San Bernardino National Forest

Adopt-A-Trail

A practical guide to joining the program, adopting a road or trail, and operating as an Adopt-A-Trail club.

How to Join

Become an Adopt-A-Trail Club

Follow these four steps to join the San Bernardino National Forest Adopt-A-Trail Program.

1. Understand the Commitment

Learn what Adopt-A-Trail is and what participating clubs are expected to do before requesting an adoption.

What Is AAT?

2. Choose an Opportunity

Review roads and trails needing adoption in accordance with current U.S. Forest Service priorities.

Explore the Map

3. Complete the Agreement

Work with the AAT Program to complete and submit the OF-301a Volunteer Service Agreement for Forest Service review.

Agreement Process

4. Begin AAT Operations

Once approved, learn the normal procedures for VDAT, workday notifications, check-in/check-out, tools, safety, and reporting.

Operating as an AAT Club

What Is Adopt-A-Trail?

Adopt-A-Trail connects volunteer clubs and groups with stewardship opportunities on the San Bernardino National Forest. Participating groups work in coordination with the U.S. Forest Service to help assess and maintain their adopted roads and trails and support responsible recreation.

What an Adoption Means

An adoption is an ongoing stewardship commitment, not simply a name on a sign. Before requesting an adoption, clubs should be prepared to remain engaged with their assigned road or trail and communicate regularly with the AAT Program and the Forest Service.

Expected Work and Responsibilities

  • Complete an annual assessment of the adopted road or trail.
  • Conduct periodic maintenance and workdays as conditions and authorized priorities require.
  • Coordinate planned work with the AAT Program and U.S. Forest Service before beginning field activities.
  • Stay within the scope of authorized volunteer work and applicable Forest Service direction.
  • Track and report volunteer participation and hours.
  • Maintain current liaison contact information and respond to AAT/Forest Service coordination needs.

Choose a Road or Trail

Explore the map, then use the form below to request a road or trail. The AAT Program will confirm availability and Forest Service priorities before an assignment is approved.

Select a route on the map or in its layer list to see its details and adoption status. Note its name or number for the form below.

Open Larger Map Ask About a Trail

Ready to Get Started?

Prepare your OF-301a Volunteer Service Agreement below. The AAT Program will help resolve any corrections and coordinate Forest Service review and signature. Begin work only after your agreement is approved and signed.

Download and Return Your OF-301a Form

Choose the road or trail your group would like to adopt. We will add its identifier and name to Box 26 of your fillable OF-301a PDF.

Search by number or name, such as 3N93 or Holcomb Creek. Segments of the same numbered route are combined into one result.

Loading trail directory…

    Box 26 preview

    Select a trail to preview Box 26.

    Review the trail map · Ask AAT about availability

    Map listings may lag behind new assignments. Your selection is used in your browser to prepare the PDF.

    1. Open your downloaded PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader or another reader that supports fillable forms and signatures.
    2. Complete only the applicable volunteer or group sections. Box 26 is prepared above as your proposed trail for AAT/USFS review. Do not fill in or change the other sections reserved for U.S. Forest Service (USFS) personnel, including government official information, government representative signatures, and termination of agreement. Contact the AAT Program about any required attachments.
    3. Save the completed PDF to your device, then reopen it to check that your entries were saved.
    4. Email the saved PDF as an attachment to info@sbnf-tai.com.
    Email Completed Form
    Need a blank form instead?

    If you cannot find your route or use the helper, contact the AAT Program for help with Box 26. Download the blank fillable PDF.

    The button opens your email app. Attach the saved PDF before sending, or use your usual email service.

    Operating as an AAT Club

    Approval of the paperwork is the beginning of the working relationship. Once the adoption is active, club liaisons and volunteers need to follow the AAT Program's normal field coordination and reporting procedures.

    VDAT

    Set up the club liaison and participating volunteers in the Volunteer Data Acquisition Tool (VDAT).

    Workday Notifications

    Notify the AAT Program/U.S. Forest Service of planned workdays and coordinate any required approvals, support, or special project direction before field work begins.

    Check-In / Check-Out

    Follow the established field check-in and check-out process so planned activity and volunteer status are known during workdays.

    Tool Shed Access

    Coordinate access to available AAT/Forest Service tools, supplies, and equipment and follow applicable checkout, care, and return procedures.

    Safety and Authorized Work

    Follow applicable safety requirements, Job Hazard Analysis direction when required, and the scope of work authorized by the Forest Service.

    Hours and Documentation

    Document volunteer participation, hours, completed work, photos, and field observations so the program has a usable record of activity and road/trail condition.

    Field Issues

    Report hazards, unauthorized activity, major damage, barriers, signage issues, or conditions outside normal volunteer maintenance rather than taking unapproved action.

    Volunteer Program Brochure

    Share this printable overview of the program and volunteer expectations with your group.

    Download Brochure