Catskills Lean-To Crew Workday:
Balsam Lake Mountain Shelter

Sunday, June 8, 2025
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Balsam Lake Mountain Trailhead
Livingston Manor, NY

Come join the Catskills Lean-To Crew on improving the Balsam Lake Mountain Shelter.

The Scope of the Work: 

• Remove accumulated dirt and leaf debris from the base of the shelter. Regrading as needed.
• Add Oakum and repair the sapling cover as needed.

• Stain the exterior of the shelter. Sand and clean logs to remove any dirt and growth first.

• Stain the floor. Try to deter porcupine gnawing, using cayenne pepper.

• Deconstruct the existing privy to figure out what is still usable.

• Carry in needed materials to reconstruct the privy.

• Relocate the privy over a new hole

• Stain the privy

• Improve the nearby spring, by placing and securing a new pipe, in a manner that collects as many of the water veins as possible.

• improve / create a stone patio if needed.

   

• Terrain: 1 mile of wide and gentle trail, followed by 1 mile of steep and narrow trail.
• What to bring: Water, lunch and snacks, sturdy shoes, water, safety goggles, gloves, bug spray, and a headlight. If you'll be spending the night, bring your overnight gear and food.
• Where to meet: The crew will be meeting at the Balsam Lake Mountain Trailhead - Google Maps Link
• Water: is available from a spring on the trail 1/10 of a mile uphill from the shelter
• The Shelter should be available for sleeping in during the trip
• Camping: You can either come for the day or stay at the shelter to make a fun volunteer trip out of the experience! Eric will spend Friday and Saturday night. For those staying over we do a combination of shared and individual food.
• Carpooling is encouraged! Eric will facilitate.
• Tools: will be provided.
• Minors under 18: Must fill out a Guardian Consent Form and attend with a parent or guardian.
• Contact: Catskills Lean-To Crew Leader Eric Friedman at [email protected], or text or call 845-594-3817.

This Event counts as part of Trail U curriculum.

Attending this worktrip will fulfill the "Non-Trail U NYNJTC Event" elective for any of the 3 curriculum tracks. Fill out your attendance in the Trail U Brochure to track your progress and earn a patch upon completion!

If you have any questions about Trail U, please email [email protected]