At Trione-Annadel State Park, volunteers sought for trail maintenance

Volunteer crews are headed Saturday to Trione-Annadel State Park to help winterize trails in areas of the park that are open to visitors.

It’s the first trail maintenance day scheduled since wildfires devastated miles of the Sonoma County landscape, including portions of the beloved state park on the southeast edge of Santa Rosa. About 61 percent of the park, or 3,108 acres, was burned over as wind-driven flames invaded the North Bay on Oct. 8 and 9.

Park officials say some areas will recover faster than others. But the entire burn zone, mostly the southern and eastern parts of the park, remain closed indefinitely, possibly into spring, as trails are repaired and vegetation regrows.

Ken Wells, executive director of the Sonoma County Trails Council, said would-be volunteers eventually will be invited to work in burned areas of the park. But meanwhile, open trails need attention as winter rains set in.

The Trails Council is working with the Trione-Annadel volunteers, the Redwood Empire Mountain Bike Alliance, Annadel Mountain Biking Group and other interested parties from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Volunteers should meet at the Sonoma County Trails Council tool trailer in the main parking lot off the south end of Channel Drive at the Warren Richardson Trail. Tools, a park pass and snacks will be provided. Volunteers should bring water and wear gloves, a hat, long pants and boots or sturdy hiking shoes.

Those who plan to participate should RSVP to trailscouncil@sonic.net so enough refreshments can be provided.

You can reach Staff Writer Mary Callahan at 707-521-5249 or mary.callahan@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @MaryCallahanB.