J
Jerrica Archibald
Guest
- Thread Author
- #1
Project: Spruce Knob Campground and Lake Restoration Day
Location: West Virginia
Description: On September 10, 2026, a group of 12 passionate volunteers joined together for a stewardship project at Spruce Knob Campground and Spruce Knob Lake in Monongahela National Forest. The volunteers participated as part of a camping and U.S. Forest Service project day organized through Mountain State Overland.
Throughout the day, volunteers tackled several projects designed to restore and enhance the campground and surrounding recreation areas. One of the team’s primary projects was rebuilding the brick base and pillar cap of the Spruce Knob Campground U.S. Forest Service sign, where the original concrete had begun to deteriorate.
The volunteer team also trimmed overgrown trees and brush throughout more than 40 campsites, helping improve access and restore the welcoming appearance of the campground. Additional vegetation was trimmed along the Spruce Knob Lake trail, improving the experience for visitors exploring the area on foot.
To round out the day’s restoration efforts, volunteers painted the campground water pump building, giving the facility a refreshed appearance.
Through their hard work and dedication, the volunteers helped return Spruce Knob Campground to its full natural beauty while demonstrating the positive impact that collaborative stewardship can have on public lands.
After a productive day of service, the group gathered for an incredible potluck supper featuring an assortment of creative and delicious dishes, desserts and drinks. The evening was a fitting celebration of an incredible day centered around teamwork, community and a shared commitment to caring for the places we all enjoy.
Thank you to the partners and volunteers who made this project possible:
Want to get involved in your own Tread Lightly! project? Find upcoming activities, events and grant opportunities at treadlightly.org.
“The public lands we explore aren’t just the backdrop for Mountain State Overland (MSO) – they’re what make our adventures possible. Organizing a Tread Lightly! project with the U.S. Forest Service each year is our way of giving something back, taking responsibility for the places we use, and helping ensure these campgrounds, roads, trails and forests are in better shape for the people who come after us.” -Jason Specht, Mountain State Overland
“The volunteer workday carried out between Tread Lightly!, Mountain State Overland, and the U.S. Forest Service is an annual example of how much work can be accomplished in one single day when everyone comes together with the same goal in mind. Whether it was brushing out campsites and trails, painting a water treatment building, or repointing the entrance sign structure with new mortar, volunteers showed up ready to get their hands dirty at Spruce Knob Lake Campground and eagerly got to work. Hours later, all projects were complete and the group stood back to examine all of the successful work that was accomplished by all involved. The Forest Service is very thankful for the work this group has provided each of the last several years, as is the public which enjoys these areas so very much and looks forward to continuing these volunteer work days in the future.” -Zachary C. Adkins, Developed Recreation and Recreation Special Uses
“It is so heartwarming to have motorized users of our beautiful public lands, campgrounds and trails support our mission to keep these places open and accessible for both current and future generations. It is through the collaborative support of vehicle and accessory manufacturers, clubs, foundations, and individuals that help to fuel our mission to keep these public lands open and accessible through education of responsible riding behavior and helping to fund important restoration and remediation project work. Thank you Mountain State Overland for educating motorized recreationists and supporting annual projects to help Protect the Adventure for future generations.” -Lowell Eckart, Tread Lightly! Program Manager
Read more at Tread Lightly!
Location: West Virginia
Description: On September 10, 2026, a group of 12 passionate volunteers joined together for a stewardship project at Spruce Knob Campground and Spruce Knob Lake in Monongahela National Forest. The volunteers participated as part of a camping and U.S. Forest Service project day organized through Mountain State Overland.
Throughout the day, volunteers tackled several projects designed to restore and enhance the campground and surrounding recreation areas. One of the team’s primary projects was rebuilding the brick base and pillar cap of the Spruce Knob Campground U.S. Forest Service sign, where the original concrete had begun to deteriorate.
The volunteer team also trimmed overgrown trees and brush throughout more than 40 campsites, helping improve access and restore the welcoming appearance of the campground. Additional vegetation was trimmed along the Spruce Knob Lake trail, improving the experience for visitors exploring the area on foot.
To round out the day’s restoration efforts, volunteers painted the campground water pump building, giving the facility a refreshed appearance.
Through their hard work and dedication, the volunteers helped return Spruce Knob Campground to its full natural beauty while demonstrating the positive impact that collaborative stewardship can have on public lands.
After a productive day of service, the group gathered for an incredible potluck supper featuring an assortment of creative and delicious dishes, desserts and drinks. The evening was a fitting celebration of an incredible day centered around teamwork, community and a shared commitment to caring for the places we all enjoy.
Thank you to the partners and volunteers who made this project possible:
- Mountain State Overland
- U.S. Forest Service – Monongahela National Forest
- This project was made possible thanks to our National Stewardship Partners: BRP, Jeep, Bronco Wild Fund, Overland Expo Foundation and the Florida Offroad Foundation
Want to get involved in your own Tread Lightly! project? Find upcoming activities, events and grant opportunities at treadlightly.org.
“The public lands we explore aren’t just the backdrop for Mountain State Overland (MSO) – they’re what make our adventures possible. Organizing a Tread Lightly! project with the U.S. Forest Service each year is our way of giving something back, taking responsibility for the places we use, and helping ensure these campgrounds, roads, trails and forests are in better shape for the people who come after us.” -Jason Specht, Mountain State Overland
“The volunteer workday carried out between Tread Lightly!, Mountain State Overland, and the U.S. Forest Service is an annual example of how much work can be accomplished in one single day when everyone comes together with the same goal in mind. Whether it was brushing out campsites and trails, painting a water treatment building, or repointing the entrance sign structure with new mortar, volunteers showed up ready to get their hands dirty at Spruce Knob Lake Campground and eagerly got to work. Hours later, all projects were complete and the group stood back to examine all of the successful work that was accomplished by all involved. The Forest Service is very thankful for the work this group has provided each of the last several years, as is the public which enjoys these areas so very much and looks forward to continuing these volunteer work days in the future.” -Zachary C. Adkins, Developed Recreation and Recreation Special Uses
“It is so heartwarming to have motorized users of our beautiful public lands, campgrounds and trails support our mission to keep these places open and accessible for both current and future generations. It is through the collaborative support of vehicle and accessory manufacturers, clubs, foundations, and individuals that help to fuel our mission to keep these public lands open and accessible through education of responsible riding behavior and helping to fund important restoration and remediation project work. Thank you Mountain State Overland for educating motorized recreationists and supporting annual projects to help Protect the Adventure for future generations.” -Lowell Eckart, Tread Lightly! Program Manager
Read more at Tread Lightly!