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The Trip

Mammoth Cave is the longest recorded cave system in the world, with more than 367 miles explored and mapped -- and it's speculated that an additional 600 miles of caves exist. Congress authorized the 53,000-acre national park in 1926 to preserve the cave system, the scenic river valleys of the Green and Nolin rivers, and a hilly section of south-central Kentucky. Mammoth Cave was designated as a World Heritage site in 1981 and as an International Biosphere Reserve in 1990.

The Project

Our project will probably focus on trail maintenance, i.e. maintaining or rebuilding established park trails. The northern portion of Mammoth Cave Park has a number of trails that need maintenance and/or reconstruction. We will work under direct supervision of Park Service personnel.

Other projects that previous Sierra Club groups have worked on and that we may again be requested to assist with include eradication of invasive plant species, particularly Ailanthus (Tree of Heaven) and Wysteria (i.e. "Wysteria gone wild"), or possibly garlic mustard. Additional projects may include American butternut, American chestnut, or dogwood restoration (e.g. planting or evaluating survival of previously planted trees);endangered species surveys (e.g. ginseng); and prairie habitat restoration.

More than 300 photos from participants in the 2010 Mammoth Cave Service Trip can be viewed here.

Itinerary

Day 1: We'll get to know each other over our first trip meal, which is dinner. At 5 p.m., we'll meet in the dining hall, across from Maple Springs group campsite (directions will be sent in the Departure Bulletin).

Days 2-5: We'll work on our project, based on the needs of the Park Service.

Day 6: On our day-off, you will have the opportunity to go on a special cave tour with Park Naturalist, at no charge. Note: You may schedule additional cave tours at any time (e.g. late afternoon, evening) during the week. However these are not included in trip cost and will be at your own expense.

Otherwise, other ideas for activities today (at your own cost) include:
1: Canoe/kayak rental for the Green River
2: Horseback riding at a nearby stable (e.g. two- to six-hour rides are available)

Day 7: We'll say our goodbyes and depart after breakfast (our last trip meal).

Getting There

Most participants arrive by private car, though a few fly. Many arrange to share rides by carpooling with one another.

Regarding air travel, the nearest airports are Louisville and Nashville. Car rental or ride-sharing arrangements will be required from either airport. By highway: From Louisville or Nashville, take I-65 to KY 255. Turn west onto KY 255 and travel about three miles to KY 70, then turn left. Mammoth Cave is about three miles on the right.

Accommodations and Food

We will be staying in a bunkhouse near Maple Springs group campsite. The bunkhouse and adjoining two buildings are in a secluded, quiet, and clean area. The bunkhouse has separate areas for men and women, and warm showers nearby. There is a large kitchen and dining area. For those who prefer more privacy, you may set up a tent on the lawn. A laundry facility is available at the visitor center campground about three miles away. (The visitor center also has individual cabins that you can rent at your own expense. It is possible to bicycle between the bunkhouse and visitor center, but there is a deep river valley between the two.)

Most folks are pleasantly surprised by the variety of food on our trips. This trip will emphasize vegetarian choices but will not be strictly vegetarian. If you are a strict vegan you should talk to the trip cook before the trip. Additionally, if you have food allergies to common food items, the trip cook will want to talk to you and figure out if it will be possible to fit you in.

Trip Difficulty

This is an active trip that will involve hiking several miles each day, often over uneven or hilly terrain. It will include bending, lifting, digging, and hauling. You will have a better time and prevent injuries if you are in good shape before the trip starts. Also see comments below regarding poison ivy and ticks.

Equipment and Clothing

You will need a large day pack to carry your gear to the work site each day; a good rainsuit (not a poncho, please); sturdy work gloves; water bottles (at least two liters worth); a Tupperware-type container with lid for carrying your lunch, a bowl, cup, and spoon for meals; and your own bedding (sleeping bag/pillow, or sheets and blankets if you prefer). Bring a towel for the shower (a bathmat might be desirable, too), and hiking boots that are well-broken-in. Regarding clothing, see below.

Bring a personal first-aid kit. You probably want to bring your own sleeping bag for use in the dorms (or your own sheets). And you'll need a tent if you choose to sleep out on the lawn. If you have questions, contact the trip leader.

There is a lot of poison ivy in the park and it is impossible to avoid when working in the woods. You need to have a set of work clothes that you can take off immediately after working: long-sleeve shirt, long pants, high socks, gloves, etc. Of note, shorts are NOT suitable work attire; there are many thorny plants. Heavy pants (e.g. heavy jeans or other bush pants) are a good idea; thin nylon pants will easily snag and the thorns will go right through them. High-topped gaiters are a good idea.

Additionally, you should bring a poison ivy cleanser. Poison ivy soap (like Dr. Bronner's Peppermint), rubbing alcohol, and a specialized product like Technu and Ivy Block are all recommended. We suggest bringing an anti-itch cream, like a cortisone cream -- just in case you get the rash. Rubbing alcohol is an excellent substitute for poison ivy soap, and can be used on-site when water is not handy. Tech Labs, Inc. makes a poison ivy cleanser called "Technu." Local drugstores (e.g. CVS , Walgreens) usually carry it. There is a good article on poison ivy here.

There are LOTS of ticks in the Kentucky woods, and you should wear insect repellant and check for ticks every day. Wearing light-colored clothing makes them easier to see, and you might want to invest in clothing that is impregnated with permethrin.

References

Books:

• Molloy, Johnny, A Falcon Guide to Mammoth Cave National Park: A Guide to Exploring the Caves, Trails, Roads, and Rivers (Exploring Series).
• Klass, Raymond and Ronald R. Switzer, Mammoth Cave National Park Reflections.

Maps:

• National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map of Mammoth Cave National Park Scale 1 = 1:28,000. This map will be used throughout the week. It is available at the park visitor center.

Web sites:

• http://www.nps.gov/maca/index.htm
• http://www.mammoth.cave.national-park.com/info.htm
• http://www.friendsofmammothcave.org
• http://www.nps.gov/maca/supportyourpark/friendsofmaca.htm

Conservation

The Beyond Coal campaign can be said to have originated in Kentucky, home of Peabody Coal. http://www.sierraclub.org/coal/ky/default.aspx

The Thoroughbred Power Plant was recently defeated by a sustained effort lead by Sierra Club Volunteers. http://www.sierraclub.org/planet/200506/thoroughbred.asp

Mountaintop removal is an ongoing issue in the Appalachian region. http://kentucky.sierraclub.org/newsroom/newsletter/pdf/news1008.pdf

Invasive species: some are removable, particularly Ailanthus (Tree of Heaven). http://www.nps.gov/maca/supportyourpark/npld09event.htm

Trip Price

See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy.

The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.

Staff

Leader:

A native Nebraskan, Vern has been an obstetrician on the U of Louisville med school faculty for the past 21 years. Some of his other interests include running, helping with corn harvest on his family's farm in NE, working on his 112 year-old house, folk music, and leading service trips, particularly to Hells Canyon, ID, and Mammoth Cave, KY.

E-mail: vdcook01@louisville.edu

Cook:

Jeanne has both led and cooked for numerous service trips. She specializes in hearty vegetarian cuisine. Her first trip to Hells Canyon was in April 1998. She lives near Cleveland with her husband, Fred, and her 12-year-old daughter, Anna.

Email: jeanneklimczak@juno.com

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General Notes About Sierra Club Trips

• Carbon Offsets
• Carpooling
• Electronic Devices
• Equipment
• How to Apply for a Trip
• Leader Gratuities
• Liability Release and Assumption of Risk
• Medical Issues
• Non-discrimination Statement
• Participant Approval
• Reservation and Cancellation Policy
• Seller of Travel Disclosure
• Travel Insurance
• Trip Feedback
• Wilderness Manners