Friday, September 18, 2026
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Sunday, September 20, 2026

Arnold Rim Trail

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Note that children 14 and over are welcome on V-O-Cal projects. Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 14 may attend VoCal with a non-volunteering adult supervisor, but neither would volunteer that day per the terms of our waiver.

Project Background and Description

Join us for an amazing trail adventure in the Stanislaus National Forest in Calaveras County, California, a joint venture with the Arnold Rim Trail Association (ARTA). Our campsite and trail work will be in Murphys, a small town southwest of Arnold, where we’ll be working close to camp on the Bamm Bamm and Wilma’s Wiggles trails. Come enjoy the outdoors, lend a hand, and be part of something special. We’ll be widening 1.5 miles of trail corridor, improving drainage, and clearing out copious amounts of “mountain misery” along the way. After the work, stick around for the local brew, enjoy a taste of Murphys with beer provided by Murphys Pourhouse.
          
More info about:
Arnold Rim Trail
More about what it is like to volunteer on a project:
Volunteer

Project Pictures

Help recruit more volunteers! Download the project flyer here

Project Flyer

Covid Policy

Because we do not want any of our projects to become a super-spreader event, V-O-Cal policy is that each of us should respect our fellow volunteers by not attending a project if you have contracted Covid and have not yet tested negative.  In addition, if you have been exposed to Covid in the week before a V-O-Cal project, you should test to make sure you are unable to expose others.  Thank you for keeping our V-O-Cal community and families safe.

Camp

Camp will be adjacent to a Arnold Rim Trail Parking lot, with overflow parking less than about 1/4-mile away, and the work sites are all within one mile of camp.

Dog Policy

Dogs are welcome in camp and on some trails, but not in the work areas. Per park policy, all dogs must be kept on a leash of six feet or less during the day and confined overnight. Please only bring your dog if it is well-behaved, no aggressive behavior toward people or other dogs, and no excessive barking. We also ask that dog owners camp in the designated area.

Driving Directions

• Take CA-4 E toward Murphys, CA.

• In Avery, turn left onto Avery Sheep Ranch Rd.

• Turn right onto Valley View Drive and continue to Center Camp.

• Arnold Rim Trail Parking will be on your left, just past the turn, camp is adjacent to the parking lot.

Overflow parking is available less than about 1/4-mile away if the main lot fills up, and all work sites are within one mile of camp.

Map Link

Carpool/Parking Information

Level of Effort

Project Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet
If a parking pass is required at the project site, it will be included with the fact sheet.

Project Schedule

Friday
5:00pm - Registration and camping open. DINNER IS NOT PROVIDED.

Saturday‍

7:30am - Registration, light breakfast, and lunch packing begin at Center Camp.
8:30 am – Morning greeting, announcements, stretching and safety talk.
9:00 am – Project begins.
12:30pm - Break for lunch on trail.
3:30 pm – Stop work and return to camp. Clean and store tools.
4:00 pm – Drinks, appetizers and socializing.
6:00 pm – Dinner. 

Sunday

‍7:30am - Registration and lunch packing begin. Hot breakfast is served.
8:30 am – Morning greeting, announcements, stretching and safety talk.
9:00 am – Project begins.
11:30 am – Break for lunch on trail.
1:30pm - Head back to camp, clean tools, pack gear and truck.

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Things to Do Before or After the Project

What to Bring and Wear

For your safety and protection from hazards, please be prepared with the following items:
  • Sturdy shoes or boots with good tread. Ankle support will be important where we are building new trails. Sandals and open-toed shoes will not be permitted
  • Water bottles or a water bladder that can hold at least 2 liters of water. (You will not be allowed on the trail without water.)
  • Day pack to carry your water and lunch.
  • Work gloves. (If you don’t have your own gloves, V-O-Cal will provide them. Please return them at the end of the project.)
  • V-O-Cal provides all necessary tools, as well as training on tool use and safety.
  • Sunglasses, hat and sunscreen.
  • Insect repellent and allergy medicine (if you normally need these things when working outdoors).
  • Reusable plate/bowl, eating utensils, and mug/cup.
  • A change of clothes for each work day and for lounging at camp to minimize the spread of poison oak.
  • Please come prepared for a variety of weather conditions (think layers!). Unless there is a serious storm predicted, we will work drizzle or shine.
If you are camping, you will also need the following items: 
  • A tent (if you have the option to bring a smaller tent, please do!)
  • A sleeping bag, sleeping pad and pillow.
  • A flashlight or headlamp.
  • A camp chair (if you don't want to sit on the ground).
  • Other camping gear that makes you comfortable

Meals

V-O-Cal provides all meals for volunteers from breakfast Saturday through lunch Sunday. Vegetarian options are available for all meals. (Please note that dinner is not provided on Friday.)
  • To minimize waste we ask that you bring your own reusable plates, coffee mug, cups and utensils. Hot water and soap are provided.
  • A continental breakfast is served Saturday morning.
  • Lunch is prepared before hitting the trail. You break for lunch on the trail around 12:30pm.
  • Please arrive at camp by 7:40am to register, eat breakfast and prepare your lunch.
  • Appetizers and beverages will be available after the work day on Saturday, usually around 4pm. Dinner will follow, usually around 5:30pm.
  • Hot breakfast is served Sunday morning.

Hazards

SUN EXPOSURE | HYDRATION | HYPOTHERMIA Most of the work areas are fully shaded. However, please plan for sun protection, including sun hats, sun block and light long sleeve shirts. Please bring water bottles or a water bladder large enough to hold at least 2 liters of water. Drink plenty of water throughout the work day. If you feel tired or weak, let your crew leader know, and take a break.

POISON OAK There is a risk of exposure to poison oak at the work site. Have your crew leader point some out to you if you don’t know what it looks like. Clean with Tecnu (which we provide) after the work day and be cautious when handling your dirty clothes

TICKS | MOSQUITOES Mosquitoes could be active this time of year so bug spray and long sleeved, lightweight shirts are recommended. Ticks are always a hazard; light colored clothing makes them easier to spot when you check during and after the project.

SNAKES Snakes are present on the property. Use caution, especially when picking items up off the ground or moving rocks.

SHARP TOOLS Please listen to your crew leader’s tool safety talk and observe proper tool use throughout the day.

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Volunteer Project Team

  • V-O-Cal Executive Director Duane Sheets
  • Project Team Lead Duane Sheets
  • Technical Lead Joseph Cavaness
  • Crew Leader Manager Tomomi Yuasa
  • Kitchen Lead | Chef Manuela Martinez
  • Camp Manager Pete Duringer 
  • Tool Manager | Town Mayor Seth Little
  • Truck | Warehouse Load Lead Curt Hutchings
  • Registration Lead Augusta Murphy
  • Sat / Sun Stretch Lead Lauren Blanchard
  • Shopping Duane Sheets | Tomomi Yuasa
  • Flyer | Factsheet Lily Brady
  • Photographer Anka Karewicz
  • Website Lisa Freeman | Geoff Clarke
  • Outreach Lily Brady | Melinda Green

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Agency Partners

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Project Sponsors

Help recruit more volunteers! Download the project flyer here

Project Flyer

Other Upcoming Projects

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