New wider Sagebrush Trail now open on Badger Mountain in Richland

If you’re hiking on Badger Mountain, you are likely encounter crews of volunteers working on the building and maintaining several sections of trails.

And they could use your help.

The Sagebrush Trail has now been made five feet wide from top to bottom.

The crews also completed cutting out the uphill bank of about 1,200 feet of trail and widened about 400 feet of the Sunflower Trail that connects the Sagebrush and Canyon Trails.

They also finished building the new junction and touched up the trail.

The wider trail allows more room for runners and bicycles and even other hikers to safely pass other trail users.

Work is now turning toward building of a new trail that connects to the Sagebrush Trail.

“The weather forecast is calling for more nice temperatures, little wind and some more sun. Great trail working weather,” said trailmaster Jim Langdon.

The work will mostly be using rakes to remove grass clumps and small rocks and then smoothing out the dirt and adding gravel. Tools are provided.

Sign up in advance so there will be enough cookies for all at the midday break.

Volunteers should bring work gloves, water and snacks, and dress in layers for the weather.

If you are interested in help, send an email to trailmaster@friendsofbadger.org.