instructions prior to heading off to the work site. Temperatures in March on the Cumberland Plateau frequently start in the 30’s and warm to the 60’s. Dressing in layers is important because workers heat up quickly after just a few minutes of trail digging.
William and Mary students work on a tough piece of trail. Here they deal with tree roots, rock and a small stream crossing. Part of the mission of the Cumberland Trail is to preserve head waters of the many tributaries that flow off the Cumberland Plateau into the Tennessee River. Part of the ABS experience is learning a little about watersheds and wilderness preservation.
The 2010 William and Mary BreakAway volunteers pose with a local volunteer Wagon Master. Each school is assigned an experienced trail builder to teach safety and construction techniques and make sure their time with the CTC is enjoyable.
Photos: Richie
