Cumberland Island National Seashore! Camping and Improving its Beautiful Trails - Thu, Feb 25 2016

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Cumberland Island National Seashore! Camping and Improving its Beautiful Trails


The Basics:
Event Type:Volunteer
Event Location: SE corner of Georgia, via ferry from St. Marys   Volunteer: Cumberland Island National Seashore!  Camping and Improving its Beautiful Trails  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Thu, Feb 25 2016  11:00 am >> Sun, Feb 28 2016 11:00 am  (Carpool Departure: 4:30 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Mon, Jan 4 2016 12:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Feb 19 2016 12:00 pm
Event Duration:4 Days and 3 Nights
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult
Distance:5 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Charlie Cottingham
Email Trip Leader(s)
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:20
Minimum Group Size:5
Number Registered So Far: 16 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

Trip Update as of Feb 24th:  Based on what our confirmees have told me virtually all of us plan either to "custom carpool" down on Wednesday (today) or to drive independently and meet us at 11 AM Thu at the ferry dock in St. Marys. Several of us plan to meet for carpooling at 2:00 PM Wed at the I-75 Stockbridge Rd Park & Ride - see Directions below.  At least 6 of us have booked rooms to share on Wed night at the Magnolia Inn.  It's at I-95 Exit #3, just a 15-minute drive from the St. Marys Ferry dock and only about $50 per room via Expedia.com, including taxes and their compimentary continental breakfast Thu AM. The Cumberland Island weather forecast is looking good:  Clear skies are expected for the entire Thu-Sun weekend, with highs each afternoon in the low 60s or high 50s and late-night lows in the 40s - should be fine for camping - plus roaring campfires & stargazing each evening!  The big event is definitely still ON!  -Charlie

WANTED!  ...Enthusiastic able-bodied AOC adventurers for this excitingly different Atlantic coast wilderness experience!  In October 2015 our first group of Cumberland Island volunteers greatly enjoyed a virtually identical 4-day, 3-night camping trip.  We're honored to be invited again by the Georgia Conservancy and the National Park Service to give back to the environment on this crown jewel of Georgia's barrier islands  Our main mission will be to work again with our friendly hosts to restore and improve the National Seashore's lovely backcountry trail system.  This will entail up to about 16 hours of much-needed work which may include trail maintenance, trail signage, boardwalk building, GPS data collection, etc. See more details below.

There'll also be plenty of leisure hours for relaxation and optional activities!  Be prepared for lots of amazing photo ops!  Wild horses, gorgeous native flora and fauna and picturesque remnants of Cumberland's fascinating human history all abound on the pristine island.  Late winter is usually an ideal time of year for camping, hiking, colorful sunsets, blazing campfires and festive group meals - daily highs in late February average about 70 degrees and nightly lows about 50. 

Our hosts are kindly providing us free ferry transportation between St. Marys, GA and the Island's Sea Camp dock - also van/truck transportation between the Sea Camp Visitor Center and our well-equipped "Hunt Camp" group campsite.  We'll camp there (at no charge) all 3 nights and prepare & serve our own group dinners & breakfasts there.  See below a discussion of our optional "potluck family-style" meals and suggested gear, food & refreshments under "Required Items to Bring."

Boasting the "best sunset on the island", Hunt Camp provides excellent amenities including a central building with a large covered porch and 4 bathrooms (each with a hot shower, flush toilet & lavatory) - also electric outlets, a refrigerator, ice machine, hot-water dishwashing sink, plenty of picnic table space and a big campfire ring!  It's just a 3-minute walk south of the historic Plum Orchard mansion, near the center of the lovely trail network on the sheltered western shore of the island.  

FERRY SCHEDULE and DRIVING SUGGESTIONS:  For our ferry trip to the Island our AOC group will need to gather at 11:00 AM Thursday in St. Marys, GA at the mainland Cumberland Island ferry dock and visitor center.  After a Nat'l Park Service safety briefing, gear loading, boarding, etc. the ferry will depart promptly at 11:45 AM. (See detailed Directions and What to Bring below.)  The dock is about a 6-hour 350-mile drive from Atlanta.  We'll facilitate the formation of "custom carpool groups" for the trip down and back.  One option of course is to depart Atlanta by about 5:00 AM Thursday morning.  I also suggest that if your work schedule permits, consider driving down on Wednesday and spending the night in the St. Marys area.  If you're interested l can provide specific suggestions for optional Wed night lodging.  Our Sunday return ferry to the mainland will depart the Sea Camp Dock at 10:15 AM putting us back at our vehicles in St. Marys about 45 minutes later.  Those of us who need to return directly to Atlanta should be able to arrive home as early as about 6:00 PM Sunday evening.

FOR MORE ONLINE INFO about CUMBERLAND ISLAND and this special service opportunity I suggest clicking these links:
The GA Conservancy's Cumberland Island Trail Restoration Project website: http://www.cumberlandtrails.com/#homepage
AOC Oct 2015 Post-trip Cumberland Article & Photo/Video Links: http://www.atlantaoutdoorclub.com/events/archivedetails.asp?eventid=10979
Cumberland Island Nat'l Seashore NPS website: http://www.nps.gov/cuis
Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cumberland_Island
Plum Orchard Mansion history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plum_Orchard
Photos, Maps & other Images: https://www.google.com/#q=cumberland+island+photos

MANY THANKS to our friend LAURA BUCKMASTER, the GA Conservancy's "Cumberland Island Trail Restoration Fellow," for inviting the Atlanta Outdoor Club to participate in this service trip and for overseeing its complex logistics.  Below are more important trip details and thoughtful suggestions that Laura has provided:

Cumberland Island Service Trip Details and Suggestions from
      Laura Buckmaster, our Georgia Conservancy Host:

The National Park Service and the Georgia Conservancy have worked together to identify critical areas on Cumberland Island that are in desperate need of trail work by dedicated volunteers such as yourself! We offer the unique chance for groups to do crucial service work on Cumberland Island’s extensive network of trails that helps increase the accessibility of remote wilderness areas. We are counting on passionate volunteer groups who are looking to dedicate at least 2 full days of hardcore trail restoration work!

What kind of work will we be doing as volunteers?
1. Trail maintenance: Intensive and advanced trail engineering on Willow Pond, Stafford Beach, Roller Coaster, Terrapin Point and Bunkley Trails. There will be tools and transportation to these areas provided for your group.
2. Signage: Assist with improved interpretive and informative signage at trailheads not located within Cumberland’s backcountry and wilderness.
3. GPS Data Collection: We will be assisting with the creation of the first ever wilderness and backcountry map of Cumberland Island. During our trail work, volunteers will be inputting data into Garmin GPS units which will detail waypoints, features, attractions, signs, changes in surface cover, and more.

Where will we stay?
Volunteers will stay at Hunt Camp which is centrally located on the marsh side of the island in the shadow of the historic Plum Orchard mansion.  Hunt Camp provides campers with electricity, showers, bathrooms, an ice machine, a microwave, a small refrigerator, a ranger station with running water, and the best sunset on Cumberland Island. In order for volunteers to stay at Hunt Camp and enjoy all these great amenities, the NPS asks that volunteers participate in 8 hours of service work a day (on Friday and Saturday during this trip).

Are there any recreation opportunities for our group?
This is definitely a service-work-first trip and there is limited time for exploration since we will spend 8 hours a day doing trail work, however there's a plethora of both natural beauty as well as historic sites to see during down time. The scenic trails of Cumberland Island offer some of the best hiking in Georgia. Because most of Cumberland Island is designated wilderness, there is no commercial recreation on the island (biking, kayaking, etc.). If you would like me to organize a hike for your group or give you pointers on fun things to see, let me know and I would be happy to help.

Arrival/Departure:
Volunteer service groups have the added benefit of having their ferry fees waived. All groups will need to check in at the Cumberland Island Visitor Center to let the desk ranger know that you are present and accounted for, and reservations will already have been arranged for your group. If you are riding the ferry your group leader will get your tickets. If you have reservations you will need to check in no later than 30 minutes before sailing time or your reservation will be canceled. You will get off the ferry at the Sea Camp Ranger Station and meet your NPS contact there.
  On Sunday the ferry will depart from Sea Camp Dock for the return trip to the mainland at 10:15 AM, arriving back at the St. Marys Dock about 11:00 AM.

Logistics, Proper Packing, etc: Everything about the island is all about logistics. Please think strategically when you pack your food, personal items and camping gear. Everything traveling to the island will be moved no less than four times and may be moved more. Plastic grocery bags don’t hold up well to multiple moves to and from boats and to and from vehicles. All items have to be carried up and down dock walkways also, so think about packing items inside containers, soft luggage with sturdy handles, etc. Backpacks work very well and duffle bags work better than rolling suitcases.
  If you have non-perishable food left over at the end of your service week and do not wish to take it home with you, please set it aside at hunt camp for donation to the Camden County food bank. This is a great way to continue your service to our area!

Vehicles & Ground Transportation: There is one volunteer van which belongs to the NPS. This van will be checked out to Hunt Camp for the week. This van is to be used only for travel to and from work sites and for weekly trash runs to the dumpsters on the south end of the island. It is not to be used for after-hours recreation nor is it to be used for exploratory travel on the island.

In the event of Injuries:  If at any time a person is injured, please contact the nearest ranger for medical treatment. Pauline Wentworth will also need to be contacted so the appropriate documentation can be collected. Law Enforcement rangers are available to respond to emergencies after hours. In an emergency, call 9-1-1 on cell phones. Emergency radios are located on the porch at the Sea Camp dock and east of the Plum Orchard mansion on Table Point Road.

For Questions regarding the Service Trip that aren't already answered in this article please contact Charlie Cottingham, the Atlanta Outdoor Club trip leader, at Cott4Treks@aoc.com or by phone at 404-321-3230.
  If Charlie can't answer your question feel free to contact me, Laura Buckmaster, at lbuckmaster@georgiaconservancy.org or by phone at 770-490-0600. We look forward to working with your AOC group and can’t wait to host y’all for an incredible service trip on Cumberland Island.

Required Items to Bring:
Camping Gear:  Tent, sleeping Pad, Sleeping Bag, Hammock, etc.
Food, Refreshments and Cooking/Dining Gear.  Since Hunt Camp does not have an actual "kitchen" please bring a Camp Stove if you have one plus some medium- to large-size Cooking Gear and Utensils to share.  A sturdy Cooler is appropriate for protecting and preserving your perishable food, personal beverages, etc. - no flimsy styrofoam, please!  There's an ample supply of safe potable running Water at the campsite, so there's no need to bring water for cooking, coffee, tea etc.
  As worked out well in October I suggest that while at the campsite we have Breakfast & Dinner each day "family potluck style," with each AOCer who chooses to participate in a meal simply providing one or two items to share that you personally enjoy, in lieu of bringing everything for yourself.  No need to contribute more than about 5 servings of your chosen item - otherwise we'll have an excess of leftovers!  For our Thu-Sat Lunches we suggest that you bring an appropriate assortment of picnic-style food and refreshments that can be conveniently carried in your Daypack and consumed while away from the campsite.  On Sunday we expect to be back in St. Marys in time to have lunch at a restaurant prior to returning to Atlanta.
Appropriate Clothing & Personal Gear:  All volunteers need to be equipped with work clothes— long pants, long-sleeve shirts, closed-toed shoes, a hat and individual water bottles. Shorts, T-shirts, sandals, and other casual clothing are great for after work and while in camp, but do not promote a safe work environment.
Base Layers + Jacket (or Sweater) +couple of extra light warm Layers for night-time use, etc.  [Note added on Feb 23rd: The Nat'l Weather Svc. predicts a ZERO chance of rain in SE GA from Thu noon thru Sun night.  Afternoon highs are expected to be in the 50s & 60s and late-night lows about 40 - a bit cooler than the averages for late Feb.]
Insect Repellent, Sunscreen and a Hat are a must!
Swimsuit if you're feeling adventurous!  The late-February seawater temperature will likely be about 60 degrees.
Camera or SmartPhone (lots of amazing photo-ops!) and any other compact items of a personal nature that you expect to need for this very special long weekend on the island - e.g., Hammock, Sunglasses, Guidebooks, Maps, Binoculars, Musical Instruments, etc!
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

How to Get There:
Event Directions:

As discussed above our AOC group will gather at 11:00 AM on Thursday (with all our carefully packed trip gear and supplies) at the mainland Cumberland Island ferry dock in St. Marys, GA. This is about a 6-hour 350-mile drive from Atlanta so be sure to allow ample time considering that there may be traffic problems, etc. en route.  For a zoomable Map or Satellite view of our meetup spot click the square blue & green "Event Location" icon near the top of this article.

DIRECTIONS from ATLANTA to CUMBERLAND ISLAND MAINLAND FERRY DOCK in ST. MARYS, GA:

1.  From metro Atlanta take I-75 South about 85 miles to the Macon, GA vicinity.  Be sure to bear Leftward when you reach the I-475 bypass and continue on I-75 south to the I-16 exit near the center of Macon.
2.  Bear leftward to take I-75 Exit #165 onto I-16 East toward Savannah.
3.  Stay on I-16 East for about 156 miles and look for the I-95 South exit.
4.  Bear Right at I-16 Exit #157A onto I-95 South toward Jacksonville.
5.  Stay on I-95 South for about 95 miles and get off at Exit #3, "GA-40, St. Marys."
6.  Turn Left onto GA-40 and go 9.3 miles to its end at the waterfront on St. Marys Street.
7.  Turn right onto St. Marys Street and notice the Cumberland Island ferry dock and visitor center immediately on your left where we'll unload our gear from our vehicles and gather at 11:00 for the ferry trip to the island.  A free shaded parking lot for Island visitors is just 1 block beyond the Visitor Center, via a right turn off St. Marys Street.
GPS and MAPS.GOOGLE.COM USERS:  Feel free to augment the above directions by entering as your destination either of the following:
LAT/LON Coordinates of our 11:00 AM Meetup Spot: 30.72032,-81.54937
Approx. Street Address
near Meetup Spot:  104 St. Marys Street W, St. Marys, GA

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):680Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 4:30 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $272.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:
* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost Includes:

No Charge for this amazing trip other than your fair share of carpooling expenses to and from the Ferry Dock!  Just bring your own camping gear, food & refreshments - plus a cheerful disposition and vim, vigor & vitality!


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.