June 7 is National Trails Day. Every year, the first Saturday in June has been designated as National Trails Day. In Santa Clarita, the Community Hiking Club spends the day working on trails and making them safer for everyone who visits the trail.

This year we have a special project underway. We are putting in our very first trail on OUR side of the forest near Sand Canyon, named Dagger Flats. This is a multi-use trail that will accommodate hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. We have jobs for everyone – hard, heavy labor, easy jobs, and very simple jobs. No experience is required to join the trail team, but you will receive instructions when you arrive.

You don’t even need to bring tools. Bring your lunch, tons of water, sunscreen, a hat, garden gloves and snacks to keep you going. We provide all of the tools.

Wear hiking or work clothes, tennis shoes or hiking boots, a hat, thick socks, and please, dress for the weather. Layers are preferred so you can take off or add according to the temperature and wind.

National Trails Day was organized by the American Hiking Society, a non-profit group based in Washington, D.C. Every year on National Trails Day, more than a million hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians participate in thousands of events across the country.

This year there will be approximately 3,000 events nationwide. You can be a part of this terrific community event. It’s a great way to give back. It’s a great way to earn your school community service hours, too.

The objectives of the day include public awareness and appreciation of our local trails, and the exciting addition of a new trail for all users. This is your chance to give something back to the entire community. And you’ll get tons of exercise. Not only will you be getting exercise while you work, but you’ll also be getting exercise while you walk in to the trail head.

National Trails Day 2014 is celebrated in conjunction with the 46th anniversary of the National Trails System Act, which was passed in 1968. This legislation defined National Scenic and Historic Trails to “promote the preservation of, public access to, travel within, and enjoyment and appreciation of the open-air, outdoor areas, and historic resources of the nation.” Last year, 720,935 volunteer hours were recorded as being contributed to the National Scenic and Historic Trails.

For more information about National Trails Day, email me at zuliebear@aol.com. Regardless of your age, interests, skills or physical abilities, come out and join with other Santa Clarita residents on June 7 to celebrate our local trails.

Moms with little kids and Scout troops can collect trash and mico-trash. Stronger kids and adults can apply their strength to the trail.

If you use the trails in Santa Clarita, you should help to preserve them, keep them clean, and help keep them safe for all users. It’s time to pitch in.

Dianne Erskine-Hellrigel is executive director of the Community Hiking Club and president of the Santa Clara River Watershed Conservancy. If you’d like to be part of the solution, join the Community Hiking Club’s Stewardship Committee. Contact Dianne through communityhikingclub.org or at zuliebear@aol.com.