Ozark Trail Association

Blind Date on the OT...
2021-04-10 08:30 - 17:00 UTC | Ozark Trail Association, 406 W High Street, Potosi, MO, 63664, United States
It’s gonna be a great day to meet up with other OTA Volunteers….but it’s not a date only the date of April 10!
Where: We’ll be based out of the the OTA house in Potosi meeting up at 8:30 am. TBD is where we will work.
Bring: Please remember to dress for the work and prepare for the weather by wearing long pants and hiking/work boots are required, as we are working on rough ground and using tools. Bring a backpack to carry your lunch, water, raingear, sunscreen and bug deterrent. Bring plenty of water (2 litres per person recommended) and remember to bring supplies for your fur buddies. Also extra food and water for meals not covered by the OTA. Don’t forget your camp chair for around the campfire at night.
Provided: PPE, hard hats, gloves, safety glasses and trail equipment to use on the trail. Wearing a hard hat is required on the MTNF while volunteering on the OT. Dinner will be provided on Saturday evening at the end of the work day. If you’d like to contribute a side or desert that would be awesome.
If you have any questions, please contact Terry Hawn at thawn@prodigy.net

Soothe the Karkaghne Beast – Sutton Bluff
2021-04-03 08:30 - 17:00 UTC | Sutton Bluff Campground, 7378 County Rd 849, Centerville, MO, 63633
Oh yes Spring will be in full color…we hope as we head to “Soothe the Karkaghne Beast”!
Where: We’ll be based out of the MTNF Sutton Bluff campground with camping if you would like to arrive on Friday staying through Sunday.
Bring: Please remember to dress for the work and prepare for the weather by wearing long pants and hiking/work boots are required, as we are working on rough ground and using tools. Bring a backpack to carry your lunch, water, raingear, sunscreen and bug deterrent. Bring plenty of water (2 litres per person recommended) and remember to bring supplies for your fur buddies. Your camping equipment and extra food and water for meals not covered by the OTA. Don’t forget your camp chair for around the campfire at night. Also we are not sure if the water will be on so plan for bringing extra water.
Provided: PPE, hard hats, gloves, safety glasses and trail equipment to use on the trail. Wearing a hard hat is required on the MTNF while volunteering on the OT. Dinner will be provided on Saturday evening at the end of the work day. If you’d like to contribute a side or desert that would be awesome.
If you have any questions, please contact Terry Hawn at thawn@prodigy.net

"Luck of the Irish" at Winona extended week
2021-03-19 08:30 - 2021-03-25 16:30 UTC | Winona USFS Facility, Winona, MO
Join us for some “Lucky” days working on the Ozark Trail. This will be a multi day event for volunteers so when you sign up be sure to make sure you let us know what days you plan on attending for food and equipment planning. We will be based out of the Winona USFS facility with limited housing due to Covid restrictions but there is ample camping in the yard that is also available..
UPDATE: This is an OTA tradition…..Spend the weekend or more in the Winona area to give some love to the southern sections of the OT. Work will begin on Saturday through Thursday, March 25.
WHERE: USFS Winona facility on Hwy 19.
WHAT: Crews will be dispatched to various areas of the Eleven Point and Between the Rivers sections – to saw, lop, and repair sections in need. We will also be looking at Peck Ranch to get some work done there as well if time permits. Volunteers might be asked to help car pool to the various sites and there are some drives up to 45 minutes ONLY IF they feel comfortable.
TO BRING: You will need to dress for the weather and trail work. Boots and layers of clothing work best. You will also need to wear sturdy boots, have a backpack, rain gear, plan for your lunches/snacks and have plenty of water. If you have a favorite pair of loppers bring them along with work gloves. Bring your own camping gear and personal items as there is also a bathroom available.
PROVIDED: Dinner will be provided on Saturday night and if you’d like to help bring along a side dish to share or a desert. We’ll throw together a communal breakfast Sunday morning. Kathie will supply coffee needs if those attending can throw in breakfast fixings, i.e. eggs, ham, bread, fruit. NOTE: Other meals will be planned out accordingly so we NEED to know days you’ll be volunteering.
PPE(hard hats, work gloves, safety glasses), tools and fun filled days will be the best thing about this week! Be sure to also bring a camp chair for evening campfires. You
Questions? If you have any questions, please contact me, kathie.brennan@staging.ozarktrail.com Don’t hesitate to reach out via email. See you soon!

On the Ozark Trail - Middle Fork section
2021-03-13 08:30 - 16:30 UTC | Ozark Trail, MO, United States
Let’s get this party started as we “March into Spring” with a maintenance event on the Middle Fork section. It has been a while and everyone is looking to getting out in the Forest and working on the OT.
WHERE: We will be gathering Saturday morning at the Ozark Trail DD Trailhead off of Hwy 32/DD at 8:30 am. From there we will head to the work site up the road.
WHAT TO BRING: Please remember to dress for the work with long pants and hiking/work boots are required, as we are working on rough ground and using trail tools. Bring a backpack to carry your lunch, snacks, water and other supplies. Have raingear, sunscreen, and bug deterrent. Bring plenty of water (2 litres per person recommended) and remember to bring supplies for your fur buddies.
PROVIDED: PPE; a hard hat is required, gloves and safety glasses will be provided.
WORK TO BE DONE: The work involves tread restoration and a small reroute due to the creek bank eroding away. This will be a multi task day involving lopping and leaf blowing as well.
If you have any questions, please contact me, kathie.brennan@staging.ozarktrail.com

Annual OTA Members' Meeting
2021-03-07 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Online link will be sent prior to meeting
We’ll hold our first Annual Members’ Meeting on Sunday, March 7, 2021 at 3PM CST. Members wishing to attend this online conference should register using the Sign Up button above. Connection details we be sent to registrants closer to the event.
If you have questions you’d like your OTA leadership to address during the video conference, please send them to AnnualMeeting@staging.ozarktrail.com and we’ll try to have the appropriate Officer or Committee Chair address them during their portion of the program.
See you then!

CANCELLED -Heading South to Udall -
2021-02-27 08:30 - 17:00 UTC | Udall Campground on Lake Norfork
Ole’ Man Winter got his licks in but it looks like warmer temps are melting the snow so we are returning to Norfork Lake at Udall to continue construction of new trail. Gathering at the Udall campground, all the fun, friendship, food and trail construction you would want for a grand weekend! Volunteers can arrive on Friday for a night of camping or gather Saturday morning at 8:30 am to do a short hike to the work site. Heads up for those wanting a warmer place to stay, you can contact Dawt Mill for availability of rooms for those who would like to be inside.
When signing up please let us know if you are camping, also if staying for dinner on Saturday evening so that we can prepare accordingly. We also will consider a 1/2 day construction on Sunday with a breakfast at the campground before hand. Its been a cold snowy Febraury and we’re read to get out on the trail!
If you have any questions, contact Terry Hawn at thawn@prodigy.net See you soon!

CANCELLED - Ladies, its' Your Day!
2021-02-19 17:00 - 2021-02-21 17:00 UTC | Current River State Park, Hwy 19, Salem, MO
A day for us ladies! We’ll be looking at a weekend of camping and doing maintenance on the Ozark Trail down on the Upper Current section of the Ozark Trail. More details will be posted as they are made.

CANCELLED - Heartfelt Day on the OT
2021-02-13 08:30 - 16:30 UTC | Ozark Trail, MO, United States
Ole’ Man Winter is bringing it on so stay warm this weekend!
Bring along your sweetheart for a day of giving some love back to a trail we all love! Also think about making it a weekend of celebrating the love of your life while giving some loving to the OT on Saturday and camping out.
More details will be posted closer to the event.

Super Bowl Sunday-Out there...
2021-02-07 08:30 - 16:30 UTC | Ozark Trail, MO, United States
Super Bowl Sunday means a Super Day on the Ozark Trail giving everyone enough time to get home and watch the best commercials to be seen this year! More details will be provided closer to the event.

OTA Trivia Night...virtual?
2021-02-06 19:00 - 22:00 UTC | Zoom
Not sure how we’ll navigate this night but let’s make it another Trivia Night to remember….somehow in person or virtual. Details will be provided closer to the event date.

OTA Annual Board Meeting (Date Change)
2021-01-30 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | Ozark Trail Association, 406 W High Street, Potosi, MO, 63664, United States
The 1st quarter OTA Board meeting will be held by Zoom meeting. This meeting will include discussion of committees, financials, operations and also the election of new board members and appointment of committee members.
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Ground Hog Day...over and over
2021-01-30 08:30 - 16:30 UTC | Ozark Trail Association, 406 W High Street, Potosi, MO, 63664, United States
Let’s get back on the OT to do some more of the same….leaf blowing, lopping, sawing and putting up more trail assurance markers! Where will we go? Stay tuned for more details closer to the event.

South to the Border - Udall
2021-01-23 08:30 - 2021-01-24 17:00 UTC | Udall Campground on Lake Norfork
We are returning to Norfolk Lake at Udall to continue construction of new trail. Gathering at the Udall campground, all the fun, friendship, food and trail construction you would want for a grand weekend! Volunteers can arrive on Friday for a night of camping or gather Saturday morning at 8:30 am to do a short hike to the work site.
More details will be provided closer to the event.

First Day Hike of 2021-On Your Own
2021-01-01 | Ozark Trail, MO, United States
Let’s begin the New Year with a hike in the woods along the Ozark Trail or anywhere you choose! You have over 430+ miles to explore with so many wonderful views, vistas and more! From fast flowing springs to river bluffs to rocky glades and green moss covered trail, you can find so many memorable places and sights. We all talk about New Year Resolutions so how about hiking so many miles on the Ozark Trail this year? Or make it a point to join a maintenance event with other OTA Volunteers in making sure the OT can be the best it can be in the coming year.
Be sure to share your First Day Hike on the Ozark Trail FB page so we all can see the amazing places we can visit this year on the Ozark Trail! Make 2021 a year so much better than ever!

Last Day Hike - On Your Own
2020-12-31 | Ozark Trail, MO, United States
Finish out 2020 with a walk in the woods….pick a favorite place along the Ozark Trail and enjoy with family. Take the time to reflect upon the past year and all the changes that we all have had to endure and count your blessings as well….we will!
Be sure to post a picture of the day on the Ozark Trail FB page to share the last hike of 2020!

Somewhere out there...heading to Udahl
2020-12-12 08:30 - 17:00 UTC | MO
Join us as we return to Udahl to continue with the monumental journey of connecting the Ozark Trail and the Ozark Highland Trail at the Missouri and Arkansas border. Details are being worked out but there will be camping, trail construction, campfire and talk of the future of these two trails. Plan on arriving Friday for a full day of construction on Saturday. Sunday will be an optional visit to the future trail construction sites.
DETAILS: Several of us will be down Thursday afternoon so that we are ready to do trail corridor preparation on Friday and then building on Saturday. We do have plans to have a traditional Saturday group dinner. Volunteers need to plan on providing your own lunch on Saturday and other meals during your stay as we will observe as much social distancing and safety as we can.
The OTA will supply all trail work tools, work PPE. We will also provide masks, hand sanitizer and touchless thermometer to do basic Covid screening on Friday and Saturday as you check-in.
Watch for the Green OTA arrow sign as you come into the Udall Campground. We will likely be the only group there but we will guide you in. Address of the campground is Udall Campground, State Hwy O, Udall, MO 65766
When you sign up for the event, please let us know when you plan to arrive as well any other volunteers attending. This makes it easier to plan for tools and food.
NOTE: If you have been to the doctor or been around someone who has been to the doctor in the last 2 weeks, or around anyone who has been symptomatic or you have any symptoms, please do not come to the event. We will have many other opportunities for you to join us for an event so in the meantime be safe..

The 3 "F's" Maintenance Event
2020-11-28 08:30 - 17:00 UTC | Ozark Trail Assoc. Office, 406 West High Street, Potosi, Missouri, 63664
Tired of football, food and family? Time to hit the OT and enjoy the Forest by doing some maintenance to stretch those legs and work off a bit of the Thanksgiving leftovers.
Here’s the plan – We will be following Covid procedures so the drill is…if you have a cough, been exposed to someone recently with Covid, or have been to the Doctor in the past week, PLEASE do not attend. There will be other opportunities.
Where- We will meet Saturday morning at the OTA office on Hwy 8 at by 8:30 am. This allows volunteers to sign in, gather their gear and receive instructions. Volunteers need to be aware that there will be no car pooling and the work site is about 20 minutes to the west of Potosi.
Volunteers need to bring a backpack to carry water, snacks and your lunch, something to sit on, wear sturdy boots, glove(we have some if you need), layer clothing for the weather and be ready to have a great day in the Forest! The OTA will have hard hats, safety glasses, gloves and all the tools requred.
If you have questions, contact Terry Hawn at thawn@prodigy.net

OTA Quarterly Board Meeting
2020-11-21 09:00 - 11:00 UTC | Ozark Trail Assoc. Office, 406 West High Street, Potosi, Missouri, 63664
The quarterly OTA Board of Directors meeting will be held by utilizing ZOOM and phone in capabilities.

Aid Station Volunteers for OT100m Run
2020-11-07 06:00 - 2020-11-08 14:00 UTC | Bass’ River Resort – Stephan’s Riverside Event Center, 204 Butts Rd, Steelville, MO
Aid Stations volunteers needed for the OT100m Endurance Run, 11/07/2020.
Here is your chance to cheer on some of the most elite trail runners in the nation by volunteering for several of the aid stations for the OT100m Endurance Run that begins at Hwy P TH and ends at Bass River Resort. OTA Volunteers are needed to help man several aid stations located along the run. Please sign up with availability on Saturday at the following: ozarktrail100@aol.com The race directors will contact you with the information about the times and aid stations.
Volunteers are also needed Thursday and Friday 11/5 and 11/6 to leaf blow the where the OT crosses the roads which makes a huge difference for the runners. There also may be some sawing to do as well. Volunteers will be based out of the OTA office in Potosi. Some meals will be provided. If you have volunteered before you know how much fun this is, if you haven’t now is the time to see the fruits of your labors on the OT by watching these elite trail runners take on the OT.

Prep for OT100m Endurance Run
2020-11-05 08:00 - 2020-11-06 17:00 UTC | Ozark Trail Assoc. Office, 406 West High Street, Potosi, Missouri, 63664
This is always the best time on putting some loving on the OT in preparation of the annual OT100m Endurance Run that covers the OT from Hwy 72 all the way up to Bass’ River Resort. Based out of the OTA office in Potosi, we will work through the miles making sure that the trail is in the best shape it can be for these world class elite trail runners from all over the nation. Work will include leaf blowing, sawing and lopping.
This is always a great time to showcase the work our OTA Volunteers do time after time. We will be following COVID-19 procedures and volunteers may need to utilize their own vehicles to get to the work areas.
There will be camping available along with a kitchen for meals. Please comment what days you will be able to volunteer.

Returning to the Upper Current Maintenance
2020-10-31 08:30 - 17:00 UTC | Ozark National Scenic RIverways
We are heading down to the ONSR for some time on the newest section of the OT system, the Upper Current section. Details are being finalized for out base camp but we will be enjoying the fall colors of the area. Plans are to arrive on Friday and work a full day on Saturday and half a day on Sunday weather permitting.
Watch for more details.

Whoopin' it Up in Winona Plus Some!
2020-10-16 08:30 - 2020-10-22 17:00 UTC | Winona USFS Facility, Winona, MO
Mark your calendars for the one of the best times down south as we “Whoop It Up In Winona” based out of the Winona Forest Service facilities. We’re planning on an extended Work Week from Saturday, Oct. 17 through Saturday, Oct. 24 to get more bang for the work needed to be done on different sections of the OT from the Current River section all the way over to the Eleven Point section. Plan to come for one day or multiple days as we tackle the trail involving some “TLC” sections and also help our adopters with needs they see that needs to be done.
NOTE: Due to Covid, there is only camping at this time in the yard under the pines. We will have access to a bathroom and kitchen. You can also camp under the pines in the yard. Even if you come for one day or more, you’ll have the BEST time…just ask those who make it a point to come back every year!!!
Dinner will be provided Saturday night, you will need to cover your breakfast and lunch on Saturday. Sunday morning we’ll have a communal breakfast. The rest of the week will be discussed based on the number of volunteers for the week. Covid procedures will be in place so be sure to bring the necessary items, mask, hand sanitizer, your favorite pair of gloves. We will provide hard hats that will be sanitized.
Other items to make your stay comfortable are camp chair, extra clothing for changes in the weather including rain gear. Sturdy hiking boots, long pants, a backpack to carry your water and food on the trail and bug spray.
A more detailed informational email will be sent out before the event. If you have any questions, email or contact Kathie at kathie.brennan@staging.ozarktrail.com or 573-382-8270.
Directions: Winona is just off of Hwy 60.

Fall MEGA at Bass's River Resort - Save the Date
2020-10-10 08:30 - 17:00 UTC | Bass’ River Resort – Stephan’s Riverside Event Center, 204 Butts Rd, Steelville, MO
Save the date as we’ll be heading back to our favorite place to be to gather for working on the Ozark Trail, Bass River Resort just outside of Steeleville Missouri. Check back for more details including camping, fellowship, fun, food and or course a kicker of a raffle before a blazing bonfire and music under a star filled sky!

Fall MEGA Prep
2020-10-03 08:30 - 17:00 UTC | Ozark Trail Assoc. Office, 406 West High Street, Potosi, Missouri, 63664
Join us as we prep the area for our Fall MEGA on the Berryman Trail in anticipation of a couple of small reroutes that will get users out of some unsavory trail. More details as we finalize them will be posted.

One-Eyed Dog MTB Race Volunteers needed!
2020-09-25 09:00 - 2020-09-27 17:00 UTC | Council Bluff Lake Campground
Due to COVID-19, several of the fund raisers have been cancelled or postponed that would have helped raise funds for helping cover the maintenance costs on the OT along with operational costs of the OTA. Volunteers are needed to help with set up on Friday, assist with the aid station and also at the finish line on Saturday as well as breaking down and clean-up after the event on Sunday.
We will have a group campsite for volunteers to disperse camp. This event is a MAJOR fund raiser for the OTA and Team NOAH Foundation. To make this a success, WE need YOU! Please comment when you will be able to volunteer for the event. We can’t make it happen without YOU!!!!!

MTB Race Prep on the OT
2020-09-24 08:30 - 2020-09-25 17:00 UTC | Council Bluff Lake Campground
Time to put the shine on the OT as we prep for the One-Eyed Dog MTB race to be held Saturday, September 26. We will be based out of Council Bluff Lake Campground beginning Thursday, September 24 at we meet at 8:30 am to spread out over the OT. Work will include brushing, sawing, lopping and making sure the course is the best it can humanly possibly be for the MTB’ers who are helping raise funds for the OTA and the NOAH Foundation.
A group campsite will be available for volunteers that will enable social distancing. Volunteers will need to utilize their vehicles to the work sites and COVID-19 procedures will be implemented. Meals will be the responsibility of the volunteers due to COVID-19 procedures. The CBL has a shower house that will be available to use.

CLOSED - Heading to the Border...Mo-Arkansas
2020-09-19 08:30 - 2020-09-20 17:00 UTC | Dawt Mill Missouri
EVENT IS CLOSED – We have reached our capacity for the event. Please review other opportunities to join us out on the OT by checking out the other events.

Join us as we get started on the monumental journey of connecting the Ozark Trail and the Ozark Highland Trail at the Missouri and Arkansas border. Details are being worked out but there will be camping, trail construction, campfire and talk of the future of these two trails. Plan on arriving Friday for a full day of construction on Saturday. Sunday will be an optional visit to the future trail construction sites.
More information will be posted as soon as it is confirmed.

NEW DATE - 2020 OT Challenge Hike
2020-09-11 15:00 - 2020-09-13 10:00 UTC | Bass’ River Resort – Stephan’s Riverside Event Center, 204 Butts Rd, Steelville, MO
The OT Challenge Hike is not just a great time, it’s our largest fundraiser. After only three years, the event has generated $75,000 to help maintain Missouri’s longest trail.

What is it? The Challenge Hike is a fundraiser AND hike. Each registered hiker commits to raising $1,250 for the Ozark Trail Association and participates in a 17 mile hike.
What if I can’t hike 17 miles? Don’t worry! You can still raise funds for the OTA and be a “virtual” hiker. What a great way to support the organization!
What if I don’t reach my fundraising goal? Don’t worry! It’s easier than you think! There are plenty of current and past participants that are willing to share their techniques and success stories. It is a fundraiser, so we need you to make a good-faith effort. You can start by reaching out to family and friends and sponsors are the simplest and quickest way to achieve success!
What’s in it for me? The best part of this fundraiser is the group of committed hikers! You’ll be treated to a festive weekend with free camping, free food, fellowship, campfire, music and all sorts of OTA/Challenge Hike swag.
Where is the hike? The hike is scheduled to start at Bass River Resort, near Steelville, Missouri.
How do I get involved? If you’d like to be a part of this exciting event, email otchallengehike@staging.ozarktrail.com for more information.

Labor on the OT
2020-09-05 08:30 - 2020-09-07 17:00 UTC | Ozark Trail Assoc. Office, 406 West High Street, Potosi, Missouri, 63664
We will be meeting up for a few days on the OT as we hit areas that need some TLC from the summer vegetation growth as well as removing tree that are impacting users. We will base out of Potosi meeting each morning at 8:30 am at the OTA Office on Hwy 8. Volunteers can camp in the yard or utilize the Berryman campground.
You will need to bring a backpack, water, food, wear long pants, sturdy boots and have COVID-19 items on hand, mask and hand sanitizer in your backpack. Volunteers will be utilizing their own vehicles to practice social distancing. For those attending multiple days, you will be responsible for your meals. the OTA Office has a kitchen and restroom facilities.
Please provide in your comments when signing up what days you are planning on attending and if you will be camping. For more information, contact Kathie at kathie.brennan@ozarktrailcom

CANCELED - Trail of Four Winds 25K Volunteers needed (Donation Opportunity)
2020-09-05 | Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Brumley, 65017, United States
This is an amazing opportunity for OTA Volunteers to help with this race as they are looking to donate up to $1000 to the OTA supporting the work that you do as Volunteers! Contact John at the information below. Let’s do this…

Name – Trail of Four Winds 25K
Date – Saturday, September 5, 2020
Location – Lake of the Ozarks State Park (Public Beach #1)
Time – Race starts at 10 a.m. Volunteers will need to arrive anywhere from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. depending on their responsibilities. They will be wrapped anywhere from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (once again, depending on their responsibilities)
Volunteers are needed at aid stations, traffic/parking, packet pickup, runner safety
Contact: John Shelby, race director, 573-552-4118 or John@Shelby-Communications.com
I’m hoping for 20 volunteers. Trail of Four Winds 25K will donate $50 per volunteer up to 20 volunteers. If we max out at 20 (which I hope we do), we will donate $1000 to the Ozark Trail Association. If we have less than 20 volunteers, we’ll multiply 50 times the number of volunteers to come up with a donation figure.
Website, https://www.lakeoftheozarkstrailseries.com
Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/TrailofFourWinds/
