Volunteer Opportunities
The Trail needs your support, and we want our neighbors and community to GET INVOLVED with us to support the sustainability and longevity of the Trail! You’re invited to make a difference.
Through the Friends, many volunteer opportunities are available for any schedule to help maintain and improve the Trail. See below for some of our fun opportunities and fill out the form below to get connected with our Volunteer Subcommittees. We look forward to your leadership!
Earth day cleanup
Held near Earth Day each year, our Earth Day Clean-Up plays a major part in the environmental restoration of the Trail. The annual program is a collaborative effort with Milwaukee Riverkeeper, Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful and Menomonee Valley Partners.
Sign up on the Riverkeepers website or just show up!
Each year, around 300 eager volunteers make the Trail a beautiful place to be. Volunteers include participants from surrounding neighborhoods, as well as local businesses: Cargill, Kelmann Corp, Marquette University, The Sigma Group, Komatsu Mining Corp, FOHAST, the Sierra Club, Girl Scouts, Trout Unlimited, Toshiba America Energy Systems Corporation and several other organizations. Thanks to all who come back year after year!
These efforts are making a real difference along the Trail and in the Menomonee River Valley. Main sign-in locations are at American Family Field (near Klement's Sausage Haus), Stormwater Park (across from Palermos Pizza) and at 68th and Dickenson St. We hope you'll join us each year to continue the good work!
OnGoing Native Habitat Restoration
Many interested parties have worked hard to restore areas along the Trail with healthy waterways, abundant wildlife, and recreational greenspace. A multi-year assessment of the environmental conditions of the Valley was conducted by the City of Milwaukee, Menomonee Valley Partners, Wisconsin DNR, Environmental Protection Agency, and the US Geological Survey. The assessment led to an understanding of the existing conditions and what steps were necessary to redevelop and remediate the land and minimize further contamination.
On-Going Litter Patrol - Stew Crews
Stewardship "Stew Crews" are a great way for interested organizations, businesses, and neighborhood groups to care for their "own" section of trail.
The help needed includes:
Litter Patrol
Removal of Non-Native Plant Species
Planting of Native Species
Reporting of Any Trail Concerns
Photo: Eddee Daniel
Annual 5k run/walk
The flagship event on the Trail, the Hank Aaron State Trail 5K Run/Walk is the Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail's major fundraiser that supports efforts year round. More than 100 friendly volunteers share their time to create a memorable experience to keep runners and walkers coming back year after year!
Committees
FOHAST committees bring the organization's mission and vision to life. Committee members include board members and community members who wish to make a difference in our community. Committees include: Art, Run/Walk, Marketing, and CHANGE Coalition.
urban candlelight hike
The Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail partners with the Urban Ecology Center and Menomonee Valley Partners to invite hundreds of people to enjoy two miles of candlelit trails each February. This event wouldn't be possible without volunteers!
Please contact us for more information about volunteering.