SIMI VALLEY : Volunteers Sought to Re-create Trail

Volunteers are needed Saturday to help the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District’s Trail Blazer group cut, clip and dig as it re-creates a half-mile stretch of the old stage coach route from Los Angeles County into Simi Valley.

“We’re encouraging anyone and everyone to come,” said Sharon Hamilton, volunteer coordinator for the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District. “Hikers, mountain bikers, scouts, nature lovers, photographers and history buffs are all welcome.”

Rain is forecast for the weekend, but the effort will not be called off unless precipitation is torrential, Hamilton said.

Volunteers will start the trail at Lilac Lane on the Ventura-Los Angeles County line and work their way down half a mile, almost into Corriganville Park, trying to follow the old stage coach route as closely as possible.

“We have to humbly admit that we’re taking a higher road, since part of the route has already been paved,” Hamilton said. “But basically we’re following the route.”

Saturday’s effort, which corresponds with California Trail Days on Saturday and Sunday, is the first phase of a longer route that the park district hopes eventually will connect into trails in Corriganville Park.

The trail will be four feet wide. Workers are asked to bring water, food, gloves and tools, including rakes, picks, clippers and shovels. Sunscreen and hats are recommended.

Volunteers do not have to preregister. Work will begin at 7 a.m. at the trail head, located a quarter of a mile down Lilac Lane off Santa Susana Pass Road.

For more information, call Hamilton at 584-4400.