Tri-State Trail Work Series

The Tri-State Trail Work Series returns to Emmaus, Pennsylvania on September 12th, engaging volunteers across four different states for a day of environmental stewardship and community building.
In the heart of Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, the morning starts at Illick's Mill Road in Bethlehem. Participants gather around 9 AM sharp, ready for a full two hours of trail maintenance activities. The weather typically offers firm yet slightly soft trails underfoot, with moderate UV exposure to be mindful of during outdoor work.
Runners for Public Lands (RPL) has been organizing the Trail Work Series since its inception in April 2026, bringing together local organizations such as Aardvark Sports Shop and trail maintenance groups. Each event sees a limited number of participants – only twenty volunteers per session due to space constraints – ensuring that every hand makes a meaningful impact on the trails.
The course for this particular day involves working along Illick's Mill Road in Bethlehem, PA. The terrain is primarily forested with some stretches near water bodies, providing both scenic and practical work conditions. Participants will engage in trail cleanup efforts as well as litter collection during their time there.
On September 12th, volunteers can expect temperatures ranging from mild to comfortable for outdoor labor, with a firm but slightly soft trail surface underfoot due to the season's typical weather patterns. The UV index is expected to be moderate at around 5.0, suggesting that participants should wear protective clothing and sunscreen during their work hours.
The Tri-State Trail Work Series offers various trail maintenance activities including the Catskills Trail Work in New York, Northern NJ Trail Work near Long Pond State Park, Lehigh Valley Trail Work along Illick's Mill Road in Bethlehem, PA, and concludes with the Emmaus Trail Work event. Each session provides unique opportunities for environmental stewardship across different landscapes.
For those interested in participating in the Tri-State Trail Work Series on September 12th, registration is free but limited to twenty volunteers per event due to space constraints at each location. To reserve your spot, visit https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=136569 for online sign-up before the deadline.
Participants are required to pick up their bibs or confirmations on-site at Illick's Mill Road in Bethlehem starting from 8 AM sharp prior to the trail work session. No additional items need to be brought, but participants should come prepared with appropriate footwear and attire suitable for outdoor manual labor.
The Tri-State Trail Work Series is a community-driven initiative that brings together volunteers across Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey for environmental stewardship on September 12th in Emmaus. This event offers an excellent opportunity for individuals to contribute directly to trail maintenance while also fostering connections within the local running community.