Members of the Highland Springs Trails Volunteers ride up Dead Horse Trail at Highland Springs Recreational Area on Saturday, April 16, 2011, on their way to conduct brush clearing work. Photo courtesy of Kim Riley.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – With Mt. Konocti in the background, 10 riders and members of the Highland Springs Trails Volunteers group made their way up Dead Horse Trail at Highland Springs Recreational Area this past Saturday, April 16.

The group went to brush back the relentless growth of the chaparral, buck brush, chemise and poison oak that threatens to reclaim many of the 30 miles of equestrian and hiking trails that the Highland Springs Trails Volunteers have recovered over the past 10 years.

Chainsaws, fuel, loppers, handsaws, picks and shovels were packed in on horseback.

All of the volunteers tied their mounts to the brush and left them to munch as they headed off for the task at hand.

After several hours of sawing and lopping in the warm sun, mouths parched and stomachs grumbling, the riders made their way back down the trail, out onto Toll Road and back to the horse staging area in the Highland Springs park to enjoy a gourmet meal of hot fajitas, fresh fruit salad, chips and salsa, crackers and cheese, and homemade cookies along with chilled beverages provided by Barbara Claiche and served by other volunteers.

Revived by the fantastic food and drink, the boisterous group swapped stories, watched the dogs play, the horses graze, took a big group sigh and decided that it had been a great day with much accomplished.

Both equestrian and hikers are welcome to all trail work days. The group has members from Sierra Club, Audubon and the California Native Plant Society, as well as multiple different equestrian groups.

This past trail work day hosted a wide range of ages from teenager to senior. All efforts are made to accommodate all volunteers. These trails are kept open by community support and they need your help.

Upcoming Highland Springs Trails Volunteers events include:

• Sunday, May 1: Wildflower hike sponsored by Sierra Club; email Steve Devoto at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to reserve a space.

• Sunday, May 15: Highland Springs hike for those hikers who would like to learn the trails. No limit.

• Saturday, May 21: Trail work day open to hikers and riders. The group is making great progress but need more helpful hands. Please RSVP so they can provide enough lunch.

• Sunday, May 22: Highland Springs trail ride for those horseback riders who would like to learn the trails. Limited to 12 riders.

• Saturday, June 11: Trail work day open to hikers and riders. Please RSVP so they can provide lunch.

Starting Wednesday, June 22, the group will resume its very successful Trail Work and Happy Hour. They meet for a couple of hours of evening trail work followed by a bring your favorite snack and drink potluck.

For more information, contact Karen Sullivan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 707-349-1559, or contact Kim Riley at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-245-7468.

The critters got a chance to rest and graze while the humans worked on clearing brush from Dead Horse Trail at Highland Springs Recreational Area on Saturday, April 16, 2011. Photo courtesy of Kim Riley.