Yesterday, Monday, August 16, 2021, the FOSM Trails Maintenance Crew hiked Bill Spring, Sulphur and a portion of Faulty trail to address a number of trees that were either hung-up, leaning or protruding into the trail tread. A total of eight trees, ranging in size from four to twelve inches in diameter were removed or cut back. A crosscut saw and other hand tools were used for this work. As is usually the case for these projects, some situations were simple and straightforward, others more complicated, such as the needed removal of fallen branches, other forest debris or undergrowth just to get to the base of the subject tree. Our work can be long and hard, but it is never boring. These trails and trail portions are now clear.

As usual, the morning was cool and pleasant with warming later. There are occasional brief hints that fall is coming, but summer is certainly in no hurry to leave. Those who have hiked Sulphur, Cienega or similarly located trails in the past are likely to know that Poison Ivy can be found in some of the moister areas along them this time of year. Hikers should be aware, especially those that might have children along, that Poison Ivy was not left out of the boom in vegetation that accompanied this year's rains. We observed large patches of Poison Ivy growing in the areas to the downhill side of Sulphur trail. There does not appear to be any problem with the plants protruding into the trail presently, but some is close by. Anyone inadvertently wandering into these lush green areas, might be in for a rather unpleasant surprise. It is not necessarily a reason to avoid these trails, but it is good to be aware of the possible hazard.