What’s it really like to work on an Appalachian Trail Conservancy Crew for the first time?

From learning how to use trail work tools to the pride of blazing a finished section of Trail, these first-time Konnarock Crew volunteers share the inside story of what it’s like to volunteer with an ATC Trail Crew.

Meet the Crew Volunteers

Melissa Finelli was eager to give back to the A.T. and help protect its landscape and wildlife. She joined Crew “to position the Trail for success for years to come—and learn how to do that work myself.”

For Brittany Hendricks, Crew marked a career pivot. After a decade in healthcare, she joined to gain hands-on conservation experience. “My guidance counselor told me that I had a leg up on other wildlife biology students,” she said. “It’s an incredibly competitive field and a lot of my classmates weren’t out doing this kind of work yet.”

For Malisa Sicilia, an avid backpacker, joining the Konnarock Crew started as a fun way to build trail, but it quickly became something more meaningful. She shared that, as a hiker, there’s a unique satisfaction in saying, “I helped build this stretch.”

Nick Olana discovered Crew through his college outdoor club. He was the first member of the club to sign up and he completed two hitches (Crew sessions) after finishing his undergraduate degree.

Here’s what they had to say about stepping onto a Trail Crew for the first time.

Did you have trail maintenance experience before joining Crew?

Brittany: I had some experience gardening and, other than that, I knew absolutely nothing. But I was constantly met where my skill sets lie during my time working with the ATC.

Melissa: I had prior experience maintaining trails with the Florida Trail Association. The Konnarock Crew leaders and A.T. Club leaders genuinely want you to try new things and succeed.

Nick: Not at all! I had a decent amount of recreational outdoors experience as a trip guide, but nothing related to trail maintenance. The Crew leaders and seasoned volunteers were great at teaching me in a beginner-friendly manner.

What did you wish you’d known before your first day?

Melissa: Honestly, I can’t think of anything.

Nick: I wish I knew not to worry! Although trail maintenance may seem scary and unfamiliar to newer volunteers, Konnarock makes the hard work manageable and safe. They provide safety equipment, outdoors essentials, and food and water.

Did you feel welcomed as a new volunteer?

Malisa: The welcome dinner at basecamp was a great icebreaker.

Melissa: Yes, I was picked up at the airport by a Crew leader and was able to spend time with staff at basecamp before the other volunteers arrived. That experience immediately made me feel welcomed and at ease.

Nick: I loved how the Crew leaders and other volunteers were eager and enthusiastic to build rapport. Everyone was open to sharing their advice, experiences, and stories with one another.

What’s your favorite Crew memory?

Brittany: The friends I met! I had some great nights where we stayed up until 9:00 or 10:00 pm (in the backcountry, this is late), just talking and laughing and having a great time.

Malisa: One of my favorite memories is cutting through bushes, clearing roots, adjusting the trail grade, and then getting to paint our blaze, making it officially part of the Trail. Then, even after a long day of hard work, everyone came together, pitching in to make a meal, laughing and fighting over who gets to do the dishes.

Nick: After one of the last days of work, the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club invited us to their annual corn boil to thank us for our work and hosted a cornhole tournament. Another Konnarock volunteer and I won the whole thing! We went back to camp victorious with free shirts and leftover pie.

How would you describe the Crew culture?

Malisa: It reminded me of a yard party or a barn raising—hard work with a side of fun, all for the better of the community.

Melissa: Passionate, respectful, and inspiring. This community is made up of people who are deeply committed to the mission and core values—and, most importantly, to each other.

Nick: Although it sounds cheesy, I’d say Crew culture is like being in a family. From working all day on the Trail, to Crew dinners, to stretch and joke circles, and recreational downtime, we do everything together!

How did volunteering change the way you see the Trail?

Brittany: I have so much more understanding of all the work and dedication put into trail maintenance. I think any avid hiker should volunteer for something like the ATC so that we can all enjoy the Trail to the fullest and keep it beautiful.

Melissa: You get the rare opportunity to spend meaningful time caring for one specific stretch of trail and getting to know it deeply. I never fully realized how much work goes into maintaining trails and protecting the surrounding environment.

Nick: Volunteering has made me realize how much work it takes to maintain and build trail.

What would you say to someone thinking about joining Crew?

Malisa: There is a sense of community that is so often lost in our day-to-day lives that being a part of a team helps you remember. You work hard, but you also have a lot of fun. Those of us who like being outside feel best when we are sweaty, dirty, and laughing.

Nick: Don’t worry and have fun! It’s a fulfilling experience with amazing people. Even though the work is hard, you are encouraged to work at your own pace and within your own limits.

Melissa: Against the backdrop of large reductions in funding and staffing, stand up for the Trail. Volunteering with the Konnarock Crew is essential for anyone looking to learn, contribute, and heal.