The Moab region is well known for its dramatic desert scenery and wide range of non-motorized trail options to inspire everyone in their active pursuits. But it takes a village to maintain all the unique recreation opportunities in our area.
The first inaugural Moab Facelift, a service event and volunteer festival, will occur from Friday, May 5 through May 7. Grand County Trail Mix is partnering with the Yosemite Climbing Association to host the event, where volunteers will work on service projects throughout the county.
Makeda Barkley, the event coordinator, hopes that it will be an annual event. She envisions many “volunteers will come from other places to help give back, while at the same time having the chance to recreate, enjoy the landscape, and trails in the area.”
“Non-motorized recreation is important to the local economy and tourism for the area,” she said. The event plans on having seven different service projects for which volunteers can sign up and about 15 people serving on each project.
“We love where we recreate, but we also must be mindful of those lands we are recreating on. Our events are educational and bring awareness to the locations as well, ” said Karin Tarpinian, the Events and Partnerships Manager for the Yosemite Climbing Association.
Volunteers will work throughout Grand County, including equine trails, hiking trails, mountain bike trails, the bike skills park, the river corridor, and other locations within Moab to help mitigate impacts.
“Community/social service events are significant because they bring people together that haven’t worked together in the same location. It brings in the sense of community and support for future events,” said Tarpinian.
The event will host a wide array of area partners including the Friends of Anonymous Park, Canyonlands Backcountry Horseman, Grand County Weed Department, Rim to Rim Restoration, City of Moab, Grand County Trail Mix, and Friends of Arches and Canyonlands Parks.
One project will partner with The Canyonlands Backcountry Horseman Chapter. This nationwide service organization is the “caretaker” of the equestrian trails in the area. The group will mitigate issues on the 3.3-mile connector trail called the Bejou Trail, between the Hollywood Westerns Trailhead and the Mary Jane Parking area.
“Our organization helps identify trails and problems, and we hope to focus on making the Bejou Trail a more distinct trail versus a dirt path,” said Stephen Schultz, Canyonlands BCH Chapter president. “We want to make a safe, secure, and set path in an iconic area/scenic valley.”
The event starts on Friday, May 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. A meet-and-greet with project leaders and signups for specific projects will be held at the Moab Arts and Recreation Center (111 E. 100 North). Pizza and beverages are provided.
Saturday, May 6, will start with a light breakfast, coffee, and lunch prep from 7 to 7:45 a.m., followed by service projects around the Moab area from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. A wide range of projects will be offered to participate in, such as trailhead invasive species removal, a flood recovery project along Mill Creek, maintenance of the Robin Groff Bike Skills Park and more.
Volunteers will return from a rewarding day of service work for a volunteer-only celebration and party with food, prizes, drinks, live music, and fun on Saturday evening starting at 5 p.m. to thank all the volunteers for their time and energy.
The festival ends on Sunday, May 7 with a meet-up at Swanny Park at 8 a.m. for self-directed recreation outings with new and old friends to enjoy the surrounding area.
Interested volunteers can register at www.YosemiteClimbing.org/2023-moab-facelift.
