Location: Custer, SD
Strenuous. Periodically lifting 20-50 lbs, comfort with a steep set of concrete stairs
Front country: Structured housing (Fully furnished apartment-style housing)
Help remove unsafe sections of a historic concrete path in Jewel Cave National Monument!
Service Project Details
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Along the concrete path to the original entrance of Jewel Cave, in an area that is referred to as the “Historic Area” of Jewel Cave National Monument, the concrete is dangerously worn. This concrete path is used from June-August to lead the popular Historic Lantern Tours, cave tours that see this portion of the cave only using lantern light. This path is also a portion of the Canyons Trail, a well-used trail in the park for hiking and running. This volunteer project would crush and remove the unsafe section of concrete to pave way for a much-needed new portion of trail.
Volunteers will not need to hike long distances; however, they will traverse a steep set of concrete stairs multiple times each day. The concrete pathway is located on a steep canyon slope, so volunteers must remain attentive to their footing and surroundings. Participants will also be required to periodically lift 20-50 pounds of uneven, rough, broken up concrete.
Project Leaders: Tony Zimmer and Ruth Wilford
Agency Website
Planned Itinerary
Sunday, May 17th. The Volunteer group meets in the afternoon at a time/place TBD. The group will go through check-in, introductions, an orientation, and will help set up camp and prepare for the work week ahead.
Monday, May 18th. Workday.
Tuesday, May 19th. Workday.
Wednesday, May 20th. Day off.
Thursday, May 21st. Workday.
Friday, May 22nd. Workday.
Saturday, May 23rd. Break down camp, goodbyes, and depart.
Nearest Cities
Custer, SD
Nearest Airports
Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) – ~40 miles away
Casper-Natrona County International Airport (CPR) – ~220 miles away
Denver Airport (DEN) – ~365 miles away
Sioux Falls International Airport (FSD) – ~372 miles
Free Time Details
Jewel Cave National Monument is located in an area known as the “Black Hills” and activities are plentiful. One can explore the other area national park sites which include Devils Tower National Monument, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Wind Cave National Park, Badlands National Park and Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. There are also other local attractions including Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial and the Mammoth Site. And more! The nearest town to Jewel Cave is Custer, SD which has around 2,000 people and a grocery store, market, several restaurants and hiking trails. For more amenities and an airport Rapid City is about 50 miles away and has a population of around 80,000.
Accommodations
Structured housing (Fully furnished park apartment-style housing on-site)
Difficulty
Strenuous. Periodically lifting 20-50 lbs, comfort with steep set of concrete stairs
Task Details
Bending, crushing, hauling, swinging, etc.
Equipment List
View Equipment List