Volunteer Wilderness Rangers' practice hike this Saturday

SIPSEY WILDERNESS - Those interested in learning more about Wild Alabama's Volunteer Wilderness Ranger Program have a chance to do so during a "Saturate the Sipsey" practice hike this Saturday, July 20.

Participants will be introduced to the program and learn about patrolling a wilderness trail.

The day begins at 8:45 a.m. at Wild Alabama's office at 552 Lawrence Street, Moulton, Ala., but only the first half hour will be spent in the office. Attendees are asked to bring a backpack of food and water for the day.

Current rangers are encouraged to attend and are asked to come in uniform and with the Survey 123 app on their devices.

According to Wild Alabama's website, "The Volunteer Wilderness Ranger (VWR) program was established in 2010 to maintain a consistent stewardship presence in wilderness areas."

VWRs patrol and assess wilderness trails, report violations, perform trail maintenance, greet the public and provide educational information to fellow hikers.

"Because VWRs represent Wild Alabama and the U.S. Forest Service in direct public interactions, volunteers must undergo extensive annual two-day training and shadow an experienced VWR before formally joining the program," the website continues. "Adherence to U.S. Forest Service and Wild Alabama policies and guidelines outlined in the field guide is mandatory for VWRs."

The next annual training will be Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 14-15, at Looney's Tavern in Double Springs.

For more information about the program or Saturday's event, contact Lindsay Madison at lindsay@wildal.org.

Sign up for Saturday's hike here.


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